What is the outer and inner Kora around Mount Kailash? Kailash. Kora through the eyes of a skeptic. Interview with Sergey Kovalev

There are many unique places in the world with unusual properties. One of these "places of power" is Mount Kailash in the high valley of Tibet. Pilgrims come here to the southwest of China to make a ritual detour around the mountain - kru

Scientists are still arguing about the origin of this amazing mountain. Is Kailash an artificially created pyramid or a mountain of natural origin? To date, there is no reliable information about this, as well as how many years ago Kailash was born and why it has the shape of a pyramid, the edges of which accurately point to parts of the world. It is also surprising and inexplicable that the height of the mountain is 6666 m, the distance from Kailash to the Stonehenge monument is 6666 km, and the same to the North Pole, and to the South - 13,332 km (6666 * 2).

Kailash is a place shrouded in thousands of mysteries and legends. And so far, the top of the sacred mountain has not been conquered by anyone. Kailash does not let mere mortals to the top, where, according to legend, the gods live. Many tried against all odds to climb up there. But no one was able to overcome the invisible wall, which, as the unfortunate travelers assure, arose on their way, preventing them from following to the sacred peak. Kailash seems to repel them, allowing only those who believe very much to perform ritual kora.

From Kailash originate 4 greatest rivers Asia, with powerful energies. It is believed that when a person makes a detour around Kailash, he comes into contact with this power. Kailash is a very powerful center of power. It carries the energy of dissolving everything old. The performer of the kora is filled with energy and vitality to help people.

Walking around Kailash is a custom. A custom of faith that contains great power. On Kailash they say that one who passes the bark with faith and a sense of unity with God acquires a special divine power here.

The large kora around Kailash takes 2-3 days. Throughout the journey, a person passes through the strongest energy centers, where divine flows are felt. Kailash is like a temple. All stones on the way have a certain charge. Pilgrims believe that demigods or higher souls live in the stones. According to ancient legends, many divine beings who once visited here turned into stones. And now these stones have a special divine power.

The first day of the kora is anticipation, lightness, elation. On the second day passes the highest and most difficult pass - Death Pass. It is said that during this period one can experience the experience of death. For example, a person may fall and go into a trance. Many say that during such a trance they felt their body on the very top of Kailash.

The Drolma-la pass symbolizes the new birth. People try to leave something personal in this place. It is believed that in this way a person purifies his karma. This is a symbol of leaving the past, some dark, negative part of the soul. Having dropped everything superfluous on this pass, it becomes easier and freer to go further.

Around Kailash, you can go either in the outer circle - a large one, or in a small one - the inner one. Only those who have circumnavigated the outer one 13 times are allowed to enter the inner one. They say that if you immediately go there, then high divine energy will block the path for a person.

There are beautiful lakes on the inner crust, the water in them is sacred. There is a monastery on the shore of these lakes. People believe that enlightened people still live there. And if someone is lucky enough to meet them, he will be blessed.

When a pilgrim passes the kora, he turns to the higher powers and turns to them with a prayer. Kailash is a symbol of the highest deity. And the outer journey to Kailash is actually an inner journey to your deity.

There is a belief that the god Shiva lives on Kailash. For Hindus, Shiva is a force and energy capable of creating and destroying worlds. They believe that there are three main forces in the universe: creation, maintenance, and destruction. The power of Shiva is a connection with universal energy.

There are often obstacles in the way of the wanderer, both physical and spiritual. Kailash tests a person for strength and points out weaknesses. Overcoming all difficulties in the pilgrimage is the best way to purify and change.

When a pilgrim leaves Kailash, goes down below, he understands that it doesn’t take much to be happy. We have air that we can breathe, we have food, a roof over our heads - and this is enough for the happiness of the external material, everything else must be sought inside.

For millions of years people have been coming here and bringing prayer in their hearts. Lake Manasarovar, like Kailash, is revered as sacred. To his right is the summit of Gurla Mandhata. According to legend, she was a king in a past life. Then there was no water and the king began to pray. One day, God heard his prayers and created a lake from his mind. This lake is the sacred lake Manasarovar.

Another lake near Kailash, called Rakshas Tal, is considered cursed. It is separated from the sacred lake by a narrow isthmus. Surprisingly, with such a close location, these two reservoirs have huge differences. You can dive into the sacred lake, there are fish and you can drink water from it. The water in this lake is fresh and is considered healing. Lake Rakshas Tal, on the contrary, is salty and you can’t plunge into it. And the places where a source of dead and living water is located nearby have been considered places of power since ancient times.

Kailash also has another sacred lake - Gaurikund. According to legend, it was created by Shiva for his wife Parvati. She helped people a lot, because of which her body was severely emaciated. Having bathed in this lake, Parvati found a new body, and since then no one else can touch its sacred waters. There are many legends about the death of people who touched Lake Gaurikund.

There are 4 caves in the vicinity of Kailash. One of them, the cave of Milarepa, is located in the southeast of Kailash next to the sacred path. According to legend, the great yogi Milarepa placed two stone blocks at the entrance of the cave, on which he installed a huge granite slab. This slab cannot be moved by hundreds and even thousands of people. And Milarepa carved it out of granite and laid it with the help of his spiritual power. And it was in this place that he achieved his enlightenment.

There is a legend that Milarepa and the Bonn priest Naro Bonchung fought for power over Kailash. During the first confrontation of supernatural forces on Lake Manasarovar, Milarepa stretched his body on the surface of the lake, and Naro Bonchung stood on the surface of the water from above. Not satisfied with the results, they continued the fight, running around Kailash. Milarepa moved clockwise while Naro Bonchung moved against. Meeting at the top of the Dolma-la pass, they continued the magical battle, but again to no avail. Then Naro Bonchung suggested that on the day of the full moon, immediately after dawn, climb to the top of Kailash. Whoever rises first will win. On the appointed day, Naro Bonchung rode his shamanic drum to the summit. Milarepa rested quietly below. And as soon as the first rays of the sun reached the peak of Kailash, Milarepa grabbed one of the rays and instantly reached the top, gaining power over sacred mountain.

At Kailash, prayer flags hang everywhere. These are protective symbols. People hang them to succeed in some good undertakings. These flags are also called "Wind Horses". The symbol of prayer flags is a horse carrying a jewel on its back. It is believed that it fulfills wishes, brings prosperity and well-being. The flags make five primary colors, symbolizing the five elements of the human body. Mantras are applied to them, which are activated upon contact with the wind and carry encrypted messages around the world.

