Your browser has disabled scripting - some functions of this album will not be available. Please check your browser configuration and security settings for this site

Mountains Of Travel Photos

Home | Kailash Main | Kailash References | Contact

Mount Kailash Photo Gallery - Outer Kora

Mount Kailash Outer Kora - trek from Darchen up Lha Chu Valley with Tarboche Pole, Chuku Gompa, Kailash West face, Dirapuk Gompa, Kailash North Face, Kailash East Face, Shiva Tsal, over the Dolma La and down the Eastern Valley with Zutulpuk Gompa.

01 Gurla Mandhata Sunrise From Darchen At Beginning Of Kailash Outer Kora Gurla Mandhata (7728m) shines in the first light of sunrise seen from Darchen. Gurla Mandhata was first climbed by a Chinese-Japanese Expedition under climbing leader Katsutoshi Hirabayashi with eight climbers reaching the top on May 26, 1987 and another five climbers reaching the summit the next day.

01 Gurla Mandhata Sunrise From Darchen At Beginning Of Kailash Outer Kora

02 Mount Kailash Outer Kora Begins At Darchen With A View To Gurla Mandhata Across The Barkha Plain We start the Mount Kailash Outer Kora by walking out of Darchen (4680m) at 6:40, passing a small chorten-like pile of rocks, and crossing the edge of the Barkha Plain with a view across to Gurla Mandhata (7728m).

02 Mount Kailash Outer Kora Begins At Darchen With A View To Gurla Mandhata Across The Barkha Plain

03 Below First Prostration Point Chaktsel Gang On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The first prostration point (Chaktsel Gang) looms above after walking just under an hour from Darchen (07:36).

03 Below First Prostration Point Chaktsel Gang On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

04 Mount Kailash Pokes Above Mount Ashtapad From First Prostration Point Chaktsel Gang On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Mount Kailash pokes above Mount Ashtapad with the first prostration point (Chaktsel Gang), reached in an hour from Darchen (07:41).

04 Mount Kailash Pokes Above Mount Ashtapad From First Prostration Point Chaktsel Gang On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

05 Lha Chu Western Valley Begins With Mount Kailash Above On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The Lha Chu Amitabha Western Valley begins just after leaving the first prostration point (07:58), with Mount Kailash becoming more visible to the left of Mount Ashtapad.

05 Lha Chu Western Valley Begins With Mount Kailash Above On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

06 Tarboche Pole With Mount Kailash Behind On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The prayer-flag festooned Tarboche (4750m, 08:27) Pole is replaced each year at the major festival of Saga Dawa, marking the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. If the pole stands absolutely vertical all is well, but if it leans towards Kailash things are not good, if it leans away, things are even worse. Although we started our trek from Darchen, you can drive here too.

06 Tarboche Pole With Mount Kailash Behind On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

07 Kangnyi Chorten With Mount Kailash Behind On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Just to the west of Tarboche is Kangnyi Chorten (08:38), meaning two-legged chorten, with Mount Kailash behind and Tarboche to the right. It is auspicious act for a pilgrim to walk through the small chorten archway.

07 Kangnyi Chorten With Mount Kailash Behind On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

08 Mount Kailash Close Up from The Kangnyi Chorten Tarboche Area On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Mount Kailash Close Up from the Kangni Chorten Tarboche area.

08 Mount Kailash Close Up from The Kangnyi Chorten Tarboche Area On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

09 New Buildings On The West Side Of The Lha Chu Near Tarboche On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A new set of buildings are on the west side of the Lha Chu just past Tarboche.

09 New Buildings On The West Side Of The Lha Chu Near Tarboche On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

10 Chuku Nyenri Gompa Perched High Above The Valley Floor On The West Side Of The Lha Chu On Mount Kailash Outer Kora After climbing for 20 minutes through a maze of boulders, I reach Chuku (or Nyenri) Gompa (4865m, 09:36), perched high above the valley floor on the hillside to the west.

