Kora around Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash is Asia's holiest mountain and was the pinnacle of our time in Tibet.  A Kora is performed by making a walking circumambulation around a temple, stupa, or other sacred site. 3 Koras around Mt. Kailash is believed by the Tibetans to wash away the sins of a lifetime and 108 times around will grant you instant nirvana. We went for just one.
Starting at above 15,000 feet and topping out at 18, 472 feet, it is no easy task.  For 3 days we walked clockwise around Kailash, passed by Tibetan pilgrims that make the Kora in 1 day. At 15,000 plus feet, the air is so thin, that simply trying to zip up your sleeping bag takes considerable energy and leaves you winded.

Mt. Kailash nodding to the North

Cyiu Monastery-lake Manasarova

 Lake Manasarovar- Tibetan Holy Lake

Small village we stayed in before the trek- 

Hindus, who also make the trek around Kailash, 

submerge themselves in this lake as purification 

before the Kora-which they call a Parikrama

O Mani Padme Om Stones

Road to begin the Kora

First Prostration Point

Mt Kailash

First day of the trek

Early Morning Himalayas

North Face of Mt. Kailash

Tibetan Teenagers

Dorma La Pass- 18, 472

The trail down the other side of the pass

Caught in the snow

Our Yaks- Mocha & Espresso

Back at the starting point, getting warm

A prostrating devote Buddhist. He has spent the last 3 weeks prostrating his way around Mt. Kailash. Note the knee pads and heavy gloves.  Blows my mind.