Kailash is a place of spiritual power that awakens believers and purifies their minds. People come here to say the prayer that everyone carries in their hearts. It is believed that the one who makes this pilgrimage will be cleansed of all his sins and learn the secret of the universe.

May 1-14 2019

From 2700$

In a programme:

• Bon kora (counterclockwise is the ancient way of passing the kora)
• 4 days near Kailash
• North face/Inner bark of Nandi
• Sacred Lakes Manasarovar and Rakshastal
• Meditations, mindfulness practices, psychophysical preparation of the body for the successful passage of the cortex

Bon Kora around Mount KailashMay 1-14 2019 with Andrey and Irina Danilov

Kora - a ritual detour around the sacred mountain Kailash at 53 kilometers - the most important stage of spiritual practice. At all times, both ordinary pilgrims and spiritual teachers sought to reach Kailash in order to go down this path at least once in their lives.

It is believed that Kailash is one of the main occult places on earth, which accelerates the spiritual development of a person and helps to establish a connection with conscious beings. It takes 3 days to walk around the mountain (Kora in Tibetan) which is the sacred and most difficult part of this journey. Even a single circuit around Kailash relieves all life's sins, and 108 times - provides a transition to Nirvana in this life. The bark around Kailash, passed with bright thoughts, improves the karma of a person, brings the forgiveness of sins and the possibility of starting a new life.

Many say that a pilgrimage to Tibet changes a person's life and way of thinking.

We believe that the kora should be passed slowly, in its own rhythm, connecting with Kailash, attuning with shilas (boulder stones) along the path). It is advisable to make stops for rest and meditation, experience your inner states, insights calmly and with pleasure!

Program leader (group leader)

Andrey Danilov,

The traveler, an experienced guide, leads groups in Tibet, Nepal, India, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Russia.

Married, 9 year old daughter. Since 2008, he has been traveling with his family in Asia and the countries of the East. Lives mostly in India. He studied Buddhism with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala. Initiation into Buddhism at a monastery in Mustang.

Received Deeksha and family sannyas from mahayoga Pilot Baba-Ji in 2011. Practicing Himalayan yoga, undergoing retreats in guru ashrams in India.

Leads people to the inner crust (bypassing Mount Nandi, Kailash) and other difficult mountain routes. Supervises participants in acclimatization and mountain training trips.

Physical education, pedagogical and linguistic education ( English language). Develops a system of psychophysical training based on sports disciplines and ancient knowledge about human development.

Electronic musician, explores the effect of sound on consciousness, practices singing bowl therapy (certified in Kathmandu).

Conducts psychophysical training classes for participants of his travels. As well as meditation with singing bowls.

Day 1

Arrival at Gonkar airport (Lhasa) - transfer to the city of the gods Lhasa (3700 m.)
Tibetan guide meets at Gonkar Airport, 1.5 hour transfer to the hotel. Lunch, acclimatization walk-kora around the Jokhang Temple. Dinner. Organizational meeting. Checking equipment and readiness for the route.

Day 2

From early morning we are waiting for the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery.

The Jokhang is Tibet's holiest site, attracting daily crowds of prostrating Tibetan pilgrims and curious tourists. The monastery hosts the annual Great Prayer Festival, as well as all the initiation rites of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. Jokhang is the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple-monastery in Lhasa.

According to legend, Jokhang was built on the site of a sacred lake, which was drained by bringing earth and stones in bags on goats (Tib. Ra - goat, Sa - sand. According to one version, the original name of the capital is Ra-Sa = Lha-Sa).

When Buddhism came to Tibet, monasteries and temples chained hands and feet to a huge demoness, on whose body lies the entire Tibetan highlands, Bhutan, Nepal and part of the Himalayas. The Jokhang Temple stands on the site of the heart of the ancient Mother (called a demoness).

Potala Palace - royal palace and Buddhist temple complex located in the capital of Tibet - Lhasa. It is located on the Red Hill (Marpo Ri) overlooking the city.

The palace was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet, was forced to leave the country in 1959 and received political asylum in India.

The Potala Palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Potala is a museum actively visited by tourists, remaining a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and continuing to be used in Buddhist rituals. Due to the huge cultural, religious, artistic and historical significance.

Day 3

Temple of Wealth, drive to Gyantse across the high mountain lake Yamdrok Tso with turquoise-bluish water. In the afternoon excursions - sightseeing of the Gyangtze fortress - Jong, excursion to the Pelkor Chode monastery and to the Kumbum stupa, the largest stupa in central Tibet.

In the past, a wealthy settlement, strategically located at the confluence of several important trade routes.

It is known for its mystical properties, divination and magic.

Then transfer to the city of Gyantse (4040m.), where we will visit the monastery of Pelkor Chode. Pelkor Chode Monastery was a complex of 15 monasteries of three different traditions, which in itself is a rarity for Tibetan Buddhism.

Here is the largest stupa in Central Tibet - Kumbum. It has five floors, many rooms, statues and altars.

Kumbum means "thousand" because there are 1000 images of Buddhas, deities and bodhisattvas.

As for the statues, most of them were damaged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, but have now been restored.

We will also see an old fort from the outside, built in the 14th century. The fort is located in the center of the city and spectacularly crowns a rocky hill several hundred meters high. It was conceived as the main defensive fortification on the road leading to Lhasa from the south.

Accommodation in the hotel "Yetty" 3*.

Day 4

After breakfast drive to Shigatse where we will visit Tashilumpo Monastery.

On the territory of the monastery there is the largest temple of the Buddha of the future - Maitreya statue 26 meters high.

The full name of the monastery in Tibetan literally means "all happiness and prosperity is collected here."

Here is the residence of the Panchen Lama - the second spiritual person of Tibet.

Tashilumpo has many interesting buildings with various shrines dedicated to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and stupas with the remains of the Panchen Lam.

Shigatse - beautiful place to buy traditional Tibetan souvenirs.

Overnight at 4* hotel

Day 5

Shigatse-Saga

Moving 10 hours. Stops for lunch, tea. Photographing the beauty of Tibet.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Saga - Darchen

Saga - the sacred lakes of Manasarovar and Rakshastal.

Cleansing bath in sacred waters.
Moving to Darchen. Preparation for bark.