10 Chuku Nyenri Gompa Perched High Above The Valley Floor On The West Side Of The Lha Chu On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

11 Chuku Nyenri Gompa Entrance With Tibetan Pilgrims On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Tibetan pilgrims circumambulate the Chuku (Nyenri) Gompa. Chuku Gompa was founded by Gotsangpa (1189-1258), a Kagyu disciple, and was the first Kailash Gompa to be rebuilt after the destruction of Cultural Revolution.

11 Chuku Nyenri Gompa Entrance With Tibetan Pilgrims On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

12 Tibetan Mother And Son Outside Chuku Nyenri Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A Tibetan mother and her son pose for me in front of the Chuku (Nyenri) Gompa

12 Tibetan Mother And Son Outside Chuku Nyenri Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

13 Tibetan Mother And Two Children Circumambulate Chuku Nyenri Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A Tibetan mother carries one child on her back while her son accompanies her on a circumambulation of Chuku (Nyenri) Gompa with Mount Kailash in the background.

13 Tibetan Mother And Two Children Circumambulate Chuku Nyenri Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

14 Inside Chuku Nyenri Gompa White Amitabha, White Conch Shell, Copper Cauldron On Mount Kailash Outer Kora But the statue most enshrined in pilgrims’ awe is barely discernible. Less than quarter lifesize, and so swagged in jewelry that no arm or even neck emerges, the white marble image of the Amitabha Buddha is the oldest and most precious of Kailas. Under its mandarin crown the pale face gazes, emptied of expression. Its eyes seem closed, its smile barely starting. It is said to be ’self-manifest’, shaped by its own will from the stone, and to have flown here from its birthplace in the milky waters of an Indian lake. Encased beside it is the white conch shell blown by the saint Naropa a thousand years ago, and near the altar a huge cauldron of chased copper, floating with lights, is the pot where he brewed his tea. These three relics are treasured as the body, mind and speech of the Buddha. – To A Mountain In Tibet – Colin Thubron.

14 Inside Chuku Nyenri Gompa White Amitabha, White Conch Shell, Copper Cauldron On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

15 Inside Chuku Nyenri Gompa Wrathful Statue On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The Chuku (Nyenri) Gompa has several statues, including a many-armed, many-headed wrathful figure.

15 Inside Chuku Nyenri Gompa Wrathful Statue On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

16 Inside Chuku Nyenri Gompa Kangyur And Head Monk Chair With Bell, Drum, And Peacock Teapot On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The Chuku (Nyenri) Gompa has the 108 volumes of the Kangyur and the chair for the head monk with some common Tibetan Buddhist ritual elements like bell, damaru drum, and peacock teapot.

16 Inside Chuku Nyenri Gompa Kangyur And Head Monk Chair With Bell, Drum, And Peacock Teapot On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

17 Looking Back At Lha Chu Valley From Past Chuku Nyenri Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora From the Chuku (Nyenri) Gompa, it is a quick descent to the Lha Chu and the trail continues up the valley. Here is a view looking back toward the entrance to the Lha Chu Valley.

17 Looking Back At Lha Chu Valley From Past Chuku Nyenri Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

18 White Tara Dolma and Amitayus Tsepagme Long Life Buddha Peaks On The West Side Of Lha Chu Valley With Waterfall Known As Tail of King Gesar Horse On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The peaks to the west of the Lha Chu represent the three long-life Budhhas starting with White Tara (Tib Dolma) and Amitayus (Tib. Tsepagme). Between them is a ribbon waterfall known as the tail of King Gesar’s horse. Gesar of Ling is the hero-king of Tibet’s folk story.

18 White Tara Dolma and Amitayus Tsepagme Long Life Buddha Peaks On The West Side Of Lha Chu Valley With Waterfall Known As Tail of King Gesar Horse On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

19 Ushinisha Vijaya Namgyalma Long Life Buddha Peak On The West Side Of Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Ushinisha Vijaya (Tib. Namgyalma), the peak representing the third long-life Buddha, comes into view north of Amitayus as I continue trekking up the Lha Chu Valley.

