Mount Kailash Kora: Taboos Foreign Trekkers Must Respect on the Sacred Circuit

The Kora around Mount Kailash is a journey of faith, meant to cleanse the soul and honor the mountain's divine significance. This makes every step of the trail sacred—and every misstep, whether accidental or unknowing, can feel like a disregard for the beliefs of those who hold this place dear. But respecting these taboos is more easy than you think, it just starts with small, intentional acts.

Religious Respect for Mount Kailash Kora

First, when visiting monasteries or prayer sites along the way, dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your sunglasses and hat. These gestures show you're aware of the space's holiness, not just passing through. If you stumble upon a religious ceremony, stay quiet, stand back, and never interrupt—even taking photos should wait until you've asked permission. Then there are the sacred objects you'll see everywhere: mani stones (carved with prayers), prayer flags, and stupas. Remember three golden rules: don't touch—never rearrange mani stones or yank prayer flags; don't take—even a tiny stone with a faint carving isn't a "souvenir"—locals believe this steals good karma; and don't stare—if you see pilgrims prostrating (lying flat on the ground as they circumambulate), keep your distance. Don't crowd them, don't whisper about them, and definitely don't snap photos without asking. Their journey is deeply personal, and your respect lets them focus on their faith.

Ecology Environment Respect for Mount Kailash Kora

Mount Kailash's ecosystem is fragile—so fragile that a single piece of trash can take years to decompose. Therefore, bring sturdy, sealable bags for all your trash: food wrappers, water bottles, even banana peels. Wait until you're back in town to throw anything away. Also, leave the nature as you find it: don't pick wildflowers, don't dig up plants, and don't disturb the soil. The same respect goes for wildlife: you might spot Tibetan gazelles, rare birds, or even marmots along the trail. Enjoy them from afar—never feed them, never chase them, and keep at least 10 meters away. Binoculars are your best friend here—they let you watch without intruding, and keep you safe from unpredictable animal behavior.

Pay More Attention to Altitude Sickness

The Kora's high altitude—averaging over 4,500 meters, with the Droma La Pass topping out at 5,630 meters—is no joke, and "pushing through pain" is the biggest taboo of all. Altitude sickness can hit anyone, even experienced hikers, and ignoring symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, or nausea can turn a tough hike into a dangerous emergency. Take it slow: the traditional Kora takes 2–3 days for a reason—rushing to finish in one day risks altitude sickness. Drink plenty of warm water (avoid cold drinks and alcohol, which worsen dehydration), and carry medicine and a small oxygen canister, just in case. If you start feeling unwell, stop immediately. Sit down, catch your breath, and sip water. Most mild symptoms ease with rest, but if symptoms get worse—confusion, vomiting, chest pain—head to a nearby supply camp or call your guide right away. It's okay to pause or even end the Kora early—your safety matters more than finishing the kora.

Conclusion

We'll pair you with English-speaking guides who know the trail inside out, share more cultural insights, and make sure you're prepared for every step. As long as you can communicate more with us, we can design a travel plan as good as you imagine. We’re looking forward to your coming!