Manasarovar is the most revered and famous lake throughout Asia. According to legend, Lake Manasarovar was the first object created in the mind of Brahma. The followers of Buddhism also believe that Manasarovar is the legendary lake of Anavatapta, where the Mayan queen conceived the Buddha.

Lake Rakshas-tal - nicknamed "devilish" or "dead" lake. The water in the lake is salty, storms often occur on the lake (while Lake Manasarovar is always calm), there is almost no vegetation along the banks. According to legend, the demon Ravana meditated on Lake Rakshas Tal for ten days, chopping off one head each day.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Kailash, bark. Day 1

1st day of kora around Mount Kailash. Trekking from Darchen along the picturesque valley to Dirapuk Monastery. We'll go along western slope Kailash, we will visit the monastery of Chuku Gompa, where the white marble Buddha, the tusks of the sacred elephant, the ancient ritual shell and the copper vat, in which the water boiled without fire, are kept.

The 13 kor around this monastery count as one outer kor.

After that, you can climb the ancient path to the place of samadhi of 84 mahasiddhas (now there is a heavenly cemetery).

Day 8

Kailash, bark. Day 2

Dirapuk Monastery, exit to the Northern Face of Kailash.

We will make a radial exit to the Northern face of Kailash, touch the Mountain (if allowed).

There will be plenty of time for meditation on this trail.

We will come back down and spend the second night in the Dirapuk Monastery, where the meditation cave of Master Milarepa has been preserved.

Overnight at the guesthouse at the Dirapuk Monastery.

Day 9

Kailash, bark. Day 3

3rd day of kora around Mount Kailash.

On this day we have to make the longest transition and climb to the highest height.

– Green Tara Pass, Drolma La (5660 m).

Our path will pass through the "18 Hells", the Valley of Death and the Shivatsal cemetery, through the stone of rebirth, we will climb to the highest point - the Green Tara Pass, then we will follow the path over the sacred lake Gaurikund. We will start our descent after purification at a place called Ax of Karma and arrive at Zutulpuk Monastery.

Overnight at the guesthouse at the monastery.

Day 10

Kailash, bark. Day 4

Zutulpuk Monastery houses the most important meditation cave of Milarepa, magically created with a huge stone slab placed by Milarepa himself during a magic contest with another famous master of the Bonpo tradition, Naro Bon Jung.

Milarepa, disciple of Marpa, the most colorful figure of Tibetan Buddhism. Mystic poet, great hermit and mahasiddha.

The monastery houses a statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. Pilgrims leave their things here, asking for blessings and prosperity.

The monastery is about 1000 years old.

Completion of the outer cortex.

Return to Darchen.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Darchen, Manasarovar. If the police permit, the group will go to Nandi kora (inner kora).

Kailash Inner kora - Nandi kora. (Only if the group receives permission from the local police and higher authorities)

There are a huge number of legends about the inner Kora. They say that time accelerates or slows down on it, that there are temporary portals and an entrance to Shambhala.

There are legends according to which the gene pool of mankind is stored inside Nandi.

And in the tradition of Hinduism, where the oldest rituals have remained unchanged from the very beginning of human history, in every temple, before bowing to Shiva, they bring flowers to his companion and vehicle - the bull Nandi.

Everything is the same here - Shivalingam and in front of him - Nandi. Everything is slightly enlarged, but reads unmistakably.

The pass and the ascent to it are quite difficult not only physically, but also psychologically - all factors affect at once - the height of 6000m, close proximity to the "axis of the universe" and the whirlwind unfolding inside, not everyone can withstand ... Even more important is that the weather is good.

If Nandi kora is closed, then the group will spend the day at Manasarovar lake. Hot Springs, Chiu Monastery.

The monastery of Chiu (“bird”) is located on both sides of a cliff overlooking Lake Manasarovar.

The monastery was built over the cave of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche, a teacher who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century). The Precious Teacher spent three years in meditation in the cave, and, according to one version, he realized the rainbow body in it.

Return to Darchen.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Darchen - Saga

Drive 8-10 hours from Darchen to Saga, stopping for tea and lunch on the way.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13

Saga - Shigatse. 4*

The whole day on the road, we will admire the scenery of the Tibetan high-mountainous desert in the background snow-capped peaks, overcoming countless passes with stops for lunch, buying souvenirs, photos.

In the evening - a festive dinner.

Overnight at 4* hotel

Day 14

Transfer to Lhasa airport, departure.

Breakfast in the hotel. Early in the morning we leave for Lhasa airport.

Departure to Guangzhou. Overnight at the hotel.

The tour includes:

• Information support
• organization of visas and tickets
• accompaniment of the group leader
• permits (permits to stay) in Tibet
• all transfers by minivan, driver, local guide
• accommodation in the best hotels and guesthouses (according to the program)
• excursions according to the program, all entrance tickets
• yaks on the bark for carrying luggage

The tour price does not include:

• air flight (from 35 thousand rubles)
• meals ($10 per lunch for the whole trip for a meal of approximately $300)
• services of personal porters and horses during the bark (if necessary)
• China tourist entry visa
• medical insurance (trekking medical insurance is issued)
• Tips for driver and Tibetan guide

The tour price includes

All transfers according to the program by minibus
Accommodation:
in Nepal in a hotel in Kathmandu 3 * (double occupancy) with breakfast
3* hotel in Lhasa (double occupancy) with breakfast
in Saga, Shigatse - hotel 2 * (breakfast included)
in guesthouses (3-4 bed rooms in Kora)

Permit to visit Tibet
Accompanied by a Tibetan English-speaking guide
Escort by a Russian-speaking guide of Alpidustria
Entrance fees for excursions in Tibet

The tour price does not include

Airfare to Kathmandu and back (from 35,000 rubles)
Air flight Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu ($700-900)
Airport tax in Kathmandu ($5. Sometimes not taken)
Medical insurance for trekking
Nepalese visa ($40)
Chinese group visa ($100/person)
Porter on Kora ($150-200 per Koru, carries 15 kg. Paid in Darchen. The cost may vary depending on the number of tourists in Darchen).
Meals in cities and on the route ($25-30 per day).
Tips for Chinese guide and porters
- Tibetan guide - $ 50 per tourist guide
- Tibetan driver - $ 30 per tourist driver.
Excursions in Nepal ($10-15)
Hot springs near Lake Manasarovar – $9
Oxygen for bark

Required documents

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip
2 photos size 3*4

Safety

You will be traveling on the Tibetan Plateau, and most of the route will be at an altitude above 4000 m. We strongly recommend that you rely on the worst weather, and have a full set of clothes and equipment for trekking.