19 Ushinisha Vijaya Namgyalma Long Life Buddha Peak On The West Side Of Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

20 Gesar Ling Peak And Saddle Of Gesar On The West Side Of Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The peak north of Ushinisha Vijaya is called Gesar Ling Peak, named after the hero-king of Tibet’s folk story. The rock ridge below is called the saddle of Gesar.

20 Gesar Ling Peak And Saddle Of Gesar On The West Side Of Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

21 Pilgrims Walk Up Lha Chu Valley With Torma of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche Ahead To The East On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Tibetan pilgrims walk up the Lha Chu Valley with a peak ahead on the east side they call the Torma of Padmasambhava (Tib. Guru Rinpoche).

21 Pilgrims Walk Up Lha Chu Valley With Torma of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche Ahead To The East On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

22 Torma of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche Is An Arc Of Rock To The East Of Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora As I approach the squat domed outcrop of rock known as the Torma Of Padmasambhava (Tib. Guru Rinpoche) on the east side of the Lha Chu Valley, it appears as one wing of a huge sweeping arc of rock face. Hindu pilgrims consider this rock outcrop to be an embodiment of Hanuman, the monkey god and disciple of Rama.

22 Torma of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche Is An Arc Of Rock To The East Of Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

23 Mount Kailash West Face From Just Before Tamdrin On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The west face of Mount Kailash became visible between the rock ridges of the Lha Chu Valley just before Tamdrin.

23 Mount Kailash West Face From Just Before Tamdrin On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

24 Tamdrin Seasonal Food And Beverage Tents In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora We stopped for a small lunch at the Tibetan seasonal nomad tents of Tamdrin (4893m) in the Lha Chu Valley. Tamdrin is named for the nearby self-arising image of Tamdrin (Hayagriva) on a rock.

24 Tamdrin Seasonal Food And Beverage Tents In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

25 Tamdrin Hayagriva Red Horse Headed Buddhist Protector Deity Self Arising Image On A Rock In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Tamdrin in the Lha Chu Valley is named for a black rock marked with prayer flags that has a small self-arising image of Tamdrin (Hayagriva), the red horse-headed Buddhist protector deity, and wrathful emanation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).

25 Tamdrin Hayagriva Red Horse Headed Buddhist Protector Deity Self Arising Image On A Rock In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

26 Milarepa Footprint At Tamdrin In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A vivid footprint of Milarepa in a rock is next to Tamdrin in the Lha Chu Valley.

26 Milarepa Footprint At Tamdrin In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

27 Mount Kailash West Face From Tamdrin In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The best view of the West Face of Mount Kailash is from Tamdrin in the Lha Chu Valley.

27 Mount Kailash West Face From Tamdrin In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

28 Mount Kailash North And West Faces From Between Tamdrin And Dirapuk In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Slowly as I trek up the Lha Chu Valley the Mount Kailash North Face comes into view and just 20 minutes past Tamdrin I get a perfect view of the edge of the Kailash North and West Faces.

28 Mount Kailash North And West Faces From Between Tamdrin And Dirapuk In The Lha Chu Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

29 Chortens Lead The Way To Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail turns to the north east with many chortens leading the way to Dirapuk Gompa (5074m).

29 Chortens Lead The Way To Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

30 Mount Kailash North Face from Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora There is a perfect view of Mount Kailash North Face from Dirapuk Gompa.

30 Mount Kailash North Face from Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

31 Dirapuk Gompa Entrance Steps On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A series of steps lead to the entrance to Dirapuk Gompa (5074m). Dirapuk takes its name from the words dira meaning female-yak-horn and puk meaning cave. The great monk Gotsangpa meditated her, supposedly from 1213 to 1217, and Buddhists say he first discovered the kora route around Kailash. He was led to Dirapuk by a yak that turned out to be the lion-faced-goddess Dakini (Tib, Khandroma), who guards the Khando Sanglam La.

31 Dirapuk Gompa Entrance Steps On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

32 Pilgrims In The Assembly Hall Of Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Pilgrims walk reverently around the assembly hall of Dirapuk Gompa.

