Mount Kailash rises to 6,638 meters and has never been climbed, out of respect for its religious status. Four great rivers of Asia rise in the region, and the mountain is regarded as the axis of the world by several traditions. Lake Manasarovar, at 4,590 meters, lies at its foot and is considered sacred and purifying; pilgrims bathe in it, despite the cold.
The kora
The pilgrimage circuit around Kailash is about fifty-two kilometers and is traditionally completed in three days on foot, with an overnight at Dira Puk and a crossing of the Drolma La pass at 5,630 meters on the second day. This is a serious high-altitude trek. Pilgrims do it as an act of devotion, and many do it in a single long day or with the help of a horse or porter.
Lake Manasarovar
The lake is one of the highest large freshwater lakes in the world, round and deep blue, with the Kailash range on the horizon. The circuit of the lake by vehicle takes several hours, and there are hot springs at Chiu Gompa on the shore. Monasteries sit on the lakeside, and the atmosphere at dawn, with pilgrims chanting and the mountain turning pink, is the reason people travel so far.
Practical notes
This is a remote region of Ngari in far western Tibet, reached by a long drive from Lhasa or from the Nepal border via Zhangmu, taking several days. Permits, a guide and often an organized group are required, plus time for acclimatization. The season is short, roughly May to September, and conditions are harsh with strong winds and rapid weather changes. Travelers should be in good health and should plan at least a week for the round trip from Lhasa.