Additional Information

Porters on the bark. One porter carries one backpack weighing up to 15 kg. You can take a small backpack, where a snack, a sleeping bag and a thermos / bottle will fit. Basic things can be left in Darchen with the driver. Thus, hiring a porter is not required. Those who wish to travel light can hire a porter locally and pay for services locally (the guide will help you find a porter in Darchen in front of the bark). Yaks are now used less and less, as they are more expensive and less mobile. The cost of a horse (both the horse and its owner are paid) is from 300 to 400 dollars per bark. The horse carries one tourist (it is impossible to change with each other). That is, if one tourist took a horse for himself, then another tourist will no longer be able to "ride a little" (the owner of the horse is usually against changing the rider).

Accommodation/Hotels

In Nepal, in Kathmandu - a 3 * hotel.
In Lhasa - a 3 * hotel.
On the route in Tibet - guesthouses.

Service staff

Throughout the program, an escort from Alpindustriya works with the group. Throughout the program in Tibet, the group is accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.

Required experience and health status

This route will require you to travel many hours in a jeep, which can be tiring. In addition, you will have three day trips within 6-9 hours and the passage of two rather difficult passes. Hiking up to 15 kilometers a day in the highlands is the highlight of your journey and you should be ready for it. We recommend that you start preparing for your trip three months before it starts. It is very good if you already have experience in the mountains. Other necessary conditions for the success of the expedition are willpower, good health and tolerance for those around you.
Once again, note that in the absence of insurance, all costs for medical care and evacuation fall on you.

Food in Kathmandu and Lhasa - restaurants. On the route in Tibet in guesthouses on the menu. There will be very few meat dishes in Tibet (only chicken and yak meat in small quantities).

Transport

All transfers by minibus or taxi

In May and September-October in Kathmandu the temperature is +20 +25 °С. On the track above 3000 m in the daytime +15 +20 °С. At night and during the bark, the temperature can drop below 0 °C.

Medicine

No mandatory vaccinations are required to visit Nepal and Tibet, although there are a lot of dangers and you need to be very careful, especially in Kathmandu. In no case do not drink raw water, do not buy dubious drinks and products, wash your hands thoroughly. A personal first aid kit is required.

Preparation

For 3-4 months - to prepare the heart, blood vessels and respiratory system - start light jogging 2-3 times a week, no less than 5-10 km. At the same time, the recommended duration of training is at least an hour. A month before participating in the program, you must start taking multivitamins with the mandatory content of all trace elements.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is the sum of adaptive-compensatory reactions of the body, as a result of which a good general condition is maintained, weight is maintained, normal working capacity and the normal course of psychological processes are maintained. As you know, the higher the altitude, the less oxygen in the air and the lower the pressure of the air column. At some points of the route, the oxygen content is 50% of the oxygen content in the air we are used to. Climbing too fast can cause altitude sickness, which in turn can cause death. The passage through the Drolma-La pass (5750 m - this is 100 meters higher than the top of Elbrus!) requires good acclimatization. The body needs several days to adapt to such conditions, and our track is built in such a way as to minimize the risk of altitude sickness - the climb is smooth. However, while staying in Tibet, and especially while trekking, you may feel slightly unwell, headache, dizziness, etc. We recommend that you have an individual first aid kit with you and immediately inform the guide of any manifestations of altitude sickness.

Kailash is the power and mysticism of the sacred place of power.

The most remarkable and mysterious mountain in Tibet is Kailash (Kailash). Due to its outstanding shape and location, as well as the many legends associated with it, it is of great importance in the worldview of people.

The four ribs of Mount Kailash correspond almost exactly to the cardinal points, and the cracks in it south side in shape they resemble a swastika - a Buddhist symbol of spiritual power.

Kailash serves as an object of worship for five religions. It is written in the Vedas that Mount Kailash is the favorite residence of the god Shiva, the master of burning bad karma and destroying illusions.

Many yogis, as well as sincere seekers of truth, have spent many years here in meditation and prayer. People often meet here, from whose eyes, like a mountain river from a glacier, a stream of love and grace flows continuously.

It is believed that Kailash is one of the main occult places on earth, from where a certain mystical radiation emanates, which accelerates the spiritual development of a person and helps to establish a telepathic connection with higher beings.

The bark - as a rite of passage - cleanses from life's sins. The more detours, the purer the karma (that is, sins are forgiven) not only in this life, but also in future ones, and after the 108th round, enlightenment comes. Some Tibetan monks spend months not even walking, but crawling around the sacred mountain!

It is known that in places of prayers and meditations, the Earth tells to those who hear, shows to those who see.

Kailash is the center of fulfillment of desires.

For example, when performing kora, you can ask for good weather - and here it is, the sun, appears from behind the clouds. Also, during a ritual detour, you can ask questions into space regarding fate, the past and the future. The answers usually come right away. And what is most striking - they coincide and are fulfilled.

At the foot of Kailash, according to the Indian epic, the god Brahma created a lake, whose name is Manasarovar, which means "mind". Washed in mysterious waters of this lake, a person is cleansed and freed from unrighteous thoughts polluting his consciousness. The peace and tranquility of the blessed place pour into the heart, fill the soul with joyful expectation and purity. By the way, part of the ashes of the great Indian figure Mahatma Gandhi was scattered on the shores of this lake. Many myths and legends are associated with Kailash. Four world religions consider Kailash a sacred place:

Hindus believe that Kailash is the cosmic center of the universe, and it is there that the powerful god Shiva lives, and the nearby sacred lake Manasarovar was created by the god Brahma. In the Hindu tradition, there is mythical mountain Meru corresponding to Kailash. In the Mahabharata, she is described as "kissing the heavens at their very height, shining like the morning sun, like a fire unclouded by smoke, immeasurable, and inaccessible to sin-bearing people."

Jains revere Kailash as the place where their first saint attained liberation.

In the history of Bon-a, the first master Tongpa Shenrab descended from heaven on Mount Kailash.

In Buddhism, it is believed that Demchok lives on Kailash, the angry form of Shakyamuni Buddha (an analogy with Shiva).