32 Pilgrims In The Assembly Hall Of Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

33 Paintings Outside Cave Of The Female Yak Horns Dirapuk Gompa Lion-Faced Goddess Dakini Simhamukha Senge Dongma, Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche, Milarepa, Marpa, Shangpa Karpo, Shri Devi Palden Lhamo At the back of the Dirapuk Gompa is the cave of the female yak horns. Murals surround the entrance including the lion-faced-goddess Dakini Simhamukha (Tib. Senge Dongma). The face is a white lion with three round orange eyes blazing fiercely with a gaping mouth, and hair flowing upward. The right hand holds upraised a curved knife to the sky, left a skullcup of blood to the heart, carrying a khatvanga staff tipped with a trident in the bend of the elbow supported against the shoulder. Above to the left is Buddha, then Chakrasamvara (Tib. Demchog) in yab-yum with Vajrayogini (Tib. Dorje Phagmo), Padmasambhava (Tib. Guru Rinpoche), Milarepa holding his hand to his ear, Milarepa’s teacher Marpa, At the lower left is the worldly protector Shangpa Karpo, white, with one face and two hands holding a lance in the right and a bowl of jewels in the left; riding a white horse. I’m not sure who the figure is to the right of lion-faced goddess. He is white with one face and two hands holding upraised in the right a riding whip and in the left a spear with a red banner. The final figure to the lower right is Shri Devi (Tib. Palden Lhamo), dark blue in colour, riding side saddle on a white mule with a sword in her upper right, a skullcup in her lower right, and khatvanga in her first right hand and another staff in her far right hand. She has a sun and moon disc at her waist.

33 Paintings Outside Cave Of The Female Yak Horns Dirapuk Gompa Lion-Faced Goddess Dakini Simhamukha Senge Dongma, Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche, Milarepa, Marpa, Shangpa Karpo, Shri Devi Palden Lhamo

34 Entrance To The Cave Of The Female Yak Horns At The Back Of Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A small opening at the back of the Dirapuk Gompa leads to the slanted rood of the cave of the female yak horns. I’m not sure who the figure is to the left. He is white with one face and two hands holding upraised in the right a riding whip and in the left a spear with a red banner. The final figure to the lower right is Shri Devi (Tib. Palden Lhamo), dark blue in colour, riding side saddle on a white mule with a sword in her upper right, a skullcup in her lower right, and khatvanga in her first right hand and another staff in her far right hand. She has a sun and moon disc at her waist.

34 Entrance To The Cave Of The Female Yak Horns At The Back Of Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

35 Cave Of The Female Yak Horns At The Back Of Dirapuk Gompa Has Statues Of Gotsangpa and Milarepa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The cave of the female yak horns at Dirapuk Gompa has a slanted roof with statues of Gotsangpa and Milarepa on the seat where Gotsangpa meditated for three years.

35 Cave Of The Female Yak Horns At The Back Of Dirapuk Gompa Has Statues Of Gotsangpa and Milarepa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

36 Mount Kailash North Face And Golden Deer And Dharma Wheel From The Roof Of Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The roof of the Dirapuk Gompa with the golden deer and dharma wheel has a perfect view of Mount Kailash North Face.

36 Mount Kailash North Face And Golden Deer And Dharma Wheel From The Roof Of Dirapuk Gompa On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

37 Shishapangma Guesthouse Just Below Dirapuk Gompa With Clean Bedrooms, A Small Shop And Warm Dining Room On Mount Kailash Outer Kora I stayed at the basic and fairly comfortable Shishapangma Guesthouse just below Dirapuk Gompa with clean bedrooms, a small shop and a warm dining room that serves noodles.

37 Shishapangma Guesthouse Just Below Dirapuk Gompa With Clean Bedrooms, A Small Shop And Warm Dining Room On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

38 Mount Kailash North Face At Sunset On Mount Kailash Outer Kora In October the setting sun doesn’t shine on Mount Kailash North Face. When I was here in July 2006, the sun did illuminate the face at sunset.

38 Mount Kailash North Face At Sunset On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

39 Moon Shines On Mount Kailash North Face Just After Sunset On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The moon shines on the Mount Kailash North Face just after sunset.

