A place where profound transformation of the body, mind, and spirit unfolds
Kailash (Tibetan: Ti-se, ཏི་སེ་) is known as the “Snow Jewel.” Mysterious, unfathomable, and sacred, it has been described this way for centuries by explorers, pilgrims, and seekers alike.
Nearly a billion followers of four major spiritual traditions regard Kailash as the axis of the Earth, the center of the world, and the dwelling place of the gods. It draws people toward itself like a powerful magnet, first and foremost because of its extraordinary form.
Kailash rises as an almost perfectly symmetrical four-sided pyramid, its faces aligned with the cardinal directions. Its rounded summit is crowned with eternal ice, resembling a giant crystal. Ancient texts describe Kailash as a mountain standing at the center of an eight-petaled lotus. Indeed, eight mountain formations surround the sacred peak, creating what are known as the Eight Sacred Valleys.
Since ancient times, the Kailash region has been revered as one of the holiest places on Earth and is traditionally regarded as the place of Lord Shiva’s Samadhi.
The realm of Kailash is considered the primordial source and foundation of all creation. A journey here is, in many ways, a journey into the deepest mysteries of one's own nature. In Buddhist tradition, the Kailash region is often described as a paradise realm.
This is a unique place where people frequently experience spontaneous insights, profound inner transformations, and a complete re-evaluation of their lives. Many find themselves gaining a clearer understanding of their true nature, their limitations, and their hidden potential.
For countless pilgrims, Kailash becomes a place where important questions are answered, inner conflicts are resolved, and deep personal changes begin to unfold. According to ancient traditions, time spent in this region helps purify negative karma and accelerates spiritual evolution.
In the presence of Kailash, everything begins to look different.
It was here that yogis and spiritual practitioners of ancient times underwent some of the most demanding tests and transformations in pursuit of ultimate liberation and realization.
I do not wish to romanticize or embellish the Kailash Kora. I will tell it as it is.
Circumambulating the mountain is a demanding, transformative, and at times exhausting pilgrimage that pushes a person to the limits of both physical and psychological endurance. Here, under some of the harshest natural conditions on Earth, one inevitably comes face to face with oneself.
The average altitude throughout the pilgrimage exceeds 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). In the thin mountain air, amidst cold temperatures and constant physical exertion, not only the body changes, but the mind as well. Everything unnecessary becomes obvious, while inner processes are amplified many times over.
In spiritual traditions, Kailash is often referred to as the Sahasrara Chakra of our planet—the highest center of consciousness. It is a sacred mountain for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon tradition. Many masters regard it as the source of spiritual power for the entire Himalayan region, while some ancient legends connect this place to the origins of human civilization itself.
According to tradition, the Kora is considered spiritually complete only when it is walked entirely on foot, from beginning to end, without the use of horses or any form of transport.
During our pilgrimage, we will walk approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) through high-altitude terrain above 5,000 meters and cross the sacred Dolma-La Pass at 5,637 meters (18,494 feet).
A defining feature of my expedition is our commitment to completing the entire Kora as independently as possible, fully on foot, allowing us to experience this journey in all of its depth, intensity, and transformative power.
Kailash offers no guarantees and does not do the work for anyone. The mountain simply creates conditions in which it becomes much harder to run away from oneself.
Many travelers report that their perception of time changes dramatically near Kailash. A single day can feel like a week, and experiences gathered during the pilgrimage often leave the impression of having lived through months—or even years—of inner transformation.
Nearly a billion followers of four major spiritual traditions regard Kailash as the axis of the Earth, the center of the world, and the dwelling place of the gods. It draws people toward itself like a powerful magnet, first and foremost because of its extraordinary form.
Kailash rises as an almost perfectly symmetrical four-sided pyramid, its faces aligned with the cardinal directions. Its rounded summit is crowned with eternal ice, resembling a giant crystal. Ancient texts describe Kailash as a mountain standing at the center of an eight-petaled lotus. Indeed, eight mountain formations surround the sacred peak, creating what are known as the Eight Sacred Valleys.
Since ancient times, the Kailash region has been revered as one of the holiest places on Earth and is traditionally regarded as the place of Lord Shiva’s Samadhi.
The realm of Kailash is considered the primordial source and foundation of all creation. A journey here is, in many ways, a journey into the deepest mysteries of one's own nature. In Buddhist tradition, the Kailash region is often described as a paradise realm.
This is a unique place where people frequently experience spontaneous insights, profound inner transformations, and a complete re-evaluation of their lives. Many find themselves gaining a clearer understanding of their true nature, their limitations, and their hidden potential.
For countless pilgrims, Kailash becomes a place where important questions are answered, inner conflicts are resolved, and deep personal changes begin to unfold. According to ancient traditions, time spent in this region helps purify negative karma and accelerates spiritual evolution.
In the presence of Kailash, everything begins to look different.
It was here that yogis and spiritual practitioners of ancient times underwent some of the most demanding tests and transformations in pursuit of ultimate liberation and realization.
I do not wish to romanticize or embellish the Kailash Kora. I will tell it as it is.
Circumambulating the mountain is a demanding, transformative, and at times exhausting pilgrimage that pushes a person to the limits of both physical and psychological endurance. Here, under some of the harshest natural conditions on Earth, one inevitably comes face to face with oneself.
The average altitude throughout the pilgrimage exceeds 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). In the thin mountain air, amidst cold temperatures and constant physical exertion, not only the body changes, but the mind as well. Everything unnecessary becomes obvious, while inner processes are amplified many times over.
In spiritual traditions, Kailash is often referred to as the Sahasrara Chakra of our planet—the highest center of consciousness. It is a sacred mountain for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon tradition. Many masters regard it as the source of spiritual power for the entire Himalayan region, while some ancient legends connect this place to the origins of human civilization itself.
According to tradition, the Kora is considered spiritually complete only when it is walked entirely on foot, from beginning to end, without the use of horses or any form of transport.
During our pilgrimage, we will walk approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) through high-altitude terrain above 5,000 meters and cross the sacred Dolma-La Pass at 5,637 meters (18,494 feet).
A defining feature of my expedition is our commitment to completing the entire Kora as independently as possible, fully on foot, allowing us to experience this journey in all of its depth, intensity, and transformative power.
