Pilgrimage to Kailash in the Year of the Horse — KoraGuard’s Essential Preparation Guide
The Year of the Horse is approaching — a sacred year for pilgrims to Mount Kailash.
According to Tibetan tradition, completing the kora during this year brings thirteen times the spiritual merit. Naturally, thousands will flock to Tibet to make their journey around the sacred mountain.
Having completed multiple kora experiences across different seasons, the KoraGuard team has prepared this guide for pilgrims planning their journey in 2026.
🏔️ 1. Accommodation: The Biggest Challenge Ahead
The full Kailash kora loop is 48 km, usually completed in two days.
There are only two main places to stay overnight — Dirapuk Monastery and Zutrulpuk (Sky Burial Site) — with extremely limited beds.
This summer, all rooms were sold out weeks in advance. Next year will be even tougher.
Our tips:
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Bring your own camping gear (though technically restricted, it’s rarely enforced).
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Try the one-day kora if your stamina allows.
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Stay outside the core area — Hor Township or Purang County are good options.
🏕️ 2. Overcrowded and Pricey Stays at Darchen
Darchen (塔尔钦) is the base camp for the kora. During peak times, rooms become scarce and overpriced.
During the Saga Dawa Festival, basic beds reached 250 RMB and standard rooms 600 RMB or more.
If accommodations are full:
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Stay in Hor (40 km away) or Purang (100 km away).
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Camp near Darchen if you drive.
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Watch for newly built hotels, though demand will still exceed supply.
🎫 3. Ticket Reservations
The park now uses a daily booking quota (2,000 visitors).
Tibetan pilgrims can enter freely, but foreign and Chinese mainland visitors must reserve tickets.
Recommendations:
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Book early when available.
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Start at 4 a.m. — early entrants often skip the checkpoint.
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If entry is closed, consider the counter-clockwise kora (Bon tradition).
🙏 The KoraGuard Way
For those unable to make the journey physically, KoraGuard offers the Kailash Blessing Service —
a sacred pilgrimage performed on your behalf, with photo documentation and spiritual gifts returned to you.
When your heart seeks Kailash, we’ll walk the path for you.