Most pilgrims and pilgrims get to Kailash precisely for the purpose of making a kora (ritual detour). It is believed that even a single detour around Kailash eliminates all life's sins. A 108-fold, provides a transition to Nirvana in this life. 3 and 13 bypasses are also considered favorable. Done on a full moon, the bark counts as two!

Kora around Kailash

Kora is a Tibetan word for making a pilgrimage, which means going around some holy place - a monastery, stupa, temple or mountain.

Traditionally, kora is performed by three religious movements: Hindus, Buddhists and followers of the Bon religion. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims walk the kora clockwise, while Bon followers walk counterclockwise. In all traditions, walking around the sacred mountain is full of mysterious meaning.

It is believed that even a single circuit around Kailash relieves all life sins that give rise to birth in the hellish worlds, because. the power of this place is so great that it can purify karma.

Having passed 108 circles around Kailash, he will receive complete enlightenment in this life and, after death, will be reborn in Pure Lands in heaven. Most Buddhists do 3 rounds of the bark at once.

The most aspiring take 13 detours around Kailash, after 12 times they get the right to circumnavigate the mountain in the inner circle. The inner kora runs along the upper path around Mount Nandi and approaches directly to Kailash. Performed on the full moon, the kora counts as two, and the kora in the Tibetan year of the Horse multiplies the merit.

Kailash is surrounded by deep valleys, so the bark does not require special training or equipment. Distance 53 km. part of the "Way around Kailash" many Tibetans overcome in one day, from early morning until late evening. Some of them perform a special ceremony - nendra, during which they read mantras and prostrate - make a prostration, at the end of which a person lies down on the ground in full growth. Bypassing the shrine in this way, the believer with his body, as it were, measures the path. Such a bark around the mountain among the Tibetans lasts 15-20 days.

Hindus who come to Kailash also tend to make a detour, which they call parikrama. Western tourists usually make the kora in 2-4 days. For the night they stay in shelters-guesthouses, in monasteries or in tents. There are many attractions around the mountain: Buddhist monasteries, chortens and stones with the hand and footprints of the Spiritual Masters, as well as stunning views.

The most high point bypassing the Kailash district, - the Dolma La pass with a height of 5630 m. It can be said that each section of the path, each element of the surrounding landscape is sacred and full of mystical and religious meaning. And the route of the bark itself is a deeply philosophical expression of the Buddhist worldview and personifies the circle of birth, life, death and a new birth, while each of the above stages of human existence corresponds to certain stages of the passage of the bark.

Lake Manosarovar

Lake Manosarovar (4560m) is the most revered of the 4 holy lakes of Tibet (the others are Yamdrok Tso, Lamo La Tso, Nam Tso).

It is located south of Mount Kailash at a distance of about thirty kilometers. The Tibetans call it Mapam Yum Tso, which means "Lake of the Victorious". Not far from Manosarovar is another lake - Rakshas Tal (4515m), or in Tibetan, Lhanag Tso, "Demonic Lake".

The lakes are connected by the Ganga Chu channel, which is almost dry. But when it happens that the water from Manosarovar flows into Rakshas Tal, the Tibetans rejoice, because. consider this a good sign. For Tibetans, the balance of water in these lakes symbolizes the balance of energy in the whole world, so the water level in Manosarovar is always higher. If you look at the two lakes from above, they are similar in shape to the Sun and the Moon - this is a very powerful symbol for Tantric Buddhism.

In the Indian Puranas, Lake Manasarovar is referred to as Lake Manasa. According to Indian mythology, the lake was created in Brahma's mind when his son needed a place to bathe after he left his hermitage on Mount Kailash. Hindus believe that the god Shiva and his wife Parvati bathed in the waters of the lake. By the way, part of the ashes of the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi were scattered on its banks. Indian pilgrims bathe in the water of St. Manosarovar, and also go around it in a circle. The classical Indian poet Kalidasa wrote that the waters of Manosarovar are "pure as a tear" and that by drinking this water, the sins of thousands of lives can be cleansed. According to legend, bathing in the sacred emerald waters of the lake transfers after death to the paradise of Brahma.

Tibetans also make kora around the lake, spending the night in caves and just under open sky, covered with yak wool blankets. They believe that the Buddha himself consecrated it, so walking around it can not only nourish with positive energy, but also remove sins from a person literally for several lives ahead. According to another legend, the mother of Buddha Maya Devi was washed here by the gods before giving birth to her son.

We are going to go around the 90 km crust around the lake. The starting point of our detour will be Chiu Monastery, picturesquely located on a rock on the northwestern coast of the lake. There are hot springs near the monastery, and in the monastery itself there is a cave where Guru Rimpoche, the great Tibetan master Padmasambhava, meditated at the end of his life. From the platform on the roof of the monastery, there is a magnificent view of the turquoise lake, a series of snowy mountains with the peak of Gurla Mandata (7714 m), as well as the holy Kailash. Further, going around the lake around, we will also visit the monasteries of Seralung, the ruined Erngo, Trugo - the most important place of ritual ablutions in the lake, and Gossul with many caves.

Tirtapuri Hot Springs and Guru Rimpoche Monastery

To the west of Mount Kailash, on the banks of the Sutlej River, is another famous place of pilgrimage - Tirtapuri. Here, many hot springs with healing power flow from the ground. Pilgrims who have bypassed Kailash usually go (or go) here to rest before returning home. In Sanskrit, Tirtapuri means "City of Death". It was in this place that, after meditating at Kailas, Guru Rimpoche fought with numerous demons, and as a sign of his victory over them, numerous self-manifested stupas and walls appeared here. And besides, it is here that pilgrims collect the holy "sweet" earth, which helps with many, even indistinguishable, diseases. Here you can make an hour-long kora (detour) through the cremation site to the Padmasambhava monastery, where Tibetans pray at the stone footprint of Guru Rimpoche and check their karma at a special test prayer wheel with white and black pebbles.

Garuda Valley - Kingdom of Shang Shung

Not far from Tirtapuri is the Garuda Valley (Kunlung), recently reopened to the public. Here, on the northern shore of the Sutlej, the caves of the capital of the ancient kingdom of Shang Shung Kunlung Nulkar stretch for several kilometers. Until the 7th century, Shang Shung was a powerful independent state that, according to historians, controlled the entire Tibetan plateau. Kunlung Nulkar, with a population of more than 3,000 inhabitants, was the most important spiritual and religious center through which the earliest contacts between Tibet and Buddhism were made, and from where the most esoteric yogic schools of Tibetan tantra, the pre-Buddhist religions of Bon-po and Dzogchen spread throughout Tibet. It is with this place that some researchers associate the history of Shambhala (or mysterious country Olmo Lundring).