Kailash offers no guarantees and does not do the work for anyone. The mountain simply creates conditions in which it becomes much harder to run away from oneself.
Many travelers report that their perception of time changes dramatically near Kailash. A single day can feel like a week, and experiences gathered during the pilgrimage often leave the impression of having lived through months—or even years—of inner transformation.
If Kailash is calling you, do not ignore that call.
Perhaps this is the journey that will change your life forever.
Sacred Pilgrimage Sites Visited During the Expedition
If Kailash is known as the king of sacred mountains, then Manasarovar is the king of sacred lakes. For many pilgrims, it is the lake—not the mountain itself—that becomes the most profound experience of the entire journey.
The name comes from Sanskrit:
Manas — mind, consciousness, heart
Sarovar — lake
Together, the name can be translated as "The Lake of Consciousness" or "The Lake Born of the Mind."
According to Hindu tradition, the creator god Brahma first conceived the lake within his mind and then manifested it into the physical world. For this reason, Manasarovar is regarded not merely as a body of water, but as the material embodiment of pure consciousness.
- Elevation: approximately 4,590 m (15,060 ft)
- Surface area: about 320 km²
- Maximum depth: around 90 m
- One of the world's highest large freshwater lakes
On clear days, the northwestern shore offers one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Kailash.
A traditional Tibetan saying goes:
"Kailash is the Father. Manasarovar is the Mother."
For this reason, many pilgrims consider a visit to the lake to be just as important as completing the Kailash Kora itself.
Manasarovar is one of the rare places on Earth revered by several great spiritual traditions simultaneously.
For Hindus, it is the sacred lake of Shiva and Parvati. Bathing in its waters is believed to purify the consequences of past actions and bring one closer to liberation.
For Tibetan Buddhists, the lake symbolizes the purity of mind and enlightened awareness. It is often associated with the mythical Lake Anavatapta described in Buddhist cosmology.
For followers of the Bon tradition, it is one of the most important sacred sites within the Tise (Kailash) region.
For Jains, the lake is connected to the area where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained liberation.
Many visitors are unaware that Manasarovar also has its own Kora. The full circumambulation covers approximately 90 kilometers. Traditionally completed on foot, it is now often traveled by vehicle. Tibetans believe that the Kora of Manasarovar and the Kora of Kailash complement one another.
A traditional saying expresses this beautifully:
The Kora of Kailash purifies the karma of the body.
The Kora of Manasarovar purifies the karma of the mind.
Many ancient Tibetan accounts connect Guru Rinpoche not primarily with Mount Kailash itself, but with Lake Manasarovar.
According to one tradition, he spent the final days before leaving this world in a cave on the lake’s northwestern shore.
For this reason, some pilgrims believe that Manasarovar carries not only the blessings of Shiva and Parvati, but also the presence and blessing of Guru Rinpoche himself.
There are places that impress the mind, and places that touch the heart.
For many pilgrims, Manasarovar is both.
If Milarepa is considered the great yogi of the Kailash Kora itself, then Padmasambhava—Guru Rinpoche—is a figure of far broader significance.
For Tibetans, he is the master who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet, subdued local spirits and deities, transformed ancient power places into Buddhist sacred sites, and revealed the network of hidden spiritual realms known as beyuls. Because of this, Padmasambhava’s connection to the Kailash region is felt not only through the Kora itself, but throughout the entire sacred landscape of Western Tibet.
Numerous Tibetan traditions recount that Guru Rinpoche practiced in the region of Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, meditated in its caves, and consecrated many of its sacred places.
Chiu Gompa — Padmasambhava's Most Sacred Site Near Kailash
If there is one place near Kailash most closely associated with Padmasambhava, it is Chiu Gompa.
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the waters of Lake Manasarovar, the monastery resembles a fortress suspended between earth and sky.
According to Tibetan tradition:
While Kailash is often associated with Shiva, yogic austerities, and the transformative power of the Kora, Chiu Gompa carries a different atmosphere—one of blessing, transmission, and the living presence of Guru Rinpoche.
For many pilgrims, a visit to Chiu is not simply a stop along the journey, but an opportunity to connect with one of the most revered masters in the history of Tibetan Buddhism while overlooking the vast sacred waters of Manasarovar.
For Tibetans, he is the master who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet, subdued local spirits and deities, transformed ancient power places into Buddhist sacred sites, and revealed the network of hidden spiritual realms known as beyuls. Because of this, Padmasambhava’s connection to the Kailash region is felt not only through the Kora itself, but throughout the entire sacred landscape of Western Tibet.
Numerous Tibetan traditions recount that Guru Rinpoche practiced in the region of Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, meditated in its caves, and consecrated many of its sacred places.
Chiu Gompa — Padmasambhava's Most Sacred Site Near Kailash
If there is one place near Kailash most closely associated with Padmasambhava, it is Chiu Gompa.
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the waters of Lake Manasarovar, the monastery resembles a fortress suspended between earth and sky.
According to Tibetan tradition:
- Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave located here.
- The cave itself is preserved within the monastery and remains a place of pilgrimage.
- Pilgrims are shown an imprint in the rock believed to be either the footprint of Guru Rinpoche or, according to another tradition, that of his spiritual consort Yeshe Tsogyal.
While Kailash is often associated with Shiva, yogic austerities, and the transformative power of the Kora, Chiu Gompa carries a different atmosphere—one of blessing, transmission, and the living presence of Guru Rinpoche.
For many pilgrims, a visit to Chiu is not simply a stop along the journey, but an opportunity to connect with one of the most revered masters in the history of Tibetan Buddhism while overlooking the vast sacred waters of Manasarovar.
Chuku Gompa — The Monastery of Yogis and Hermits
Chuku Gompa (also spelled Chugu, Choku, or Chuku Gompa) is one of the oldest and most atmospheric monasteries in the Kailash region. Many pilgrims pass by it or glimpse it only from afar on the first day of the Kora, yet for Tibetans it is regarded as a powerful place of spiritual practice, deeply connected with early yogis, hermits, and the Kagyu lineage.
The monastery is situated west of Darchen, high above the Lha-Chu Valley on a rocky cliffside. Built directly into the mountainside, it appears almost like an eagle’s nest overlooking the gorge below.