39 Moon Shines On Mount Kailash North Face Just After Sunset On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

40 Sunrise On Mount Kailash North Face On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The sun very quickly descends Mount Kailash North Face at sunrise from Dirapuk.

40 Sunrise On Mount Kailash North Face On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

41 Mount Kailash North Face Sunrise From Dirapuk On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Sunrise on Mount Kailash North Face is just perfect from Dirapuk.

41 Mount Kailash North Face Sunrise From Dirapuk On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

42 Mount Kailash East And North Faces And Jagged Shama Ri East Ridge From Just Beyond Dirapuk On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail from Dirapuk crosses a bridge and follows a broad shelf above the Dolma Chu. After only 30 minutes a perfect view of the start of the Mount Kailash East Face comes into to the east of the North Face. The north side of the sharp jagged ridge called Shama Ri, extends to the east of Mount Kailash. This ridge represents the 18 Hells: 8 Cold, 8 Hot, and 2 Trial Hells. Its treacherous appearance serves as a sober reminder to pilgrims that hell exists and perhaps looks like this. A short truncated glacier with a small but distinct terminal, lateral, and medial moraines descends from the rocky eastern arm of the east and north faces of Kailash, down through the Polung Valley between the Avalokiteshvara (Tib. Chenrezig) and Manjushri (Tib. Jampelyang) peaks.

42 Mount Kailash East And North Faces And Jagged Shama Ri East Ridge From Just Beyond Dirapuk On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

43 Mount Kailash East And North Faces Close Up From Just Beyond Dirapuk On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The early morning sun shines on Mount Kailash East and North Faces after trekking 30 minutes from Dirapuk.

43 Mount Kailash East And North Faces Close Up From Just Beyond Dirapuk On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

44 Early Morning Sun Highlights The Jagged Ridges Of Avalokiteshvara Chenrezig Guardian Peak With Mount Kailash North Face From Just Before Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The early morning sun highlights the jagged ridges of the guardian peak Avalokiteshvara (Tib. Chenrezig) with the north face of Mount Kailash to the right.

44 Early Morning Sun Highlights The Jagged Ridges Of Avalokiteshvara Chenrezig Guardian Peak With Mount Kailash North Face From Just Before Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

45 Shiva Tsal Is A Rocky Expanse Draped With Items Of Clothing Where Pilgrims Undergo A Symbolic Death On Mount Kailash Outer Kora It took just an hour to trek from Dirapuk to Shiva Tsal (5371m), said to be a replica of the fabled burial ground at Bodh Gaya India. To be reborn one must first die, and here the pilgrims face Yama, the Lord of Death, whose judgment purifies him for the new life awarded atop the Dölma La.

45 Shiva Tsal Is A Rocky Expanse Draped With Items Of Clothing Where Pilgrims Undergo A Symbolic Death On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

46 Prayer Flags And Pilgrim Clothing On Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Shiva Tsal (5371m) is a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with items of clothing. Pilgrims are supposed to undergo a symbolic death at this point, leaving their old life behind along with an item of clothing to represent it, a drop of blood or a lock of hair.

46 Prayer Flags And Pilgrim Clothing On Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

47 Khandro Sanglam La The Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma Is An Alternative Route Around Mount Kailash In The Early Morning Sun From Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Across the valley from Shiva Tsal, a trail branches off to the southeast over the snow-covered Khandro Sanglam La, the Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma. This alternative route around Kailash bypasses the Dölma La, which tradition says can only be crossed if you have completed 12 previous koras.

47 Khandro Sanglam La The Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma Is An Alternative Route Around Mount Kailash In The Early Morning Sun From Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

48 Milarepa Rock Footprint From Just After Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Just a few minutes after leaving Shiva Tsal, the trail passes a rock with a footprint of Milarepa.

48 Milarepa Rock Footprint From Just After Shiva Tsal On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

49 Pilgrims Walk Toward Dolma La, Last View Of Mount Kailash, Peak To South East Of Dolma La, Steep Climb Towards Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Pilgrims walk towards Dolma La. The last view of Mount Kailash is just before the steep climb towards the Dolma La with the peak to the south east side of the Dolma La coming into view.

