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Kailash Inner Kora: Definitive Guide to the Heart of Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage
As one of the world's greatest pilgrimage routes, Mt. Kailash kora captivates global pilgrims and travelers for the ultimate spiritual walk, encircling the holy Mt. Kailash.
It may sound surprising that Mt. Kailash kora has two pilgrimage routes: the outer kora and the inner kora. Local Tibetans believe that after you've completed 13 outer koras of the mountain, you are eligible for the Kailash inner kora.
So, if you plan to explore the magic of Mt. Kailash inner kora and wanna learn more about it, we've got you covered! Here, we offer you a complete guide to Mount Kailash inner kora with expert tips for a safe and smooth pilgrimage to the heart of Mt. Kailash.
What Is Inner Kora in Mt. Kailash? Kailash Inner Kora at a Glance
Kailash Inner Kora Vs Outer Kora: What Is the Difference? Much More Challenging
Who Is Better Suited for Kailash Inner Kora?
Best Times of the Year for Kailash Inner Kora
Travel Documents Needed for Kailash Inner Kora
What Is Inner Kora in Mt. Kailash? Kailash Inner Kora at a Glance
Mt. Kailash inner kora refers to the challenging short pilgrimage route that circles the holy Mt. Yinjiento (or Mt. Nandi known by Indian pilgrims) opposite Mt. Kailash to its south from Darchen in Nagri Prefecture, western Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Also, learn the top 11 treks in Tibet.
Kailash Inner Kora at a Glance:
- Duration: One-day trek
- Distance: 34km
- Difficulty: Strenuous high-altitude trek with mountain climbing involved
- Start/Finish: Darchen
- Highest Point: 13 Golden Chortens & Saptarishi Cave (5,860m)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 1,100m
- Region: Nagri prefecture, western Tibet Autonomous Region of China
- Accommodation: Not Available
- Best time to Trek: May to mid-October
- Trekking Route:
- Darchen (4,675m)—Selung Monastery (5,020m)—foot of Mt.Kailash(5,600m)—13 Golden Chortens & Saptarishi Cave (5,860m) —Mt. Yinjiento/Nandi Pass (5,805m)—Selung Monastery(5,020m)—Gyangdrak Monastery (5,060m) —Darchen (4,675m).
Mt. Kailash inner kora route map vs outer kora route map.Kailash Inner Kora Vs Outer Kora: What Is the Difference? Much More Challenging
Although Kailash inner kora only takes one day, the physically demanding trek will put both your endurance and spirituality to the test. Compared with the classic 3-day Mt. Kailash outer kora, here are three major challenges you will be facing as you embark on the Kailash inner kora:
1. High-altitude Trek Averaging above 5,200m with Steep Mountain Climbing
Unlike the relatively easy trek on the first day of Mt. Kailash outer kora, on the Kailash inner kora, after you finish the initial 4.5km trek from Darchen Town to Selung Monastery (5,020m), the altitude will soon rise above 5,300m.
Besides, you are expected to walk on rugged trails strewn with weathered rock fragments to the foot of the south rock face of Mt. Kailash (around 5,600m).
The most treacherous part of Kailash inner kora comes when you have to cling to ropes and Tibetan prayer flags hanging on Mt. Kailash rockface to climb to 13 Golden Chortens (5,860m) and Saptarishi Cave, a natural patio embedded in the cliff of Mt. Kailash. You gotta be extremely careful with falling stones and watch for slippery.
Here, you can touch and worship Mt.Kailash and walk the kora around the 13 golden chrotens (stupas), where 13 eminent monks of Drigung Til Monastery were enshrined. Then, traverse Mt. Yinjiento/Nandi Pass (5,805m) to descend to the right side of the valley leading back to Selung Monastery.
Trek on rugged terrain during the Mt.Kailash inner kora.2. No Food and Medical Supplies in Kailash Inner Kora
Another major difference that sets Kailash inner kora apart from outer kora is that there are no food and medical supply points in Kailash inner kora. Selung Monastery and Gyangdrak Monastery are the only places where you can replenish yourself with water. Also, read the five monasteries around Mt. Kailash.
In addition, you won’t see as many pilgrims and travelers as you do in outer kora. Mostly, you are expected to trek alone and there is no mobile phone signal in the canyon flanking Mt. Yinjiento/Nandi. You are completely cut off from the outside world, leaving you alone with the sacred peaks.
Climb to reach 13 Golden Chortens and Saptarishi Cave in Kailash inner kora.3. No Visible Trekking Paths and Trekking Directions Sign
As opposed to the Kailash outer kora route, there are no clearly defined trekking trails and direction signs suggesting where you should go for Kailash inner kora. You need to rely on your experience and discretion to navigate you every step of the way.