Tradition holds that the monastery was established in the 13th century as a place of retreat and pilgrimage. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, one of the major branches of Tibetan Buddhism's Kagyu school.
Its founder is believed to be Gotshangpa Gompo Pel, the renowned yogi of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage and disciple of Tsangpa Gyare. He was one of the great masters who helped establish and develop the tradition of pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
According to local tradition, Gotshangpa spent long periods in retreat in caves near the present-day monastery. It is said that through his practice, this place became spiritually charged and sacred. Even today, pilgrims are shown meditation caves associated with his retreats.
Chuku Gompa is also home to one of Kailash's most revered relics—a sacred silver conch shell believed in Tibetan tradition to be connected with Milarepa. The relic is said to carry the blessing of the great yogi and remains an object of deep devotion.
Some older Tibetan guides recount that Milarepa himself visited the Chuku area during his journeys around Kailash and meditated in caves throughout the surrounding mountains.
The Legacy of Milarepa and the Bon Tradition
Before the spread of Buddhism in Tibet, the Kailash region was one of the principal centers of the ancient Bon religion.
According to one of Tibet's most famous spiritual legends, it was in this region that the great contest took place between Milarepa and the Bon master Naro Bonchung. Following Milarepa's victory, many sacred sites around Kailash became associated with the Buddhist Kagyu tradition.
Although the most famous episodes of this story are usually linked to Zutulpuk and the northern face of Kailash, the entire chain of monasteries along the Kora is often viewed as part of a sacred landscape blessed by Milarepa's presence.
Inside the Monastery
Visitors to Chuku Gompa are typically shown:
The feeling at Chuku is very different from that of Dirapuk.
If Dirapuk is known for the overwhelming majesty of Kailash's northern face, Chuku feels like the domain of ancient yogis and hermits.
It is smaller, quieter, and far less visited. What many pilgrims notice here is not the grandeur of a pilgrimage destination, but the lingering presence of retreat practice and solitary meditation.
Walking slowly around the monastery and observing the surrounding cliffs, one can spot numerous small caves and niches carved into the rock.
Tibetans believe that many of these caves were once used for traditional three-year retreats, while others are associated with practitioners of the Kagyu lineage. For this reason, Chuku is sometimes described as one of the hidden centers of meditative practice around Kailash.
For those who return to the Kora again and again, Chuku often becomes every bit as meaningful as the more famous Dirapuk. It may lack the dramatic scale of Kailash's northern face, but it offers something equally precious—a living connection to the ancient yogic traditions that have flourished in these mountains for centuries.
Chuku Gompa (also spelled Chugu, Choku, or Chuku Gompa) is one of the oldest and most atmospheric monasteries in the Kailash region. Many pilgrims pass by it or glimpse it only from afar on the first day of the Kora, yet for Tibetans it is regarded as a powerful place of spiritual practice, deeply connected with early yogis, hermits, and the Kagyu lineage.
The monastery is situated west of Darchen, high above the Lha-Chu Valley on a rocky cliffside. Built directly into the mountainside, it appears almost like an eagle’s nest overlooking the gorge below.
Tradition holds that the monastery was established in the 13th century as a place of retreat and pilgrimage. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, one of the major branches of Tibetan Buddhism's Kagyu school.
Its founder is believed to be Gotshangpa Gompo Pel, the renowned yogi of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage and disciple of Tsangpa Gyare. He was one of the great masters who helped establish and develop the tradition of pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
According to local tradition, Gotshangpa spent long periods in retreat in caves near the present-day monastery. It is said that through his practice, this place became spiritually charged and sacred. Even today, pilgrims are shown meditation caves associated with his retreats.
Chuku Gompa is also home to one of Kailash's most revered relics—a sacred silver conch shell believed in Tibetan tradition to be connected with Milarepa. The relic is said to carry the blessing of the great yogi and remains an object of deep devotion.
Some older Tibetan guides recount that Milarepa himself visited the Chuku area during his journeys around Kailash and meditated in caves throughout the surrounding mountains.
The Legacy of Milarepa and the Bon Tradition
Before the spread of Buddhism in Tibet, the Kailash region was one of the principal centers of the ancient Bon religion.
According to one of Tibet's most famous spiritual legends, it was in this region that the great contest took place between Milarepa and the Bon master Naro Bonchung. Following Milarepa's victory, many sacred sites around Kailash became associated with the Buddhist Kagyu tradition.
Although the most famous episodes of this story are usually linked to Zutulpuk and the northern face of Kailash, the entire chain of monasteries along the Kora is often viewed as part of a sacred landscape blessed by Milarepa's presence.
Inside the Monastery
Visitors to Chuku Gompa are typically shown:
- A white stone statue of Amitabha Buddha (Opame)
- The sacred silver conch shell
- Ancient thangkas
- Images of great masters of the Kagyu lineage
- Small reliquaries and sacred objects
- Meditation caves connected with generations of practitioners
The feeling at Chuku is very different from that of Dirapuk.
If Dirapuk is known for the overwhelming majesty of Kailash's northern face, Chuku feels like the domain of ancient yogis and hermits.
It is smaller, quieter, and far less visited. What many pilgrims notice here is not the grandeur of a pilgrimage destination, but the lingering presence of retreat practice and solitary meditation.
Walking slowly around the monastery and observing the surrounding cliffs, one can spot numerous small caves and niches carved into the rock.
Tibetans believe that many of these caves were once used for traditional three-year retreats, while others are associated with practitioners of the Kagyu lineage. For this reason, Chuku is sometimes described as one of the hidden centers of meditative practice around Kailash.
For those who return to the Kora again and again, Chuku often becomes every bit as meaningful as the more famous Dirapuk. It may lack the dramatic scale of Kailash's northern face, but it offers something equally precious—a living connection to the ancient yogic traditions that have flourished in these mountains for centuries.
Dirapuk is the most famous monastery along the Outer Kora of Kailash and arguably the place with the most breathtaking view of the mountain's northern face. For many pilgrims, it is here that the first truly profound encounter with Kailash takes place.
Today, most pilgrimage groups spend the night near the monastery or in nearby guesthouses at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).
