Kora Routes
52km Sacred Circuit · 13 Supply Stations · 3 Itinerary Options
2-Day Kora
For experienced trekkers with good altitude adaptation
52 km
Distance
2 Days 1 Night
Duration
Hard
Difficulty
Day 1: Darchen to Drirapuk (22km). Day 2: Start at 3-4 AM, cross Drolma La and return to Darchen (30km). Only one night stay, extremely demanding second day.
⚠️ Day 2 requires 30km with 5648m pass crossing. Extremely demanding. Not recommended for first-time pilgrims.
3-Day Kora
Standard itinerary · Comfortable pace for most pilgrims
52 km
Distance
3 Days 2 Nights
Duration
Moderate
Difficulty
The classic Kora itinerary. Day 1 for altitude adaptation, Day 2 for pass crossing, Day 3 easy return. Two nights at Drirapuk and Zunzhepu. Reasonable pace for most pilgrims.
1-Day Kora
Extreme challenge · For experienced pilgrims or elite endurance athletes only
52-56 km
Distance
1 Day (12-22 hours)
Duration
Extreme
Difficulty
Completing the 52-56 km outer Kora in one day is the most challenging form of pilgrimage. Elevation 4560m→5648m→4560m. Ultimate test of fitness, altitude adaptation, and willpower. Every year there are rescue cases due to altitude sickness, hypothermia, and getting lost.
⚠️ Extremely high risk! Rescue cases occur every year. Only for three groups: experienced Tibetan pilgrims, professional endurance athletes/trail runners, and rare hardcore trekkers with exceptional fitness. Ordinary tourists must NOT attempt!
Day-by-Day Details (3-Day Standard)
Darchen → Drirapuk
22 km · 4600m → 5200m · 6-8 hours
Depart from Darchen, pass Choku Gompa, follow Lhaqu Valley upstream to Drirapuk. Gentle terrain for altitude adaptation. Drirapuk faces Kailash's north face—perfect for photos.
💡 Don't rush on Day 1. Allow time for altitude adaptation. Lodging is basic—bring a -10°C sleeping bag.
Drirapuk → Zunzhepu
18 km · 5200m → 5648m → 4800m · 8-10 hours
The hardest day. Depart early to cross 5648m Drolma La, the highest point. Descend past Tsoji Lake (Mercy Lake) to Zunzhepu Temple. Multiple teahouses along the way for rest and resupply.
💡 The 1km before the pass is steepest—pace yourself. Protect knees on descent. Zunzhepu lodging is more basic than Drirapuk and may be full in peak season.
Zunzhepu → Darchen
12 km · 4800m → 4600m · 3-4 hours
Easy day with gentle descent through the canyon back to Darchen. Victory is near—last rest stop at Zongdui Teahouse.
💡 Victory is near but stay careful—watch your step. Celebrate with a good meal back in Darchen!
13 Supply Stations
#1 Darchen (Start)
4560m0km
Major town: lodging, dining, shopping, medical services
#2 Choku Gompa
4750m+3.8km
Small teahouse, recommended stop 10–20 min
#3 Choku Bridge
4800m+2.6km
Roadside stall
#4 Jomu Waterfall
4900m+4.5km
Temporary shelter
#5 Hayagriva Rock Teahouse
5000m+2.3km
Medium teahouse
#6 Drirapuk Gompa
5200m+4.2km (D1 Camp)
Major supply station: restaurant + lodging + shop
#7 Drolma La Pass
5648m+5.8km (Highest Point)
Prayer flags & mani stones only. Stop 5–10 min, pass quickly. Stay warm & windproof
#8 Tsoji Lake
5400m+2.6km
Small teahouse
#9 3rd Immovable Peg Teahouse
5100m+2.4km
Small teahouse
#10 Zunzhepu Temple
4800m+3.2km (D2 Camp)
Medium supply station: restaurant + lodging
#11 Zongdui Teahouse
4700m+4.5km
Small teahouse
#12 4th Immovable Peg
4650m+3.8km
Roadside stall
#13 Darchen (Finish)
4560m+2.5km
Major town: celebrate your completion!
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