Tips for Mount Kailash Inner Kora

The outer kora, circling the sacred Mount Kailash, is a 52-kilometer pilgrimage that draws thousands of trekkers and devotees each year. It's well-trodden, with basic teahouses and supply points along the way. The inner kora, on the other hand, is a quieter, more exclusive journey focused on the southern slopes of the mountain,. While the outer kora is about endurance and devotion, the inner kora is about deepening that connection.

Here's where things get interesting: In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, you need to complete the outer kora 13 times before you're considered "eligible" for the Inner Kora. Yes, you read that right—thirteen loops! This isn't just a random rule; it's about spiritual preparation and respect for the mountain's sanctity. As a result, the Inner Kora sees far fewer travelers, offering a rare sense of solitude and introspection.

Trek Route

The inner kora of Mount Kailash represents a profound one-day pilgrimage, beginning and ending in the humble village of Darchen (4,675m). From here, the trail unfolds in a clockwise manner, first leading pilgrims to the serene Selung Monastery (5,020m), perched solemnly on the mountainside. The journey then ascends towards the sacred southern face of the mountain, bringing you to the very foot of Mt. Kailash (5,600m), where the majestic north face comes into full, awe-inspiring view. The climb continues to one of the route's highest and most significant points—the 13 Golden Chortens and the sacred Saptarishi Cave (5,860m), a site charged with devotion and myth. Crossing the pass of Mt. Yinjiento, also known as Nandi Pass (5,805m), serves as a symbolic transition before the path descends, looping back past Selung Monastery. It then leads to the isolated and powerful Gyangdrak Monastery (5,060m), renowned for its stunning valley setting. Finally, the circuit completes as you return to Darchen, having traversed a path that is as much an inner journey as a physical one, surrounded by the stark, breathtaking landscape of the Tibetan plateau. The inner kora around Mount Kailash offers no infrastructure for food or medical supplies. Therefore, trekkers must be entirely self-sufficient. I strongly advise carrying all necessary provisions, noting that the only reliable water refill points are at Selung Monastery and Gyangdrak Monastery.

Who Should and Shouldn't Attempt the Inner Kora?  

Ideal Candidates:  

Seasoned trekkers with prior high-altitude experience.  

Those who've completed at least one multi-day hike above 5,000 meters.  

Spiritual seekers or researchers deeply interested in Tibetan culture.  

Think Twice If:  

You're a first-time visitor to Tibet with no high-altitude experience.  

You have pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions.  

You prefer well-marked trails with frequent amenities.  

Why the outer kora Might Be a Better Starting Point  

If the inner kora sounds a bit too intense, don't worry—the outer kora is an incredible adventure in its own right. It's more accessible, with gentler elevation gains and basic guesthouses along the route. Many travelers find the outer kora to be a perfect introduction to Kailash, without the same level of physical demand.  

Conclusion

Just remember: respect the mountain, prepare thoroughly, and tread lightly. Ready to take the first step? Drop us a message.