The name is commonly translated as "The Cave of the Female Yak" or "The Cave of the Dri" (the Tibetan word dri refers to a female yak). According to local legend, a sacred female yak guided a great practitioner to the site of the future monastery, revealing its spiritual significance.
Dirapuk belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. Its origins are associated with the great yogi Gotshangpa Gonpo Dorje (1189–1258), one of the most influential figures in the history of pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
According to tradition, it was Gotshangpa who systematized the route of the Kora and helped establish it as one of Tibet's great pilgrimage journeys.
Legend tells that during meditation he followed a female yak that eventually disappeared into a rock face. At that spot he discovered a sacred cave and entered retreat. In time, a monastery grew around the cave.
The Heart of the Outer Kora
In Tibetan sacred geography, the northern side of Kailash is considered the heart of the Outer Kora.
From Dirapuk, pilgrims receive the closest and most direct view of the North Face. Many believe this is where the mountain's famous vertical axis can be seen most clearly—a feature Tibetans often associate with the cosmic Mount Meru, the sacred center of the universe.
On clear days, visitors can distinguish:
The Place Where the Pilgrimage Truly Begins
Virtually every pilgrim passes through Dirapuk.
Historically, caravans rested here, yogis stopped here during their wanderings, and pilgrims gathered before crossing the formidable Dolma-La Pass.
For many, the first day of the Kora is simply preparation. The true pilgrimage begins upon arriving at Dirapuk.
Older Tibetans sometimes say:
"You have not truly seen Kailash until you have seen it from Dirapuk."
The Caves of Retreat
One of the most fascinating features of the area is the network of retreat caves surrounding the monastery.
Some are associated with:
More Than a Viewpoint
For Tibetans, Dirapuk is far more than a scenic overlook.
The North Face of Kailash is believed to help:
There is an interesting detail preserved in Tibetan tradition: historically, many pilgrims regarded the monastery itself as secondary. The true object of veneration was not the building, but the view of the North Face of Kailash.
In other words, Dirapuk exists because this is one of the most powerful places from which to contemplate the mountain.
Tibetans sometimes describe certain locations around Kailash as "gateways" through which its spiritual presence can be experienced most directly.
If Chuku is associated with retreat and ancient yogis, and Zutulpuk with the miracles of Milarepa, then Dirapuk is above all associated with direct contemplation of Kailash itself.
For this reason, Dirapuk often becomes the emotional and spiritual climax of the entire Outer Kora.
Today, most pilgrimage groups spend the night near the monastery or in nearby guesthouses at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).
The name is commonly translated as "The Cave of the Female Yak" or "The Cave of the Dri" (the Tibetan word dri refers to a female yak). According to local legend, a sacred female yak guided a great practitioner to the site of the future monastery, revealing its spiritual significance.
Dirapuk belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. Its origins are associated with the great yogi Gotshangpa Gonpo Dorje (1189–1258), one of the most influential figures in the history of pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
According to tradition, it was Gotshangpa who systematized the route of the Kora and helped establish it as one of Tibet's great pilgrimage journeys.
Legend tells that during meditation he followed a female yak that eventually disappeared into a rock face. At that spot he discovered a sacred cave and entered retreat. In time, a monastery grew around the cave.
The Heart of the Outer Kora
In Tibetan sacred geography, the northern side of Kailash is considered the heart of the Outer Kora.
From Dirapuk, pilgrims receive the closest and most direct view of the North Face. Many believe this is where the mountain's famous vertical axis can be seen most clearly—a feature Tibetans often associate with the cosmic Mount Meru, the sacred center of the universe.
On clear days, visitors can distinguish:
- The central snow-filled couloir
- Horizontal bands running across the rock face
- The remarkable structure of the northern wall, resembling a giant stupa or celestial palace
The Place Where the Pilgrimage Truly Begins
Virtually every pilgrim passes through Dirapuk.
Historically, caravans rested here, yogis stopped here during their wanderings, and pilgrims gathered before crossing the formidable Dolma-La Pass.
For many, the first day of the Kora is simply preparation. The true pilgrimage begins upon arriving at Dirapuk.
Older Tibetans sometimes say:
"You have not truly seen Kailash until you have seen it from Dirapuk."
The Caves of Retreat
One of the most fascinating features of the area is the network of retreat caves surrounding the monastery.
Some are associated with:
- Gotshangpa Gonpo Dorje
- Masters of the Kagyu lineage
- Anonymous yogis and hermits who spent years in solitude
More Than a Viewpoint
For Tibetans, Dirapuk is far more than a scenic overlook.
The North Face of Kailash is believed to help:
- Purify karma
- Deepen meditative experience
- Receive the blessings of the Kagyu lineage
- Encounter the true nature of one's own mind
There is an interesting detail preserved in Tibetan tradition: historically, many pilgrims regarded the monastery itself as secondary. The true object of veneration was not the building, but the view of the North Face of Kailash.
In other words, Dirapuk exists because this is one of the most powerful places from which to contemplate the mountain.
Tibetans sometimes describe certain locations around Kailash as "gateways" through which its spiritual presence can be experienced most directly.
If Chuku is associated with retreat and ancient yogis, and Zutulpuk with the miracles of Milarepa, then Dirapuk is above all associated with direct contemplation of Kailash itself.
For this reason, Dirapuk often becomes the emotional and spiritual climax of the entire Outer Kora.
Gauri Kund is one of the most sacred and emotionally powerful places along the entire Kailash Kora. For Hindus, it is revered as the lake of Parvati. For many Tibetan pilgrims, it is a place of profound compassion and purification. For those walking the Kora on foot, it often becomes the first deeply symbolic moment after crossing the Dolma-La Pass.
Gauri Kund lies immediately below Dolma-La at an altitude of approximately 5,600 meters (18,370 feet).
As pilgrims cross the summit of the pass and begin their descent, a vivid turquoise lake suddenly appears among the rocks and glaciers far below. After the harsh, windswept landscape of Dolma-La, the sight feels almost unreal.
Many travelers first glimpse the lake while exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, and affected by the altitude. Perhaps for this reason, the image often remains etched in memory for a lifetime.