Who Is Better Suited for Kailash Inner Kora?
Well, since Kailash inner kora is exceptionally physically demanding at extreme altitudes (higher than Everest Base Camp in Tibet, strenuous enough to local Tibetans), and risky mountain climbing, no supplies, and uncertainties are involved, we believe that only the following travelers are best suited for Kailash inner kora:
- Experienced high-altitude trekkers: If you have done high-altitude treks like the EBC trek in Nepal, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, or elsewhere and have the physical and mental toughness to tackle thin air and harsh conditions, then Kailash inner kora deserves to be your travel bucket list to be ticked off.
- Expert explorers & mountaineers: Given the fact that Kailash inner kora involves treacherous mountain climbing at high altitudes, professional explorers and mountaineers who believe in Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions are the perfect candidates for Kailash inner kora.
- Individuals free of altitude sickness: If you are one of a handful of people who are born with abilities to defy high altitude and superb fitness, you are good to go as well. Also, read how to avoid altitude sickness in Tibet.
However, to most ordinary overseas travelers, esp. the young and old, the best alternative to embracing the holiness of Mt. Kailash is embarking on the classic 3-day Mt.Kailash outer kora.
The budget-friendly and manageable 15-day Kailash and Mansarovar Small Group Tour is one of your go-to choices. You can walk with our local experts, other global travelers, and prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to this world-class pilgrimage route, which is safer with multiple food supply points and accommodations available.
If you are keen to touch and kiss the divine rockface of Mt. Kailash to feel the magic power of the holy peak, with weather permitting, signing up for the 16-day Mt. Kailash tour will fulfill your dream.
Best Times of the Year for Kailash Inner Kora
In terms of weather, May to mid-October is considered to be the best time for Mt. Kailash inner kora. The weather stays between -7°C to 28°C with crisp air, azure sky, and superb visibility for trekking and viewing Mt. Kailash and Mt. Yinjiento/Nandi.
perfect time to experience both Kailash inner kora and outer kora is during the traditional Saga Dawa Festival in May/June, dedicated to honoring the enlightenment of Sakyamuni. You can join thousands of local Tibetans to watch the annual raising of the Tarboche flagpole.
However, one thing worth mentioning is that the unpredictable alpine and desert climate in Ngari prefecture may lead to unexpected snow, severe gales, and rain. In such cases, the trails and mountain passes can get muddy and slippery, which is dangerous for Kailash inner kora. So, you need to be flexible with your travel plan. Browse through the Tibet weather by month.
Travel Documents Needed for Kailash Inner Kora
According to the Tibet travel policy of the Tibet Tourism Bureau, foreign nationals can’t travel independently in Tibet.
You are expected to pre-book a guided Mt. Kailash tour via a local Tibet travel agency like us. Then, you need to apply for your Chinese tourist visa on your own at the Chinese embassy in your country.
Then, email the images of your passport information page and Chinese Visa page to us, with which we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for you to board the flight or train to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.Additionally, your local Tibet guide will help you process Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit on your way to Mt. Kailash from Lhasa.
Other Expert Tips for Mt. Kailash Inner Kora
- Never venture out alone for Mt. Kailash inner kora. You need a local guide to decide the best kora route to ensure your travel safety and provide timely assistance when you trek on rugged terrain with high elevation or climb to 13 Golden Chortens (5,860m).
- Download the map of Kailash inner kora into your smartphone since mostly there is no mobile signal in the Kailash canyon.
- Make sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated and high-energy food, such as nuts, energy bars, jerky, bread, chocolate, etc. to avoid low blood sugar during the strenuous trek.
- Altitude sickness tablets, portable oxygen bottles, bandages, and personal medications will be lifesaving in an emergency.
- Wear a helmet to avoid the risk of falling stone when climbing Mt. Kailash or passing mountain passes.
- You need sturdy and comfy trekking boots to walk on craggy landscapes with loose and scattered rocks. Trekking poles are highly recommended to keep you balanced.
- Dress in layers, such as moisture-wicking thermal underwear, fleece, and down jacket, shirts, and take your sun hat sunglasses, and sunscreen against powerful UV light.
- Prepare some cash, Chinese Yuan, to buy food and personal supplies in Darchen.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, compared with outer koa, Kailash inner kora is far more challenging and physically demanding given the high altitude trek, harsh terrains, mountain climbing, etc. It’s more suitable for highly experienced adventurers. Anyway, For both Kailash‘s inner and outer kora, we can arrange the tour for you. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to email us for a free consultation.
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