Tour Itinerary of My Mount Kailash Kora in this September

In this September, I guided a group to Ngari for Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche) kora. At that time, the entire Darchen town was under complete renovation, and there were construction sites everywhere. I heard from friends working in the Ali Cultural Bureau that Darchen Town would be rebuilt according to the specifications of an international tourist town. It is estimated that it will be amazing for everyone in 2021.

This is a map of Mt. Kailash kora, about 52 kilometers. I don’t know why the recommended trip of Mt. Kailash trek is only two days. In fact, it’s very tiring. On the first day, Darchen is 20 kilometers away from Drirapuk Monastery. On the second day, it is about 32 kilometers crossing the Dolma La pass (5630m) to the entrance of the scenic spot. It takes about 18 hours. I personally suggest that the best itinerary is to finish Kailash trekking in three days, so you can maintain a relaxed mind to experience the holy mountain.

The First Day of Kailash Kora (20 kilometers)

On the first day, the distance from Darchen to Drirapuk Monastery is 20 kilometers long. The road is relatively flat. But, there are also small stones on some parts of the road. The altitude rises slowly. It takes 9.5 hours to walk.

This is the scenery when starting from Darchen. This scenery is similar from Darchen to Prayer Flag Square. The distance is about 7 kilometers.

Throughout the road, I encountered Tibetan compatriots who were kowtowing with their whole body on the ground. Their pilgrimage style is awe-inspiring.

The weather of the plateau area is unpredictable. It was sunny just now, and when I arrived at Drirapuk Monastery, I encountered the light of Jesus. It was a very special weather scene, but it also indicated that it would rain soon, so everyone should bring a portable raincoat when taking a Mount Kailash kora tour.

This hotel was opened in 2019. There are a few twin standard rooms and multiple rooms. Now the environment is much better than before. After arrived at the hotel, you need to rest well. The trip or Kailash kora on the first day is over.

The Second Day of Kailash Kora (18 kilometers)

The second day is the most challenging day in the three-day Kailash trek. Basically, after crossing the Dolma La pass, the physical strength of going up and down the mountain was exhausted. It is not recommended to trek directly to Darchen, and it is better to stay overnight at Zutulpuk Monastery.

From Drirapuk Monastery to Dolma La pass, the altitude rises from 4850 meters to 5650 meters. The roads are all stone pavements, and the condition is rugged. The road up the mountain is not easy, and you have to overcome the high altitude sickness. Your feet are like stepping on cotton. After trekking for four and a half hours, to be precise, it is moving for four and a half hours, because of three steps and two rests, the higher the altitude, the weaker you feel. When arrived at Dolma La pass, it was already half past one in the afternoon.

A section of the downhill road is very steep, and its slope can be 70 or 80 degrees. At this time, the role of trekking poles is highlighted. Please bring two trekking poles with handles in advance to facilitate your hands. Usually, it is easy to go up the mountain and difficult to go down, but it is even harder to go up and down the mountain at the Dolma la Pass. About two to three kilometers road are covered by small gravel, which are easy to slip. It is recommended that you wear high-top shoes to protect your ankles from injury.

Crossing the Dolma la Pass, there are plateau green plants at the foot of the mountain. After trekking for a while, I arrived at the accommodation site for the second day. I hiked for 12 hours today. I set off at sunrise in the morning and arrived at the accommodation before sunset. The guest house where I lived can provide meals, shredded potato rice, tomato and egg noodles. I can eat such delicious ingredients at the foot of the sacred Kailash, and I had the feeling of eating three Michelin stars.

The Third Day of Kailash Kora (14 kilometers)

On the third day, the Kailash trek distance is about 14 kilometers and it takes 8 hours. This section of the Kailash journey has the most beautiful and unique scenery, with plateau meadows, cliffs and mountains. It is worth slowly admiring. On the third day, first visit to the Zutulpuk Monastery where there is a cave in which Venerable Milarepa practiced in seclusion.

The road condition in the back is better and the scenery is quite different from that of the two days before. Many mountains are like palaces in the sky. Looking back at the road I have walked, I came from that distant mountain. Finally I arrived at Darchen to check in. At the end of the third day, the Kailash kora itinerary turned to a complete success.