The Lake of the Divine Mother
The Sanskrit name Gauri Kund can be translated as:
According to Hindu tradition, it was here that Parvati performed meditation, austerities, and purification practices while preparing for her union with Shiva.
Many legends describe her bathing in these waters and undertaking spiritual disciplines near Kailash, the sacred abode of Shiva.
For this reason, the lake is believed to carry blessings associated with:
One of the most beloved Hindu myths is connected with Gauri Kund.
According to a popular version of the story, Parvati created Ganesha from the substance of her own body while bathing and instructed him to guard the entrance.
When Shiva arrived and Ganesha refused to allow him to enter, Shiva cut off his head. Grief-stricken, Parvati demanded that her son be restored to life. Shiva then replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant, giving rise to the beloved elephant-headed deity worshipped throughout India today.
Different regions of India associate this story with different sacred lakes named Gauri Kund. Nevertheless, many pilgrims to Kailash believe that the lake beneath Dolma-La is one of the places connected to this ancient legend.
A Jewel Beneath the Pass
In clear weather, the water displays astonishing colors:
Its color changes constantly due to the altitude, surrounding ice, shifting sunlight, and reflections from the sky. No two views are ever quite the same.
Many pilgrims consider Gauri Kund to be the most beautiful small lake of the entire Kora.
A Symbol of Renewal
The location of Gauri Kund carries profound symbolic meaning.
After the physical challenge of climbing Dolma-La—the highest point of the pilgrimage—the lake appears during the descent like a vision of gentleness emerging from hardship.
For many pilgrims, it represents purification after struggle, compassion after effort, and the beginning of a new stage of the journey.
This is why countless travelers pause here in silence, gazing down at the luminous waters beneath the pass.
Long after the details of the trail fade from memory, many remember the same moment: the first sight of Gauri Kund shining among the rocks below Kailash.
Gauri Kund lies immediately below Dolma-La at an altitude of approximately 5,600 meters (18,370 feet).
As pilgrims cross the summit of the pass and begin their descent, a vivid turquoise lake suddenly appears among the rocks and glaciers far below. After the harsh, windswept landscape of Dolma-La, the sight feels almost unreal.
Many travelers first glimpse the lake while exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, and affected by the altitude. Perhaps for this reason, the image often remains etched in memory for a lifetime.
The Lake of the Divine Mother
The Sanskrit name Gauri Kund can be translated as:
- Gauri — one of the sacred names of Parvati
- Kund — a sacred pool or lake
- Parvati Sarovar
- The Lake of Compassion
According to Hindu tradition, it was here that Parvati performed meditation, austerities, and purification practices while preparing for her union with Shiva.
Many legends describe her bathing in these waters and undertaking spiritual disciplines near Kailash, the sacred abode of Shiva.
For this reason, the lake is believed to carry blessings associated with:
- Love and devotion
- Feminine spiritual power
- Inner purity
- Sacred partnership
- Spiritual transformation
One of the most beloved Hindu myths is connected with Gauri Kund.
According to a popular version of the story, Parvati created Ganesha from the substance of her own body while bathing and instructed him to guard the entrance.
When Shiva arrived and Ganesha refused to allow him to enter, Shiva cut off his head. Grief-stricken, Parvati demanded that her son be restored to life. Shiva then replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant, giving rise to the beloved elephant-headed deity worshipped throughout India today.
Different regions of India associate this story with different sacred lakes named Gauri Kund. Nevertheless, many pilgrims to Kailash believe that the lake beneath Dolma-La is one of the places connected to this ancient legend.
A Jewel Beneath the Pass
In clear weather, the water displays astonishing colors:
- Brilliant turquoise
- Emerald green
- Milky sapphire blue
Its color changes constantly due to the altitude, surrounding ice, shifting sunlight, and reflections from the sky. No two views are ever quite the same.
Many pilgrims consider Gauri Kund to be the most beautiful small lake of the entire Kora.
A Symbol of Renewal
The location of Gauri Kund carries profound symbolic meaning.
After the physical challenge of climbing Dolma-La—the highest point of the pilgrimage—the lake appears during the descent like a vision of gentleness emerging from hardship.
For many pilgrims, it represents purification after struggle, compassion after effort, and the beginning of a new stage of the journey.
This is why countless travelers pause here in silence, gazing down at the luminous waters beneath the pass.
Long after the details of the trail fade from memory, many remember the same moment: the first sight of Gauri Kund shining among the rocks below Kailash.
Zutulpuk is one of the most mysterious and spiritually charged places along the entire Kailash Kora. If Dirapuk is associated with the direct contemplation of Kailash's North Face, Zutulpuk is associated with miracles, yogic accomplishment, and the living presence of Milarepa.
For many Tibetans, it is far more than a monastery—it is a place where extraordinary spiritual manifestations are believed to have occurred.
The name itself is commonly translated as:
Zutul — miracle, spiritual accomplishment, manifestation of siddhi
Puk — cave
Together, the name means "The Cave of Miracles."
The Final Stage of the Pilgrimage
Zutulpuk is located on the eastern side of Kailash at an altitude of approximately 4,790 meters (15,715 feet).
Pilgrims arrive here after completing the most demanding day of the Kora—the crossing of the Dolma-La Pass at over 5,630 meters.
For this reason, the atmosphere of the place feels profoundly different.
After traversing the harsh terrain of high mountain passes, snowfields, glaciers, and endless stone landscapes, pilgrims descend into a gentler valley and arrive at a monastery traditionally regarded as the place where the inner spiritual trial of the Kora reaches its completion.
The Monastery and the Sacred Cave
The present monastery belongs to the Kagyu tradition.
The original monastic complex is believed to have been established around the 13th century, centered on the famous meditation cave of Milarepa.
Like many sacred sites in Tibet, it suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution and was later rebuilt.
Yet for pilgrims, the monastery itself has never been the true focus.
The reason Zutulpuk exists is because of the cave.
The Cave of Milarepa
Inside the cave, pilgrims are shown a number of sacred features traditionally associated with Milarepa:
The Contest Between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung
One of Tibet's most famous legends is deeply connected with this region.
Before the spread of Buddhism, Kailash was regarded as one of the principal sacred centers of the ancient Bon tradition.
