What is Kora in Tibet? How to Do Kora?
In Tibet, the word "kora" refers to a pilgrimage ritual of walking around or circumambulating a sacred place in a clockwise direction. You can think of kora as a form of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists. The pilgrimage culture of Tibet is an important part of its unique culture. You may have heard that some Tibetans will spend months or even years doing prostrations to make a pilgrimage. At first hearing, you may feel confused, but when you can truly enter the world of Tibetan pilgrimage and gain a deeper understanding. And then you will realize that it contains profound religious belief and the cultural connotation of pursuing spirits. Understanding Tibetan pilgrimage will make you recognize the diversity of world cultures. There are something you can learn about kora, and you can do kora with Tibetans during you Tibet trip.
The ways to do kora include trekking and making prostrations, etc. Some believers prostrate themselves, stretch out their hands, touch the ground with their foreheads, then get up and take a step forward, repeating this action. The route of prostrating usually surrounds religious places such as monasteries, stupas, sacred mountains, and holy lakes. During the process of kora, believers will holding rosaries or spinning prayer wheels, or quietly chanting Buddhist scriptures.
Kora in Monasteries
This is one of the most common ways. For example, you can do kora in Drepung Monastery. There is a pilgrimage path around the main building of the monastery. You can walk together with the believers in a clockwise direction, spinning Tibetan prayer wheel. In the process, you can get a close-up view of the architectural details of the monastery and feel the sanctity power. Many believers take doing kora as a part of their daily lives. Every morning or evening, they will perform pilgrimage on the pilgrimage path near their homes to maintain their devotion to their faith and purify their minds.
Kora around Mountains
Trekking around Mt. Kailash holds a very important place in Tibetans’ hearts, because Mt. Kailash is regarded as a sacred mountain. They believe that trekking around Mt. Kailash can accumulate great merit and wash away the sins of past and present lives. The entire pilgrimage route is about 50 kilometers long. The whole pilgrimage usually takes 2 to 3 days. In addition to dealing with the physical challenges due to high altitude, believers will always maintain their reverence for the sacred mountain.
Kora around Lakes
The well-known routes of trekking around the lake usually surround the holy lakes in Tibet, such as Namtso, Yamdrom, and Manasarovar, etc. Trekking around lakes also needs to be done in a clockwise direction. This direction is considered to be in line with the Dharma and the natural order in religious concept.
Tips for Kora
Respect local customs: During the process of kora, you should respect local religious belief and customs, such as keeping quiet in the monastery, not taking photos or touching Buddha statues without permission.
Pay attention to the health during the pilgrimage, carry necessary medicines and first-aid supplies with you to deal with emergencies. Since Tibet is located in the plateau, make sure you don’t have serious heart disease, hypertension and other diseases, as you will undergo a physical examination during the process of pilgrimage.
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34 Comment ON "What is Kora in Tibet? How to Do Kora?"
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.