The Gateway to the Soul: Darchen, the Sacred Base Camp of Mount Kailash

The Threshold of the Gods

1.Situated at the southern foot of the sacred: Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche) in Pulan County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet, Darchen (also known as Taqin) is more than just a small town; it is the spiritual base camp for one of the most profound pilgrimages on earth. Sitting at an altitude of 4,675 meters, Darchen serves as the starting and ending point for the 52-kilometer trekking circuit (Kora) around the holy mountain. To the pilgrims of Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism, Mount Kailash is the center of the universe, and Darchen is the gateway through which one must pass to wash away a lifetime of sins. While it lacks the grandeur of a bustling metropolis, its significance in the spiritual geography of Asia is unparalleled. It stands as a solitary sentinel in the vastness of the Changtang Plateau, welcoming weary travelers and devout believers alike who have traveled thousands of miles to pay homage to the "King of Mountains",.

A Town of Pilgrims

2.The atmosphere in: Darchen is unique, filled with a mix of exhaustion, anticipation, and deep devotion. The town itself is composed of simple guesthouses, teahouses, and shops catering to the basic needs of hikers and pilgrims. Walking through its dusty streets, visitors will encounter a diverse tapestry of people: Tibetan nomads spinning prayer wheels, Indian pilgrims chanting mantras, and international trekkers adjusting their gear. The town comes alive particularly during the Saga Dawa Festival (usually in May or June), celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha. During this time, the town swells with thousands of believers, transforming into a vibrant hub of multi-cultural religious exchange. Despite the harsh environment—often windy and dusty with intense ultraviolet radiation—the spirit of the town remains warm, fueled by the collective faith of its temporary inhabitants,,.

The Sacred Geography

Darchen offers some of the most spectacular views in Tibet. To the north, the massive, pyramid-like southern face of Mount Kailash dominates the skyline. From the town, one can clearly see the distinctive vertical gully and horizontal rock layers that form the Buddhist swastika symbol on the mountain's face. To the south, the view opens up to the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yumtso) and the dark blue hues of Lake Rakshastal (La'ang Tso), framed by the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mount Naimona'nyi (Gurla Mandhata) in the distance. This alignment of the "God Mountain," "Holy Lake," and "Demon Lake" creates a landscape of immense power and beauty, representing a complete spiritual universe within a single gaze,.

The Kora Begins

For those undertaking the pilgrimage, Darchen marks the beginning of the physical and spiritual test. The route traditionally starts from the Prayer Flag Square (Jingfan Square) at the western edge of the town, passing through the famous Two-Legged Stupa (Chorten Kanganyi). It is said that passing through the legs of this stupa purifies the soul before entering the sacred valley. The trek from Darchen leads pilgrims into the Lha Chu valley, eventually climbing over the formidable Drolma La Pass (5,630 meters). After the arduous journey, returning to Darchen closes the circle, symbolizing a rebirth and the accumulation of immense merit. Even for those not trekking the full circuit, the town provides a vantage point to witness the "Golden Sunrise" over Kailash, a moment where the first rays of light turn the snow peak into a beacon of gold,,.