49 Pilgrims Walk Toward Dolma La, Last View Of Mount Kailash, Peak To South East Of Dolma La, Steep Climb Towards Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

50 Dolma La Is Just Ahead On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The Dolma La (5653m) is just ahead.

50 Dolma La Is Just Ahead On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

51 Jerome Ryan On Dolma La With Dolma Rock To Left Jerome Ryan on the Dolma La (5653m) at 9:00, just two and a half hours after leaving Dirapuk.

51 Jerome Ryan On Dolma La With Dolma Rock To Left

52 Dolma La Is Covered With Prayer Flags On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The Dolma La (5653m) is absolutely covered with prayer flags. The crossing over this pass represents a transition from the former life to a new one with all of the previous sins forgiven by the compassionate Goddess of Mercy, Dolma (Tara).

52 Dolma La Is Covered With Prayer Flags On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

53 The Peak South Of Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The peak to south of the Dolma La.

53 The Peak South Of Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

54 Tashi Connects Prayer Flags To Top Of Dolma Do Rock On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Only the shape of the large Dolma Do, Rock of Dolma (Tara), that Tibetans call Phawang Mebar is visible beneath all the prayer flags. My local guide Tashi connects his prayer flags to the rock.

54 Tashi Connects Prayer Flags To Top Of Dolma Do Rock On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

55 Emerald Gaurikund Lake Just After the Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Just after the Dolma La, the trail descends steeply to the emerald lake called Gaurikund by the Hindus. Hindus are supposed to take a ritual bath here, a baptism into their new life. The Tibetans call it Tukji Chenpo Tso, the lake of compassion.

55 Emerald Gaurikund Lake Just After the Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

56 Peaks Above Lham Chu Eastern Valley On Descent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora On the descent from the Dolma La, the view ahead is to the peaks on the far side of the Lham Chu Eastern Valley. The peaks to the right of centre are called Tsering Chenga, the abode of five sister protectoresses, who were entrusted by Milarepa to guard Kailash.

56 Peaks Above Lham Chu Eastern Valley On Descent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

57 Axe Of Karma Rock Formation On Descent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora As a last remembrance of past trials he sees a strange upright rock, in the shape of an axe, on his way down to the valley. It is the emblem of the King of Death, and it is called the axe of Karma. To the pious pilgrim it has lost its power through the mercy of Tara, the Saviouress, because mercy is stronger than Karma; it washes away our past deeds in the tears of compassion for all suffering beings. Sharing the suffering of all leaves no place for one's own suffering, and finally results in one's growing beyond one's own little ego. - The Way of the White Clouds by Lama Anagarika Govinda.

57 Axe Of Karma Rock Formation On Descent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

58 Milarepa Footprint Just Before Eastern Valley On Descent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail passes another footprint of Milarepa just before reaching the eastern valley on the descent from the Dolma La.

58 Milarepa Footprint Just Before Eastern Valley On Descent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

59 Eastern Valley After Descent From Dolma La With A Buddha Footprint Imbedded On Top Of Large Boulder On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail took an hour to reach the Eastern Valley (5235m,10:15) from the Dolma La. To the right of the trail beside a stone wall is Buddha footprint imbedded on top of the boulder. The pilgrims who run the seasonal nomad refreshment tent were packing up for the seasons and heading home.

59 Eastern Valley After Descent From Dolma La With A Buddha Footprint Imbedded On Top Of Large Boulder On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

60 Mount Kailash South, East and North Faces From The Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora About 30 minutes from the end of the descent from the Dolma La, a valley comes down from the Khando Sanglam La to join the main trail. This valley provides the only glimpse of the Eastern or crystal Face of Mount Kailash. The Kailash South Face is to the left and the North Face is to the right.

60 Mount Kailash South, East and North Faces From The Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

61 Mount Kailash South, East and North Faces From The Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora A bit more of the Kailash Eastern Face comes into view as the trail descends the Eastern Valley. The Kailash South Face is to the left and a bit of the North Face is to the right.