According to the story, the great Bon master Naro Bonchung challenged Milarepa in a spiritual contest to determine which tradition would become associated with the sacred mountain.
Many versions of the legend exist, but the most famous tells that:
Why It Is Called the Cave of Miracles
According to Tibetan tradition, numerous manifestations of siddhi occurred here after the contest.
Stories tell that Milarepa:
In Tibetan understanding, however, a miracle is not viewed as supernatural magic in the Western sense. Rather, it is seen as the natural expression of complete mastery over the mind and reality.
The Valley of Transformation
Many pilgrims say that the energetic quality of Zutulpuk feels distinctly different from other sacred places along the Kora.
If:
Its location after Dolma-La is deeply symbolic.
In Tibetan tradition, crossing Dolma-La is often compared to the death of the old self and the birth of the new.
Arrival at Zutulpuk therefore represents the completion of a process of purification and renewal.
Beyond the Cave
Most visitors naturally focus their attention on Milarepa's cave.
Experienced pilgrims, however, often pay attention to the broader landscape surrounding the monastery:
For this reason, Zutulpuk is often regarded not as a single sacred site, but as a living spiritual landscape—one that continues to inspire pilgrims, meditators, and seekers who journey around the sacred mountain of Kailash.
For many travelers, the Kora may physically end after leaving Zutulpuk.
Yet it is often here that the deepest inner journey truly begins.
For many Tibetans, it is far more than a monastery—it is a place where extraordinary spiritual manifestations are believed to have occurred.
The name itself is commonly translated as:
Zutul — miracle, spiritual accomplishment, manifestation of siddhi
Puk — cave
Together, the name means "The Cave of Miracles."
The Final Stage of the Pilgrimage
Zutulpuk is located on the eastern side of Kailash at an altitude of approximately 4,790 meters (15,715 feet).
Pilgrims arrive here after completing the most demanding day of the Kora—the crossing of the Dolma-La Pass at over 5,630 meters.
For this reason, the atmosphere of the place feels profoundly different.
After traversing the harsh terrain of high mountain passes, snowfields, glaciers, and endless stone landscapes, pilgrims descend into a gentler valley and arrive at a monastery traditionally regarded as the place where the inner spiritual trial of the Kora reaches its completion.
The Monastery and the Sacred Cave
The present monastery belongs to the Kagyu tradition.
The original monastic complex is believed to have been established around the 13th century, centered on the famous meditation cave of Milarepa.
Like many sacred sites in Tibet, it suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution and was later rebuilt.
Yet for pilgrims, the monastery itself has never been the true focus.
The reason Zutulpuk exists is because of the cave.
The Cave of Milarepa
Inside the cave, pilgrims are shown a number of sacred features traditionally associated with Milarepa:
- A footprint said to belong to the great yogi
- An imprint of his hand
- Marks resembling impressions of his body on the rock
- Sections of stone believed to have softened through the power of his meditation
- Rocks bearing unusual and miraculous markings
The Contest Between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung
One of Tibet's most famous legends is deeply connected with this region.
Before the spread of Buddhism, Kailash was regarded as one of the principal sacred centers of the ancient Bon tradition.
According to the story, the great Bon master Naro Bonchung challenged Milarepa in a spiritual contest to determine which tradition would become associated with the sacred mountain.
Many versions of the legend exist, but the most famous tells that:
- Naro Bonchung ascended into the sky on a magical drum.
- Milarepa remained seated in meditation.
- At dawn, Milarepa rose effortlessly upon a ray of sunlight.
- He reached the summit of Kailash first.
- His victory established the supremacy of the Buddhist tradition in the region.
Why It Is Called the Cave of Miracles
According to Tibetan tradition, numerous manifestations of siddhi occurred here after the contest.
Stories tell that Milarepa:
- Left footprints in solid rock
- Passed directly through stone walls
- Altered the shape of cliffs and boulders
- Demonstrated extraordinary powers through meditation
In Tibetan understanding, however, a miracle is not viewed as supernatural magic in the Western sense. Rather, it is seen as the natural expression of complete mastery over the mind and reality.
The Valley of Transformation
Many pilgrims say that the energetic quality of Zutulpuk feels distinctly different from other sacred places along the Kora.
If:
- Chuku is the place of ancient yogis and retreat practice,
- Dirapuk is the place of direct contemplation of Kailash,
Its location after Dolma-La is deeply symbolic.
In Tibetan tradition, crossing Dolma-La is often compared to the death of the old self and the birth of the new.
Arrival at Zutulpuk therefore represents the completion of a process of purification and renewal.
Beyond the Cave
Most visitors naturally focus their attention on Milarepa's cave.
Experienced pilgrims, however, often pay attention to the broader landscape surrounding the monastery:
- The rocks and cliffs of the valley
- Ancient mani stones carved with sacred mantras
- Small retreat niches hidden within the mountainside
- The river flowing through the valley
For this reason, Zutulpuk is often regarded not as a single sacred site, but as a living spiritual landscape—one that continues to inspire pilgrims, meditators, and seekers who journey around the sacred mountain of Kailash.
For many travelers, the Kora may physically end after leaving Zutulpuk.
Yet it is often here that the deepest inner journey truly begins.
Tirthapuri is one of the most mystical and spiritually significant places in the greater Kailash region.
Located in Western Tibet near the Sutlej River (Langchen Tsangpo), approximately 70 kilometers from Mount Kailash and not far from Lake Manasarovar, this sacred complex is regarded in Tibetan tradition as the third most important pilgrimage site after Kailash itself and Manasarovar.
Many pilgrims consider their journey incomplete without a visit to Tirthapuri.
If Dirapuk and Zutulpuk are the heart of the Kora, then Tirthapuri is often described as the hidden heart of the entire region.
The Sacred Land of Guru Rinpoche
Tirthapuri is associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) more strongly than many locations along the Kora itself.
According to Tibetan tradition:
The Legend of Bhasmasura
Tirthapuri is also connected to an ancient Hindu legend.
According to the story, the demon Bhasmasura received a boon that allowed him to reduce to ashes anyone whose head he touched.
Drunk with power, he attempted to use this gift against Shiva himself.
To save the world, Vishnu assumed the enchanting form of Mohini, a celestial dancer of extraordinary beauty.