Guge Kingdom

At a distance of a day's drive from Kailash, on a huge plateau, on the banks of the Sutlej River, surrounded by eroded yellow-brown rocks, lies the majestic ruins of Tholing and Tsaparang, the ancient capitals of the once powerful Kingdom of Guge. The territory of the kingdom occupies a huge area along the banks of the upper Sutlej in western Tibet from the Garuda valley to the Indian border. The whole area is a complex of canyons bizarrely eroded into the ancient rocks of red and gray sandstone, and the whole area is a huge lifeless desert.

In ancient Bon sources, the first information about inhabited cities in this area dates back to 2800 BC, and the kingdom itself was founded in the 9th century by Namde Wosung, the son of King Langdharma of Lhasa. For many centuries, the Guge Kingdom was the most important area connecting Tibet with India and Chinese Turkestan, through which trade caravans and pilgrims went to Kailash along once busy roads. On its territory there were more than 100 monasteries, most of which have now turned into ruins.

The ruins of the city of Tsaparang, which ceased to exist in the 17th century, are of great interest to visitors, as they have preserved magnificent examples of early Buddhist art. The ancient ruins and caves of the city are located on a huge rock surrounded by desert mountains and canyons and amaze with their impressive views. At the foot of the mountain are the best-preserved buildings of the monastery and numerous chortens.

Further, the path goes up, winding through hundreds of caves that once served as housing, and through a narrow tunnel in the thickness of the rock leads us to the royal "summer" palace, standing on the very top of the cliff, from where an incredible view of the valley opens. By the time the Cultural Revolution began, Tsaparang had already been almost completely destroyed, so the Chinese did not cause him more harm. Today, the complex has been significantly restored, with special attention paid to the restoration and preservation of unique wall images created under the influence of early Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.

In the modern village of Zanda, there is the dilapidated Tholing Monastery, which was once one of the most important monastic complexes in Tibet. The monastery operated until 1966, when it was almost completely destroyed by the Chinese. It was founded at the beginning of the 10th century by the monk Rinchen Zangpo, who, under the auspices of King Guge Yeshe Oh, spent seventeen years in India studying Buddhism.

After returning to Tibet, he became one of the most famous translators of Sanskrit texts into Tibetan and one of the key figures in the history of the spread of Buddhism on the plateau. Rinchen Zangpo built 108 monasteries in Western Tibet and Ladakh during his lifetime. Today, Tholing Monastery has been partially restored and you can see the Mandala Chapel or the Golden Chapel, built in the form of a three-dimensional mandala, around which there are unique chortens-stupas, made in an Indian style not typical for Tibet. The walls of the dukang, the main assembly hall, are decorated with murals that preserved the Kashmiri and Nepalese style of the 13th-16th centuries.

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is one of the most important attractions in Tibet, and many travelers who come to Tibet try to stop here in the hope of seeing north side most high mountain of our planet - Everest (8848m) (Tibetan name - Chomolungma or Chomolangma, which means "Roof of the World" or, more precisely, "Top of the World"). powerful energy, Amazing beauty and the grandeur of this mountain is mesmerizing.

Created today national park Sagarmatha, which is under protection, and travel to its territory requires a special permit (permit). The road from Tingri to Rongbuk Monastery (4980 m above sea level) is quite difficult, but interesting. Along the way, we cross several typical Tibetan villages and the Pang La Pass (5120 m.), which offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including such eight-thousanders as Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and, of course, Everest itself.

Since summer 2005 The Chinese have set a new rule for visiting Everest Base Camp. On jeeps we reach a small village 80 km. (about 2 hours), and then we transfer to American minibuses "Dodge" and another 40 km. (1.5 hours) drive to Rongbuk (4980 m) - the highest mountain monastery in the world, where we will stay at one of the hotels of the monastery. From there to the base camp (5200 m) - 8 km., can be reached by cart, mountain bike, or on foot (2-2.5 hours). The path passes the ruins of the Rong Chung Monastery and the newly built Sherab Cheling Monastery, through the moraine of the Rongphu Glacier and past the camps of mountaineering expeditions. If we are lucky, we will see the mountain in all its splendor, not overcast. Above the base camp entry is prohibited - for violation a fine of 200 USD

Other attractions on the route:

One of the main attractions will, of course, be the road itself. The road passing among high hills and snowy mountains, among huge canyons and sand dunes, along picturesque fields sown with barley, ancient monasteries and dzong fortresses, high-mountain salt lakes, fantastic landscapes, nomad villages herding thousands of yaks and sheep .. through five thousandth passes, noisy mountain rivers, and all this ... under a huge, deep, dark blue ... and so close to the earth Tibetan sky.

Hot springs Tagyel Chutse(Royal Tiger) - Several geysers rising up to 15m high, bubbling mud pools, smoking cracks in the ground and hot water springs. Not far away begins the picturesque lake Tagyel Tso with bright blue water surrounded by snowy peaks.

Tsochen. Wall "Mani", prayer poles and a hill of yak skulls. A kilometer from the village is a small monastery Menthong.

Paryang - small town, from which in clear weather opens beautiful view to the snowy peaks. In the city you can see the temple with a large circle of prayer wheels.

Old Jongba. A small village with a nice little monastery, "mani" walls and a mountain of yak skulls with mantras carved on them.

Lake Peiku Tso and Shishapangma. Twice on our way we will pass the picturesque alpine lake Peiku-Tso, in the waters of which snowy peaks are reflected. Our path to the lake passes along one of the most beautiful roads in the world through the Shishapangma Natural Park, created to protect the unique landscape and nature of this part of Tibet. Here we have a fantastic view of the Himalayas, in good weather you can clearly see the highest peaks of the planet - Everest, Cho Oyu and Makalu. covered eternal ice majestic peaks and fat herds of sheep and yaks on both sides of the road complete the landscape sandy desert. Here, right in front of us, the snowy peak of Shishapangma (8012 m) rises - the only one of the eight-thousanders that is completely located on the territory of Tibet.

