Mt Kailash Yatra Route Map: A Detailed Route Map for Your Kora around Mt. Kailash

Mount Kailash Kora Route Map

The classic Mount Kailash Kora is about 52 km long and usually takes 3 days to complete. The route starts and ends at Darchen, at an altitude of 4,575 meters, and reaches its highest point at Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.

On the first day, the trail heads north from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery, where you stay overnight and enjoy a close view of the north face of Mount Kailash. On the second day, the trail climbs toward Dolma La Pass, the highest and most challenging point of the Kora. After crossing the pass, the route descends into the valley and continues to Zutulpuk Monastery for the second night.

On the final day, the trail follows the valley before returning to Darchen.The map below shows the complete Mount Kailash Kora route and the main stops along the way.

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The Mount Kailash Kora covers about 52 km over 3 days

Darchen: Starting Point of the Mount Kailash Kora

Darchen is a small town at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, at about 4,675 meters above sea level. It is the main base for pilgrims and trekkers preparing for the Kora. Most travelers stay here before the trek to rest, acclimatize, organize their equipment, and make final preparations.

As the main base for the Mount Kailash trek, Darchen has hotels, restaurants, small shops, and basic trekking supplies, where you can pick up snacks, drinking water, and other essentials.

From Darchen, the classic Kora begins north toward Dirapuk Monastery and eventually returns to the town after circling Mount Kailash. Since the Kora ends back in Darchen, you can also leave your large luggage at your hotel in Darchen and carry only what you need for the Kora.

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Darchen, the starting point and ending point of the Mt.Kailash kora

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Darchen is the starting and ending point of the Mount Kailash Kora.

Mount Kailash Kora Day 1 Map: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery

The first day of the Mount Kailash Kora takes you from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery, covering about 20 km in around 6 to 7 hours. From Darchen, the trail heads north through open valleys and grasslands before gradually approaching the northern side of Mount Kailash.

Along the way, you will pass prayer flags, mani stones, and several religious landmarks that mark the traditional pilgrimage route. As you get closer to Dirapuk Monastery, the north face of Mount Kailash comes into view, offering one of the most impressive close-up views of the sacred mountain along the Kora.

You will spend the first night near Dirapuk Monastery, where the accommodation is simple and provides a place to rest before the more challenging trek over Dolma La Pass the next day.

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The first day takes you about 20 km from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery

Mount Kailash Kora Day 2 Map: Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery via Dolma La Pass

Day 2 is the most challenging day of the Mount Kailash Kora, taking you from Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery via Dolma La Pass. The trek covers about 22 km and usually takes 8 to 10 hours, with a long climb followed by a steep descent.

From Dirapuk, the trail gradually climbs toward Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, the highest point of the entire Kora. The trail becomes steeper as you approach the pass, so walking at a steady pace and taking breaks when needed will make the climb more manageable. Colorful prayer flags mark the top of Dolma La, an important sacred place along the pilgrimage route.

After crossing Dolma La Pass, the trail descends past Gauri Kund and continues through the valley toward Zutulpuk Monastery. The descent can be steep in some sections, but the trail gradually becomes easier as you move to lower elevations.

Zutulpuk Monastery is the traditional overnight stop on the second day of the Kora. Accommodation here is simple, providing a place to eat, rest, and recover before the final day’s trek back to Darchen.

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The second day takes you from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk, crossing Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, the highest point of the Kora.

Mount Kailash Kora Day 3 Map: Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen

Day 3 is the easiest and final day of the Mount Kailash Kora, taking you from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen. The route covers about 14 km and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, making it much shorter and easier than the previous two days.

From Zutulpuk Monastery, the trail follows the valley and gradually leaves the remote mountain landscape behind. The terrain becomes easier as you continue toward Darchen, eventually reaching the road at the valley exit. From here, you can continue to Darchen or take the arranged vehicle back to the town.

Returning to Darchen marks the completion of the three-day Kora around Mount Kailash. For many pilgrims and trekkers, reaching the end of the trail is a rewarding moment after completing the full circuit around the sacred mountain.

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The final day of the Mount Kailash Kora follows the valley from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen.

Where Is Mount Kailash Located on the Map?

Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture in the far west of Tibet, China. Surrounded by the vast high-altitude landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, it is one of the most remote destinations in Tibet.

The maps below first show where Tibet is located within China and then where Mount Kailash lies within Tibet.

Tibet in China Map

Tibet is located in southwestern China, on the Tibetan Plateau. It borders Xinjiang and Qinghai to the north, Sichuan and Yunnan to the east, and Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar along its southern and western sides.

Tibet covers a vast area, stretching from Lhasa in central Tibet to Ngari in the far west, where Mount Kailash is located. On the map, you can see that Mount Kailash lies far west of Lhasa, close to the borders with Nepal and India.

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The map shows where Tibet is located in China and the location of Lhasa within Tibet.

Mount Kailash Location Map

Mount Kailash is located in the far west of Tibet, in Ngari Prefecture, near the borders with Nepal and India. It is far from Lhasa, and traveling overland from Lhasa to Mount Kailash usually takes several days across western Tibet.

On the map, you can see Darchen at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, which is the starting point for the Kora. Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal are also located nearby and are commonly visited together with Mount Kailash.

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Mount Kailash lies in Ngari, western Tibet, near Lake Manasarovar and the town of Darchen.

Conclusion

The Mount Kailash Kora is a deeply spiritual journey for pilgrims and travelers from around the world. The 52 km route takes about 3 days to complete, taking you around the sacred mountain and through some of the most remote landscapes in western Tibet.

While the high altitude and long trekking days can be challenging, good preparation, proper acclimatization, and a steady pace can make the journey more manageable. We hope these Mount Kailash maps help you better understand the Kora route and prepare for your journey around Mount Kailash.

If you are planning a Mount Kailash tour, feel free to contact us. Our local Tibetan team can help you plan your journey and arrange the required permits, transportation, accommodation, and Mount Kailash Kora.