Mohini challenged Bhasmasura to imitate her movements. As the dance intensified, she touched her own head. The demon copied her gesture and instantly reduced himself to ashes.
Local tradition identifies the white mineral deposits surrounding Tirthapuri as the remains of Bhasmasura's ashes, preserved within the landscape as a reminder of the legend.
The Sacred Hot Springs
The hot springs of Tirthapuri are among its most famous features.
Thermal waters emerge directly from the earth, flowing through terraces of white and colorful mineral formations.
Pilgrims traditionally visit the springs after completing the Kailash Kora.
Many choose to:
Tirthapuri Monastery
At the center of the sacred complex stands Tirthapuri Monastery, closely associated with Guru Rinpoche.
Pilgrims visiting the monastery are traditionally shown:
A Place of Completion
Many pilgrims describe Tirthapuri as having a very different atmosphere from Kailash itself.
Kailash is often experienced as powerful, demanding, and transformative.
Tirthapuri feels gentler.
After the intensity of the Kora, the high passes, and the physical challenges of pilgrimage, many travelers arrive here with a sense of relief and openness. The hot springs, sacred caves, and quiet monastery create an atmosphere of integration and completion.
For this reason, Tibetan pilgrims have long regarded Tirthapuri not simply as another sacred site, but as the place where the blessings of the entire pilgrimage are finally absorbed and embodied.
It is here that many feel the journey around Kailash truly comes full circle.
Located in Western Tibet near the Sutlej River (Langchen Tsangpo), approximately 70 kilometers from Mount Kailash and not far from Lake Manasarovar, this sacred complex is regarded in Tibetan tradition as the third most important pilgrimage site after Kailash itself and Manasarovar.
Many pilgrims consider their journey incomplete without a visit to Tirthapuri.
If Dirapuk and Zutulpuk are the heart of the Kora, then Tirthapuri is often described as the hidden heart of the entire region.
The Sacred Land of Guru Rinpoche
Tirthapuri is associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) more strongly than many locations along the Kora itself.
According to Tibetan tradition:
- Guru Rinpoche practiced here together with Yeshe Tsogyal
- He meditated in the sacred cave of Tirthapuri
- He left footprints in the rock
- He blessed the local hot springs and sacred landscape
- "The City of the Sacred Spring"
- "The Place of Sacred Waters"
The Legend of Bhasmasura
Tirthapuri is also connected to an ancient Hindu legend.
According to the story, the demon Bhasmasura received a boon that allowed him to reduce to ashes anyone whose head he touched.
Drunk with power, he attempted to use this gift against Shiva himself.
To save the world, Vishnu assumed the enchanting form of Mohini, a celestial dancer of extraordinary beauty.
Mohini challenged Bhasmasura to imitate her movements. As the dance intensified, she touched her own head. The demon copied her gesture and instantly reduced himself to ashes.
Local tradition identifies the white mineral deposits surrounding Tirthapuri as the remains of Bhasmasura's ashes, preserved within the landscape as a reminder of the legend.
The Sacred Hot Springs
The hot springs of Tirthapuri are among its most famous features.
Thermal waters emerge directly from the earth, flowing through terraces of white and colorful mineral formations.
Pilgrims traditionally visit the springs after completing the Kailash Kora.
Many choose to:
- Bathe in the sacred waters
- Wash their face and hands
- Collect water to take home
- Apply mineral-rich mud to the body
- Help purify negative karma
- Promote healing and recovery
- Restore strength after the hardships of pilgrimage
- Support both physical and spiritual renewal
Tirthapuri Monastery
At the center of the sacred complex stands Tirthapuri Monastery, closely associated with Guru Rinpoche.
Pilgrims visiting the monastery are traditionally shown:
- Footprints attributed to Padmasambhava
- Footprints of Yeshe Tsogyal
- A meditation cave connected with Guru Rinpoche's practice
- Ancient sacred images and relics
A Place of Completion
Many pilgrims describe Tirthapuri as having a very different atmosphere from Kailash itself.
Kailash is often experienced as powerful, demanding, and transformative.
Tirthapuri feels gentler.
After the intensity of the Kora, the high passes, and the physical challenges of pilgrimage, many travelers arrive here with a sense of relief and openness. The hot springs, sacred caves, and quiet monastery create an atmosphere of integration and completion.
For this reason, Tibetan pilgrims have long regarded Tirthapuri not simply as another sacred site, but as the place where the blessings of the entire pilgrimage are finally absorbed and embodied.
It is here that many feel the journey around Kailash truly comes full circle.
Pakpa Monastery is one of the most fascinating yet little-known monasteries of southwestern Tibet. It is located in the Kyirong (Gyirong) Valley, near the border with Nepal.
At an elevation of approximately 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), the area lies much lower than most regions of Tibet. As a result, the Kyirong Valley is remarkably green and fertile, with a milder climate than the harsh highlands of Kailash or Central Tibet.
For centuries, travelers have described Kyirong as one of the most beautiful gateways into Tibet—a place where the landscapes of the Himalayas gradually merge with the Tibetan Plateau.
A Monastery of Ancient Origins
According to Tibetan tradition, Pakpa Monastery is connected with the era of King Songtsen Gampo and the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti, who became one of his principal consorts.
Legend tells that when Princess Bhrikuti traveled to Tibet, she brought with her several sacred images of Shakyamuni Buddha. One of these images is believed to have been placed at the site of the present monastery.
A temple was established to house and venerate the sacred statue, eventually developing into what is now known as Pakpa Monastery.
Traditional accounts date its origins to the 7th century, around 637 CE, though modern descriptions often state more cautiously that the monastery is over one thousand years old.
Whatever its precise age, Pakpa is regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the entire border region between Tibet and Nepal.
The Sacred Statue
The monastery's most revered treasure is a sacred statue of Shakyamuni Buddha traditionally associated with the dowry of Princess Bhrikuti.
Some Tibetan sources describe it as an exceptionally ancient and miraculous image.
Over the centuries, pilgrims have traveled great distances to pay homage to this statue, believing it to carry a special blessing connected to the earliest period of Buddhism's establishment in Tibet.