Tingri. The village offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the greatest peaks in the world - Everest and Cho Oyu. Also here on high rock, you can see the ruins of the Tingri Dzong fortress, destroyed in the 18th century. Kids sell ammonites - ancient fossils in stone. Recall that in the vicinity of Tingri, paleontologists found the most complete skeleton of an ichthyosaur.

Nyalam located at an altitude of 3750 meters. It has only one street, which turns into a steep road behind the village, serpentine down from the Tibetan plateau to the Nepalese border. Before entering the village, ten kilometers north of it, you can visit one of the most famous places associated with the life of the great yogi and mystic of Tibet - Milarepa (11-12 centuries). In a cave located here, he spent several years meditating in a hermitage. A small temple, Nyalam Pelgye Ling, was built over the cave. In Nialam itself there is a small but hidden temple of Mani Tsundu.

Zhangmu- a small trading town on the border with Nepal and located at an altitude of only 2300 m. Vegetation appears near Zhangmu, the city is located on a mountain serpentine surrounded by forests, which is unusual for Tibet and immediately catches your eye when you leave Tibet after several weeks of desert landscapes. There is a small monastery in the town.

Kodar Gorge and Friendship Bridge. Having cast a last glance at the expanses of the Tibetan plateau, we will begin a rapid descent through the deep and narrow Kodar Gorge, which cut through the Himalayas, down to the Nepalese border. The Kodar Gorge is the only one through which you can get from Tibet to Nepal without overcoming the passes. We will cross the Tibetan-Nepalese border along the "Friendship Bridge" hanging over the gorge, and we will get to the border Nepalese village of Kodari. The road in Nepal to Kathmandu is very picturesque - mountains, waterfalls, fields, lush vegetation.

There is a set in the first group on the bark around Kailash in 2019 along the route. Arrival in Lhasa on April 27, 2019. Budget tour to Kailash kora with a Russian guide! Join now!

"Kora" is the Tibetan word སྐོར་ར (Wylie: skor ra), meaning going around a religious object clockwise in Buddhism or counterclockwise in the Bon tradition. In Hinduism, the bark is called "parikrama" (Skt. परिक्रम, parikrama). In Tibet, both monks and lay people go through the kora both during religious pilgrimage and in daily life. Koras are found around sacred mountains and lakes, as well as around monasteries, temples, stupas and other sacred objects. If the monastery or temple is Buddhist, then everyone bypasses it clockwise. If the traditions are Bon, then counterclockwise. In the case of Kailash, which is a sacred mountain for both Buddhists and Bonpos, it is bypassed in both directions. It should be noted that most pilgrims circumambulate clockwise: both Buddhists and practitioners of New Bon (Bon Sarma) traverse the kora clockwise. And only the adherents of Early Bon, as well as some yogis, make a detour around Kailash counterclockwise.

The outer crust around Kailash is 53 kilometers long. Tibetans pass it in 1-2 days, foreigners often pass it in 2-3 days. During the kora, the pilgrim reads mantras, prays for the happiness of all living beings, directs his consciousness to achieve Enlightenment. Some pilgrims walk the kora around Kailash, doing full prostrations along the way. Such a passage can take from 2 to 3 weeks. Pilgrims who came from afar are limited to the passage of one or three kora around Kailash. Some yogis, monks or aspiring practitioners go through large quantity cor: 13, 21, 54, 108. It is said that if you walk 108 kor around Kailash, you can achieve enlightenment already in this life.

The Tibetans believe that the more complex the kora and the stronger the aspirations of the pilgrim, the more good merit one can accumulate and thereby purify the negative karmas of one's past. On the outer crust around Kailash, the most difficult section is the Dolma la pass, 5636 meters above sea level. According to legend, those who ascend the pass with the right aspirations will be cleansed of the negative karmas of the past and will be able to start a new, cleaner stage of their lives, focused on spiritual development and helping others.

According to astrological calculations, on special days, the merit from circumambulating sacred objects increases tens of thousands of times. Special days are auspicious days according to the Tibetan calendar, days of the full moon, new moon, solar or lunar eclipse, as well as the year of the horse.

For a foreign tourist or pilgrim 3 days is optimum time passage of the outer cortex:

• Day 1: Darchen (4650 m) –> Dirapuk Monastery (4950 m)
• Day 2: Dirapuk monastery (4950 m) –> Dolma la pass (5636 m) –> Zutulpuk monastery (4835 m)
• Day 3: Zutulpuk Monastery –> Darchen

Throughout the crust around Kailash, almost every few meters there are sacred objects: self-manifested images of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and symbols of enlightenment, mani stones, crevices in which Buddhist teachers and hermits meditated, mountains - abode of enlightened beings and spirit protectors. This article describes only the most important of the objects found on the crust.

First day of bark

Darchen (4650 m) - First Chaktsel Ganges (4750 m) - Tarpoche (4660 m) - Chuku monastery (4810 m) - Hayagriva rock (4880 m) - Dirapuk monastery (4950 m)

The first day is quite simple, an expensive straight line with some ascents and descents. Many tourists prefer to go by car to the start of the kora in Tarpoche(Tib.: དར་པོ་ཆེ Wylie: darpoche) and start walking from there. We advise you to go like Tibetan pilgrims: from Darchen to Darchen and not use transport. In this way, you will pass the full bark around Kailash. From Darchen to Tarpoche one hour on foot on a straight road. Halfway there will be First Chaktsel Ganges(Tib.: ཕྱག་འཚལ་སྒང Wylie: phyag ‘tshel sgang) or the first place for prostrations before Kailash. In this place, the peak of Kailash is clearly visible, in front of which pilgrims make prostrations, light incense and hang prayer flags. Half an hour walk from Chaktsel Ganges is Tarpoche - the "official" beginning of the crust around Kailash. On the full moon of the 4th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, grandioseSaga Dawa festival celebrations- the birthday, enlightenment and departure into parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. On the day of Saga Dawa, the flagpole is lowered, old prayer flags are taken down, new ones are hung up, and the flagpole is raised back up. After installing the flagpole, everyone carefully studies its position, making predictions for the current year: if the pole is level, then the year will be favorable; if the pillar is tilted towards Kailash, then disasters and misfortunes are expected; if the pillar is tilted in the opposite direction from Kailash, then you should be careful.

