The kora, a solemn and sacred practice in Tibetan Buddhism, is an annual ritual performed by thousands of devout believers and pilgrims, who circumambulate the holy mountain with unwavering devotion, walking a path filled with prayers and faith. In the upcoming Year of the Horse (2026), Kailash Kora will carry even more extraordinary significance.

Facts about Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, also known as “Gang Rinpoche”, is located in Purang County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region. Standing at an elevation of about (6,656 meters), it is the highest peak of the Gangdise Range. The name “Gang Rinpoche” is derived from the Tibetan language, and the word “Gang” means snow or snow-covered mountain. In Tibetan, “Gang Rinpoche” means "the Buddha of the Mountain." If you are wondering why Mount Kailash is revered as a holy mountain by pilgrims, we will delve into this question in detail.

The local religion of Tibet, Bon, originated around Mount Kailash, while Hinduism holds that the mountain is the residence of Lord Shiva. Jainism considers it the place where their Rishabhanatha, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, attained enlightenment, and in Buddhism, Mount Kailash is regarded as “Mount Sumeru” that symbolizes the center of the universe. It is also believed to be the residence of Chakrasamvara, one of the five principal deities in Tibetan Buddhism.

In addition, the four rivers that originate from the mountain—flowing in all directions—nurtured some of South Asia’s most significant civilizations: the eastern stream, the Maquan River (Dangque Zangbu), is the source of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra); the southern stream, the Peacock River, is one of the sources of the Ganges; the western stream, the Langqen Zangbo River (Sutlej), is a source of the Indus River, which is also the birthplace of the ancient civilizations of Zhangzhung and Guge in Tibet; and the northern stream, the Shiquan River (Sengge Zangbo), is the main source of the Indus River and the most important river in Palestine.

Hence, Mount Kailash is considered the "center of the world" by the Bon religion, Tibetan Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism alike.

Why is the Year of the Horse Special for Mount Kailash Kora?

It is said that by performing one kora around Mount Kailash, a pilgrim can rid themselves of their sins; completing ten koras can free them from the torments of hell for five hundred lifetimes, and completing one hundred koras can lead to enlightenment and immorality in this lifetime. The Year of the Horse marks the birth and enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. During the Year of the Horse, deities, bodhisattvas, celestial beings, humans, asuras, and celestial musicians gather around Mount Kailash. Therefore, the Year of the Horse is considered a sacred year for Mount Kailash. A kora performed in horse year is said to increase a pilgrim’s merits twelve times, equivalent to completing thirteen koras in other years, making it an especially potent time for spiritual accumulation.

Kailash Yatra in the Year of Horse

The traditional practice for circumambulation involves raising both hands in prayer above the head, lowering them to the chest, then gently tapping them against the waist before kneeling and prostrating. When prostrating, the forehead must touch the ground, and both hands are pressed together in prayer on the forehead. Pilgrims then stand, walk three steps, and prostrate again. The entire process consists of taking three steps, followed by one prostration. Followers of different religions may begin their kora in different directions: Buddhists and Hindus typically walk clockwise (right-turning), while Bon practitioners walk counterclockwise (left-turning). Although believers have different ways of circumambulation, they will not be alienated but will instead send each other their most sincere blessings.

Mount Kailash Kora Routes

The kora can be divided into two main routes: the outer kora and the inner kora. These routes differ in length, difficulty, and time required.

Kailash Kora Outer Route

The outer kora typically takes three days to complete. The first day's route is from Darchen to the Yam Dwar, then to the Qugu Monastery, and finally to the Dirapuk Monastery. The total distance is 20 km, with a 200-meter elevation gain, taking about 10 hours. On the second day, the route traverses from Dirapuk Monastery to the Dolma La Pass and then to the Zutulpuk Monastery. The distance is 18 km, with an elevation gain of 550 meters, reaching the highest point at Dolma La and then descending 600 meters, which takes about 14 hours. On the final day, the route returns from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, covering 14 km with a 150-meter descent, taking about 7 hours. This is the common 3-day outer kora trek, and our 15-day Lhasa Kailash pilgrimage tour covers not only the kora but also famous landmarks like the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest.

Kailash Kora Inner Route

The inner kora follows a smaller loop around Mt. Yinjietuothe (Nandi Parvat), on the southern side of Mount Kailash and involves a journey of about 30 km. This route visits significant religious sites such as the Selung Monastery, Thirteen Golden Pagodas, and Gyangdrak Gompa. Although the distance of the inner kora route is shorter, it is more challenging and requires pilgrims to go back and forth within a day. Due to its difficulty, it is not recommended for ordinary travelers. Besides, according to Tibetan Buddhism, only those who have made 13-time kora in the outer route are qualified to go to the inner route.

Best Time for Mount Kailash Kora Trekking

The best time to undertake the kora is from May to October. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, with moderate daytime temperatures and low nighttime temperatures, but generally not excessively cold. Mid-May to early June, in particular, coincides with the Saga Dawa Festival, which is celebrated in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar and commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha. You can experience a particularly sacred atmosphere during this time, as thousands of pilgrims gather to perform the kora, chant scriptures, and offer prayers. For those seeking a deep spiritual experience, this period offers the most profound moments for pilgrimage.

To enhance this experience, we offer a 16-day classic Tibet Kailash tour that includes visits to Lhasa, Mount Everest, and Mount Kailash, along with participation in the Saga Dawa Festival. This tour provides an opportunity to explore Tibet's most cultural and natural landscapes and participate in the grand religious celebrations. Please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with detailed travel arrangements and consultation services to ensure that every moment of your stay in Tibet is full of wonderful and unforgettable experiences.

Tips for Mount Kailash Kora Tour

Required Visas and Permits:

Chinese Mainland Visitors: Bring your ID card and apply for a Border Permit.
Hong Kong and Macau Residents: Apply for a Border Permit with your Home Return Permit.
Taiwanese Compatriots: Bring your Taiwan Compatriot Permit and apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, Border Entry Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit.
Foreign Travelers: Bring your passport, Chinese Visa (unless from a visa-exempt country), Tibet Entry Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, and Military Area Permit.

Necessary Equipment:

Hiking boots: Waterproof, non-slip, and comfortable hiking boots for different terrains.
Warm clothing: Temperatures vary greatly at high altitudes, so breathable and warm clothing, especially down jackets, are essential.
Sleeping bag: One suited for low temperatures to ensure warmth at night.
Headlamp or flashlight: Necessary for nighttime activities or camping.
Water bottle and food: Stay hydrated and carry energy-boosting snacks.
Sun protection: The strong UV radiation at high altitudes requires sun protection.
Personal medications: Carry altitude sickness medication, common medicines, and a first aid kit.
Trekking poles: Help with balance and reduce knee strain.
Backpack: A backpack of 30-50 liters capacity to carry all your essentials.

Conclusion

Whether you are embarking on a pilgrimage or seeking a unique adventure, the kora around Mount Kailash will offer profound experiences and unforgettable memories. May you complete this journey to Tibet with the blessings and fulfillment of the Year of the Horse.