Nepalese Architecture in Tibet
Pakpa Monastery is particularly famous for its distinctive Nepalese-style pagoda architecture.
Unlike the great monastic complexes of Central Tibet, its appearance resembles the ancient temples of the Kathmandu Valley.
The monastery features:
The Ancient Trade Route
For many centuries, Kyirong was one of the principal corridors linking Tibet and Nepal.
Through this valley traveled:
Today, travelers heading toward Mount Kailash through Nepal often pass through Kyirong without realizing that one of the oldest sacred temples in the region lies nearby.
The Legend of the Sacred Image
The story of Pakpa's statue is closely connected with one of the most cherished narratives in Tibetan Buddhism: the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet during the reign of Songtsen Gampo.
According to local tradition, Princess Bhrikuti's caravan passed through the Kyirong Valley on its way to Tibet.
At this location, one of the sacred images was temporarily housed in a small temple. Over time, that temple grew into the monastery that stands here today.
In Tibetan religious tradition, several images of Shakyamuni Buddha are regarded as especially sacred.
The most famous is the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue housed in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Local tradition at Pakpa Monastery maintains that its own statue belongs to the same sacred lineage of images. Some stories describe it as a "sister" image or a related sacred representation.
There is no historical evidence confirming this connection, but the belief remains an important part of the monastery's living spiritual heritage.
Protector of Travelers
For centuries, pilgrims have shared stories about the blessings associated with the statue.
According to these traditions, the image:
The Statue That Chose Its Home
One of the most beloved local legends tells that the sacred statue chose its own resting place.
According to the story, when people attempted to transport it deeper into Tibet, unusual obstacles repeatedly appeared.
Animals refused to continue.
Carts broke down.
Unexpected difficulties arose along the route.
These events were interpreted as signs that the Buddha wished to remain in Kyirong.
Stories of sacred images selecting their own location can be found throughout Tibet and Nepal, often explaining why a particular relic came to rest in a specific place.
For this reason, Pakpa Monastery is more than an architectural monument.
It is a place where history, pilgrimage, devotion, and legend continue to intertwine—an enduring reminder of the ancient spiritual bridge that has connected Nepal and Tibet for over a thousand years.
At an elevation of approximately 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), the area lies much lower than most regions of Tibet. As a result, the Kyirong Valley is remarkably green and fertile, with a milder climate than the harsh highlands of Kailash or Central Tibet.
For centuries, travelers have described Kyirong as one of the most beautiful gateways into Tibet—a place where the landscapes of the Himalayas gradually merge with the Tibetan Plateau.
A Monastery of Ancient Origins
According to Tibetan tradition, Pakpa Monastery is connected with the era of King Songtsen Gampo and the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti, who became one of his principal consorts.
Legend tells that when Princess Bhrikuti traveled to Tibet, she brought with her several sacred images of Shakyamuni Buddha. One of these images is believed to have been placed at the site of the present monastery.
A temple was established to house and venerate the sacred statue, eventually developing into what is now known as Pakpa Monastery.
Traditional accounts date its origins to the 7th century, around 637 CE, though modern descriptions often state more cautiously that the monastery is over one thousand years old.
Whatever its precise age, Pakpa is regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the entire border region between Tibet and Nepal.
The Sacred Statue
The monastery's most revered treasure is a sacred statue of Shakyamuni Buddha traditionally associated with the dowry of Princess Bhrikuti.
Some Tibetan sources describe it as an exceptionally ancient and miraculous image.
Over the centuries, pilgrims have traveled great distances to pay homage to this statue, believing it to carry a special blessing connected to the earliest period of Buddhism's establishment in Tibet.
Nepalese Architecture in Tibet
Pakpa Monastery is particularly famous for its distinctive Nepalese-style pagoda architecture.
Unlike the great monastic complexes of Central Tibet, its appearance resembles the ancient temples of the Kathmandu Valley.
The monastery features:
- A four-tiered pagoda tower
- Traditional timber-and-stone construction
- Nepalese-style roofs
- Small windows and intricately carved wooden cornices
- A central staircase leading to the upper levels
The Ancient Trade Route
For many centuries, Kyirong was one of the principal corridors linking Tibet and Nepal.
Through this valley traveled:
- Merchant caravans
- Pilgrims
- Buddhist teachers
- Diplomats and royal envoys
Today, travelers heading toward Mount Kailash through Nepal often pass through Kyirong without realizing that one of the oldest sacred temples in the region lies nearby.
The Legend of the Sacred Image
The story of Pakpa's statue is closely connected with one of the most cherished narratives in Tibetan Buddhism: the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet during the reign of Songtsen Gampo.
According to local tradition, Princess Bhrikuti's caravan passed through the Kyirong Valley on its way to Tibet.
At this location, one of the sacred images was temporarily housed in a small temple. Over time, that temple grew into the monastery that stands here today.
In Tibetan religious tradition, several images of Shakyamuni Buddha are regarded as especially sacred.
The most famous is the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue housed in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Local tradition at Pakpa Monastery maintains that its own statue belongs to the same sacred lineage of images. Some stories describe it as a "sister" image or a related sacred representation.
There is no historical evidence confirming this connection, but the belief remains an important part of the monastery's living spiritual heritage.
Protector of Travelers
For centuries, pilgrims have shared stories about the blessings associated with the statue.
According to these traditions, the image:
- Grants sincere prayers
- Protects travelers crossing the Himalayas
- Helps pilgrims overcome dangers on the ancient trade routes
- Brings favorable conditions for the journey to Kailash
The Statue That Chose Its Home
One of the most beloved local legends tells that the sacred statue chose its own resting place.
According to the story, when people attempted to transport it deeper into Tibet, unusual obstacles repeatedly appeared.
Animals refused to continue.
Carts broke down.
Unexpected difficulties arose along the route.
These events were interpreted as signs that the Buddha wished to remain in Kyirong.
Stories of sacred images selecting their own location can be found throughout Tibet and Nepal, often explaining why a particular relic came to rest in a specific place.
For this reason, Pakpa Monastery is more than an architectural monument.
It is a place where history, pilgrimage, devotion, and legend continue to intertwine—an enduring reminder of the ancient spiritual bridge that has connected Nepal and Tibet for over a thousand years.