A sacred journey to the roof of the world—where spirit, strength, and silence met at Mount Kailash.

In June 2025, I embarked on one of the most meaningful and challenging journeys of my life—a spiritual and physical pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Revered across Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon traditions, Kailash is not just a mountain—it’s a symbol of transcendence, transformation, and inner stillness. Preparing for this hike was more than logistics; it was a test of resilience, faith, and my deep love for nature.

The Kailash Parikrama is considered one of the most spiritually fulfilling pilgrimages in the world because it offers a rare opportunity to walk around a mountain revered as the cosmic center by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and a gateway to liberation (moksha), the 52-kilometer trek is seen as a path to inner purification and divine connection. 

But this sacred journey is also a formidable challenge—trekkers face extreme altitudes of up to 18,500 feet, thin oxygen, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain. The physical hardship becomes part of the spiritual experience, demanding surrender, resilience, and deep reflection with every step. For many, the difficulty is what makes the transformation so profound.

The Kailash Parikrama—also known as the Kailash Kora—is a sacred trek that circles Mount Kailash. Rather than climbing the mountain (which is strictly forbidden), pilgrims walk around it in a clockwise direction as an act of devotion, purification, and surrender.

The Parikrama typically takes three days and involves crossing Dolma La Pass, which reaches an altitude of 5,650 meters (18,500 feet)—making it one of the highest and most challenging pilgrimages in the world. The journey begins at Yamdwar, symbolizing the gateway between life and death, and passes through sacred sites like Derapuk, and Zuthulpuk, each offering moments of reflection and spiritual connection.

For many, the Parikrama is believed to cleanse karma, release past burdens, and bring moksha (liberation). It’s not just a trek—it’s a transformative experience where every step becomes a prayer.

📍 Day 1 – Yamdwar to Derapuk

Distance: 16 km  Altitude: ~4,900 m (16,000 ft)

We began at Yamdwar, the gateway between the physical and spiritual realms. The air was thin, and every breath reminded me of the altitude. As we walked across the vast openness of the Tibetan plateau, I found myself surrounded by fellow pilgrims—some quiet, some chanting, all deeply focused. Toward the end of the day, the north face of Mount Kailash slowly emerged, majestic and silent. We stayed at a guest house directly beneath the mountain, where I spent the evening meditating under the stars, feeling both grounded and elevated.

⛰️ Day 2 – Derapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pas

Distance: 22 km  Altitude: Up to 5,650 m (18,500 ft)

This was the most demanding day. The steep climb to Dolma La Pass tested every part of me—physically and mentally. The oxygen was scarce, the wind sharp, and the terrain unforgiving. But reaching the top was deeply emotional: prayer flags fluttered, offerings lay scattered, and the silence was sacred. The descent to Zuthulpuk was gentler, with flat stretches and endless sky. The openness of the land gave me time to reflect, and the companionship of other trekkers made the journey feel shared yet personal.

🚶‍♀️ Day 3 – Zuthulpuk to Darchen

Distance: ~4 hours of walking

The last leg was a quiet walk to the bus pickup point, followed by a short drive to Darchen. The terrain was mostly flat, and the morning light cast long shadows across the valley. I felt a mix of relief and longing—grateful for the experience, but not quite ready to leave. The Kailash Parikrama was complete, but its impact will stay with me forever.

Lake Manasarovar, located near Mount Kailash and en route to the sacred mountain, holds immense spiritual significance as one of the holiest freshwater lakes in the world. Believed to be created by Lord Brahma’s mind and recognized as a Shakti Peeth where the hands of Goddess Sati are said to have fallen, the lake is a powerful place of purification and reflection. Before beginning the Kailash Parikrama, I visited the tranquil banks of Manasarovar, where I meditated in the serene stillness, surrounded by the gentle presence of swans and the vast sky—an experience that grounded me deeply and prepared my spirit for the challenging journey ahead.