61 Mount Kailash South, East and North Faces From The Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

62 Mount Kailash East Face, Yaks, Nomad Tents On Descent Down Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail gradually descends down the Eastern Valley past a view to the Kailash East Face, yaks and temporary nomad tents.

62 Mount Kailash East Face, Yaks, Nomad Tents On Descent Down Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

63 Zutulpuk Gompa Outside In Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Zutulpuk Gompa (4828m, 13:20) is named after a miracle (zutul) cave (puk).

63 Zutulpuk Gompa Outside In Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

64 Zutulpuk Gompa Entrance In Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The entrance door to Zutulpuk Gompa, with the Guardian of The West on the left, and the Guardian of the North to the right.

64 Zutulpuk Gompa Entrance In Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

65 Zutulpuk Gompa Main Altar, Pilgrims, Milarepa Statue In The Miracle Cave On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The main altar of Zutulpuk Gompa (4828m) contains statues of Shakyamuni, and Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) just to the left of the miracle cave. Many pilgrims were visiting the Gompa and praying to the statue of Milarepa in the miracle cave.

65 Zutulpuk Gompa Main Altar, Pilgrims, Milarepa Statue In The Miracle Cave On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

66 Zutulpuk Gompa Milarepa Footprint On Roof Of Miracle Cave On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Milarepa is said to have meditated in the miracle cave at Zutulpuk Gompa and had another confrontation with Bon Naro Bonchung. Needing shelter from the rain, they agreed to jointly construct a cave but when Milarepa casually put a roof in place, without waiting for Naro to make the walls, it was another easy victory for Buddhism, Milarepa then decided the roof was too high and went outside and pressed it down with this foot, leaving a footprint. Back inside, he realized he’d pushed it too far, but some more shoving from below adjusted things to his satisfaction. His hand and head prints can be seen on the cave ceiling but the Gompa roof covers the footprint atop the cave.

66 Zutulpuk Gompa Milarepa Footprint On Roof Of Miracle Cave On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

67 Easy Trail From Zutulpuk Gompa Down Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail from Zutulpuk is an easy stroll down the Eastern Valley.

67 Easy Trail From Zutulpuk Gompa Down Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

68 Trangser Trangmar Gold And Red Cliffs In Eastern Valley Just Before Exit To Barkha Plain On Mount Kailash Outer Kora Just before reaching the Barkha Plain, the Eastern Valley narrows and explodes in a last display of colour. Tibetan’s call this place Trangser Trangmar, Gold and Red Cliffs, a canyon splashed with mineral colour. Orange boulders tumbled down a blue slope; a few steps later the hues were green and purple, red and black.

68 Trangser Trangmar Gold And Red Cliffs In Eastern Valley Just Before Exit To Barkha Plain On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

69 Barkha Plain With Gurla Mandhata At Eastern Valley Exit On Mount Kailash Outer Kora The trail exits the Eastern Valley onto the Barkha plain (4697m, 15:00) with Gurla Mandhata (7728m) beyond.

69 Barkha Plain With Gurla Mandhata At Eastern Valley Exit On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

70 Pilgrims Prostrate The Mount Kailash Outer Kora Some pilgrims complete the 52km Mount Kailash Kora doing full-body prostrations along the ground, a slow journey that can take a few weeks.

70 Pilgrims Prostrate The Mount Kailash Outer Kora

71 Pilgrims Nearing The End Of Their Prostration Mount Kailash Outer Kora On The Final Stretch To Darchen Pilgrims prostrate the Mount Kailash Kora by placing their hands together above their head, lying down and spreading full length on the ground, standing up and walking two steps to where their hands touched the ground, and repeating again and again and again

71 Pilgrims Nearing The End Of Their Prostration Mount Kailash Outer Kora On The Final Stretch To Darchen

72 Mount Kailash Outer Kora Ends At Darchen With Barkha Plain And Gurla Mandhata Beyond We completed the Mount Kailash Outer Kora when we got back to Darchen (4681m, 16:00), nine and a half hours after leaving Dirapuk.

72 Mount Kailash Outer Kora Ends At Darchen With Barkha Plain And Gurla Mandhata Beyond