Mount Kailash Kora 14-Day Pilgrimage Trek from Lhasa

Fourteen days, and the acclimatization days in Lhasa beforehand were essential, the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are incredible in their own right. The three-day kora around Mount Kailash was the hardest and most meaningful thing I've ever done. Crossing Drolma La at 5,630m surrounded by pilgrims was overwhelming.

This is a genuine pilgrimage, not a hike with a view. The slow build from Lhasa across the plateau to Darchen prepares you body and mind. Our guide carried extra oxygen and watched everyone's altitude carefully. Walking the kora with Tibetan and Hindu pilgrims was profoundly moving.

I came for the sacred Kailash kora and it exceeded everything. The 14-day pacing meant we were properly acclimatized before Drolma La pass. The drive across the Tibetan plateau to Darchen was scenery I'll never forget. Logistics, permits, food, all handled flawlessly.

An extraordinary journey, but be honest with yourself about fitness and altitude, the 5,630m pass is no joke. The Lhasa acclimatization and gradual plateau drive really do help. Our guide was patient and the food on the trek was better than expected. Life-changing.