Mount Kailash

Kailash rises to 6,638 metres as an isolated near-symmetrical mass with horizontal strata and a snow cap, and it is held sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon practitioners, none of whom climb it; it has never been summited and climbing is not permitted. What people do instead is the kora, a circuit of about fifty-two kilometres walked clockwise, or anticlockwise by Bon practitioners, over three days from Darchen, crossing the Drolma La at around 5,630 metres on the second day. Some pilgrims prostrate the entire circuit, taking weeks. Four great rivers of Asia rise within the surrounding region.

What you actually see

• The peak - a near-pyramidal mountain with horizontal banding and snow cap.
• The kora - a fifty-two kilometre circuit walked over three days.
• The Drolma La - the 5,630-metre pass crossed on the second day.
• The prostrating pilgrims - full-body prostrations around the whole circuit.

When to go

May to October, with the Saga Dawa festival in late spring drawing the largest pilgrim numbers; winter closes the route with snow. Weather at the pass is unpredictable in any season.

Honest expectations

This is among the most remote places reachable in China, requiring days of driving and permits arranged well in advance. The pass crossing at 5,630 metres is demanding and altitude sickness is common. Facilities on the kora are minimal.

Nearby

Lake Manasarovar lies south; the Guge ruins are west.