Make Kora around Mt. Kailash in the Year of Horse

Make kora around the holy mountains in the year of horse and circumambulate around the holy lakes in the year of sheep had been a tradition for the devout Tibetans since ancient times. It is reported that 2014 is the year of horse according to the Tibetan calendar. A large number of pilgrims from different corners of the world would come to Mt. Kailash for pilgrimage. As a professional Tibet tour operator, Tibet Tour would like to provide relevant information regarding making kora around Mt. Kailash for tourists' reference.

Make Kora around Mt. Kailash in the Year of Horse 2014 – Brief Introduction of Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash is highly respected as a holy mountain not only by the followers of Tibetan Buddhism, but also by the followers of Bon and Hinduism. Religious people have strong admiration in Mt. Kailash since one thousand years ago according to the historical record. It is said that the holy Mt. Kailash is the center of the entire world. Therefore, pilgrims from different corners of the world would come here to show their respect to the holy mountain so as to wash their lifetime guilty and pray for happiness.

With an altitude of 6721 kilometers, Mt. Kailash is located in Ngari Plateau which is famous as the Roof of the Roof of the world. Mt. Kailash is the main peak of Gangdise Mountains. It is measured that the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash is about 51 kilometers. Generally, it takes about 3 days to finish the trekking trip around the holy mountain. There are 8 monasteries around Mt. Kailash. Pilgrims making kora around Mt. Kailash could worship the Buddhas and have a short rest in those monasteries. Darchen is the start/end point for tourists and pilgrims planning to make kora around Mt. Kailash. The guesthouse and restaurants here provide dorm beds and simple Sichuan/Tibetan style dishes for visitors.

Make Kora around Mt. Kailash in the Year of Horse 2014 – Best Season for Making Kora around Mt. Kailash

The period between May and September is the best season for making kora around Mt. Kailash in consideration of the climate condition. With high altitude, Mt. Kailash Area is cold all year around. It would be relatively warmer between May and September. The traditional Tibetan festival – Tibetan Saga Dawa Festival would be celebrated on April 15th according to the Tibetan calendar. This festival is also noted as the circumambulating festival. Numerous pilgrims would circumambulate around the circumambulations and holy mountains in Tibet. During that festival, pilgrims from Nepal, India and some other corners of the world would come to Mt. Kailash for pilgrimage every year. The number of pilgrims would even be larger in the year of horse.

Make Kora around Mt. Kailash in the Year of Horse 2014 – Transportation to Mt. Kailash

Tourists and pilgrims willing to pay a visit to Mt. Kailash from Lhasa have two choices in transportation – vehicle and airplane. It takes about three days driving to get to Darchen from Lhasa. Besides, the direct flight between Ngari Gunsa Airport and Lhasa Gonggar Airport has been opened. It takes only about 2 hours to get to Ngari from Lhasa by air. Pilgrims and tourists planning to travel to Mt. Kailash from Nepal could enter into Tibet via Zhangmu Port.