| Feature | Outer Kora | Inner Kora |
| Length | Approximately 52 km (32 miles) | Approximately 20-34 km (12-21 miles) |
| Duration | Typically 2-3 days on foot | Typically 1-2 days on foot |
| Accessibility | Generally accessible to most pilgrims | Stricter regulations; may require special permission |
| Route Highlights | Darchen (start), Shivasthal, Dirapuk Gompa, Dolma La Pass, Zutulpuk Gompa | Nandi Pad, Ashtapad (closest view of Kailash’s south face) |
| Difficulty | Challenging due to altitude and distance | More strenuous and potentially involves steeper sections and higher altitudes |
| Spiritual Focus | Circumambulating the entire holy mountain | Closer proximity and unique perspectives of Kailash |
| Significance | Completes a full spiritual circuit | Considered more sacred and often for advanced practitioners |
Inner Kora Vs Outer Kora: The Complete Guide to the Kailash Parikrama
Understand Which Kailash Kora is Right for You: A Detailed Comparison of the Inner and Outer Paths, Duration, and Spiritual Importance.
Outer Kora
The Outer Kora is the traditional and most common parikrama. It’s a physically demanding trek that takes pilgrims around the entire base of Mount Kailash. The route passes through valleys, across high mountain passes (like the famous Dolma La Pass at over 5,600 meters / 18,400 feet), and offers stunning panoramic views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. This Kora is accessible to most pilgrims who are reasonably fit and have acclimatized to the high altitude. Completing the Outer Kora is a significant spiritual accomplishment for devotees.
Inner Kora
The Inner Kora is a shorter, more challenging, and less frequently undertaken parikrama. It ventures closer to the base of Mount Kailash, offering unique and powerful perspectives, particularly of the mountain’s majestic south face. The Inner Kora route typically includes visits to Nandi Pad (believed to be the resting place of Lord Shiva’s bull) and Ashtapad (the eight sacred steps said to be the first place where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained enlightenment). Access to the Inner Kora can be restricted, and it is often considered a more advanced spiritual practice. The terrain can be steeper and more challenging than the Outer Kora.
Which Kora Should You Choose?
The choice between the Inner and Outer Kora depends on several factors:
- Physical Fitness: The Inner Kora is generally more physically demanding.
- Time Availability: The Outer Kora requires more time.
- Spiritual Inclination: Those seeking closer proximity and unique views might be drawn to the Inner Kora.
- Regulations and Permissions: Access to the Inner Kora might have stricter requirements.
- Previous Experience: Some pilgrims undertake the Inner Kora after completing the Outer Kora multiple times.