There is a flat hill near Tarpoche Drachom Ngagye Durtro is the 84th mahasiddha heavenly funeral cemetery, which was consecrated by Padmasambhava himself. This place was also intended for the heavenly burial of lamas, monks and masters of Tibetan Buddhism. Nearby are the footprints of the Buddha Shakyamuni himself, where he landed, arriving with 500 arhats.

After walking a little more, you will see stupas and a cave in which Naro Bonchung, a Bon master defeated by Milarepa, meditated.

The bridge across the Lha Chu River leads to Chuku Monastery(Chugu), built on Mount Nyenri, which is the abode of Kangri Lhatsen, the protector deity of the surroundings of Kailash. This monastery was built in the 13th century and belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. There are three caves in the monastery: the 13th century master Gotsangpa meditated in the first, Milarepa meditated in the second, and Padmasambhava himself meditated in the third cave called the Elephant Cave.

Moving further along the path of the bark, you will reach Tamdrin Dronkang- a rock on which the image of Hayagriva self-manifested - a yidam (deity of meditation) with a horse's head. A little further on are the footprints of Milarepa.

The first day of the kora ends at Dirapuk Monastery(Tib.: འདྲི་རྭ་ཕུག wylie: ‘dri rw phug), which in Tibetan means “the cave of the female yak horn.” Here is the cave of Gotsangpa, where the goddess Senge Dongpa brought him, taking the form of a female yak, saving him from a heavy downpour.

The monastery is located exactly opposite the northern face of Kailash. In this place, groups of Indian pilgrims perform religious practices dedicated to Shiva. Three peaks are also clearly visible from here, which are the abode of three bodhisattvas: Vajrapani, Avalokiteshvara and Manjungosha. Most foreign tourists and pilgrims stay overnight either in the guest house at the Dirapuk Monastery, or in the guest house opposite. On the night of the full moon, an incredible view of Kailash opens from here.

Second day of the bark

Dirapuk monastery (4950 m) –> Shiva Tsal (5330 m) –> Dolma la pass (5636 m) –> Tukchzhe Chenpo lake (5440 m) –> Zutulpuk monastery (4835 m)

The second day of the kora is the most difficult, as you have to climb the Dolma la pass. It is better to start climbing before dawn to avoid the scorching rays of the sun. After crossing the river Dolma Chu, the ascent will begin.

You will reach the place under Indian name Shiva Tsal or Silvucel in Tibetan, this is the “place of death”, where the god of death Yamantaka looks at the accumulated karmas of pilgrims, deciding their future fate. Here pilgrims leave some item from their clothes or a lock of hair, thereby saying goodbye to the negative karmas of their past. Some pilgrims also lie down on the ground, pretending to be dead. Not far from Shiva Tsal is a small mountain peak Vajra Yogini, which is a cemetery for deceased lamas and pilgrims. The trail from Shiva Tsal to the Dolma La pass symbolizes the bardo - an intermediate state between death and a new birth. Having parted with the past, the pilgrims continue their journey to the pass, which is the transition to a new, purer and more righteous life.

Dolma la pass(Tib.: སྒྲོལ་མ་ལ wylie: sgrolma la) - the pass of the goddess Tara - this is one of the main bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism, a saving goddess who comes to the aid of all living beings. Tara meets every pilgrim who has ascended the pass, bestowing love, compassion and forgiveness for the sins of the past. Thus, receiving the blessing of the goddess Tara, a person is reborn and enters into new stage own life. Each stone at the top of the pass is permeated with the qualities of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. At the top of the pass there is a large pile of mani stones and pillars with numerous prayer flags hanging on them. Here pilgrims recite prayers and mantras, perform their religious practices and hang flags.

Descending from the Dolma la pass, you will see Lake Tukje Chenmo also known by the Indian name Gauri Kund. This bright turquoise lake symbolizes boundless compassion. The lake is almost always covered with ice, but sometimes the waters thaw during the warm season. Some Indian pilgrims bathe in this lake, believing that this will bring them deliverance from all diseases.

In the afternoon you will reach monastery Zutulpuk（Tib.: རྫུ་འཕྲུལ་ཕུག Wylie: rdzu ‘phrul phug), which means “cave of miracles” in Tibetan. This is the cave where Milarepa meditated, leaving an imprint of his shoulders and upper back on the rock inside the cave. This sacred place also has footprints of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, King Geser and his horse. The most sacred object in the monastery is the statue of Milarepa, which is said to have been made by Milarepa himself before his death. Directly opposite the Zutulpuk monastery there is a small guest house where you can stay for the night.

Third day of the bark

Monastery Zutulpuk ->Darchen

The last day of the kora is the easiest, when the trail goes almost in a straight line to Darchen. Some tourists are met here by cars with drivers and transported to Darchen, but we recommend walking to Darchen. Thus, you will make a complete detour around Kailash. After kora, most tourists prefer to move to Lake Manasarovar, where they can relax in the hot springs at the Chiu Monastery.

Inner bark

In addition to the outer kora around Kailash, there is an inner kora (Tib.: ནང་སྐོར Wyloe: nang skor), called Nandi kora in Sanskrit. It is known among the Tibetans as Neten Yenlakzung. Nandi or Nandin is Shiva's friend and mount in the form of a white bull. Many Shaivite temples contain statues of Nandin, which are usually placed in front of the entrance to the temple facing the altar.

According to beliefs, the inner crust can only be passed after 13 outer cores around Kailash (according to other sources - after 12 outer cores). The path of the inner bark is difficult and dangerous - both a guide who knows the path and ropes for insurance are required. Rockfalls and rapid weather changes are especially dangerous: if it starts to rain or snow, it will be extremely difficult and dangerous for a pilgrim to pass this bark.

The southern slope of Kailash and Nandi - the beginning of the inner crust

On the road from Darchen to the beginning of the inner crust there are two monasteries: Serlung (4750 m) and Gyandrak (4970 m). The inner kora begins with the Serdung Chuksum, 13 chortens or Buddhist stupas belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Further, the kora trail passes between Kailash and Nandi, in some places you need to climb up using ropes. At an altitude of about 5900 meters is the sacred cave Saptarishi. A little further there are two sacred lakes: the black lake Tso Kapala and the white lake Tso Kavala. According to beliefs in the waters white lake the keys to Kailash itself are kept.

Maps and diagrams of the crust around Kailash are available for download at the link:
Schedule of group tours to the kora around Kailash prices 2019:

PHOTO GALLERY OF THE KORE AROUND KAILASS