The kora — the 52-kilometre circumambulation of Mount Kailash — is one of the world's great pilgrimages. Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon practitioners all make the circuit, walking clockwise (or, for Bon followers, counter-clockwise) at altitudes ranging from 4,600 to 5,630 metres. The standard route takes three days, overnighting at Dirapuk Gompa on the north face and Zuthulpuk Gompa on the south. It passes directly beneath the mountain's dramatic north face, a near-vertical wall of black rock and ice that is one of the most impressive sights in the Himalayan world.
The high point of the kora is the Drolma La pass at 5,630 metres, reached on the second day. The climb is steep and the altitude is serious — non-acclimatised walkers often need to stop repeatedly. Near the top, pilgrims leave items of clothing or a lock of hair at a cairn as a symbolic death and rebirth. Beyond the pass, the descent is rapid and the remaining half of the circuit passes through less dramatic but still beautiful high valley terrain.
Trekking gear, warm clothing, and careful acclimatisation in Lhasa are all essential. Some pilgrims hire yaks to carry packs, reducing the load but not the altitude or distance.