Dirapuk Monastery, located on the north face of Mount Kailash in Tibet, is one of the most spiritually significant and visually breathtaking stops along the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Perched at an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), this ancient monastery is not only a resting point for pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) but also a place of deep devotion, meditation, and connection with the divine. With snow-covered peaks forming a dramatic backdrop, Dirapuk offers one of the most iconic views of Mount Kailash, making it a cherished destination for both spiritual seekers and adventurers from around the world.
Dirapuk Monastery holds immense significance for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions. According to Buddhist legends, it is associated with the tantric master Padmasambhava, who meditated in this region. For Hindus, the sight of Mount Kailash from Dirapuk is a divine blessing, as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims often perform prayers, chant mantras, and meditate here, believing that even a single night spent at Dirapuk brings immense spiritual merit and divine energy.
Dirapuk marks the end of the first day of the Mount Kailash Parikrama. The trek to reach this sacred monastery begins at Yam Dwar, located near Darchen, the base camp of the pilgrimage. The journey from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk covers around 12 kilometers, passing through breathtaking valleys, streams, and rugged terrain. Pilgrims are accompanied by the majestic view of Kailash, gradually approaching the monastery as they progress along the route.
Reaching Dirapuk is considered a milestone for every yatri (pilgrim), as it is the first close and majestic encounter with the northern face of Mount Kailash. The monastery itself sits peacefully by the Lha-Chu river valley, offering an ideal place for rest, reflection, and acclimatization before the arduous climb over the Dolma La Pass on the second day of the Kora.
Though modest in structure compared to other Tibetan monasteries, Dirapuk carries an aura of simplicity and sanctity. The monastery consists of meditation halls, small prayer rooms, and a few quarters for monks. Prayer flags flutter in the icy winds, carrying spiritual blessings across the valley. The view from Dirapuk is unforgettable: the towering north face of Mount Kailash rises dramatically, its snow-draped peak glowing with changing hues as the sun moves across the sky. Sunrise and sunset from Dirapuk are often described as life-changing experiences by pilgrims.
For most yatris, reaching Dirapuk is both physically challenging and emotionally uplifting. The thin air and rugged terrain test endurance, but the sight of Kailash’s north face rejuvenates the spirit. Many pilgrims spend time chanting mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Om Mani Padme Hum,” while others sit in silent meditation, absorbing the divine atmosphere. The monastery provides basic shelter, but most travelers rest in nearby lodges or tents set up for yatris. Despite the minimal facilities, the sense of spiritual fulfillment overshadows all discomforts.
The journey from Dirapuk to the Dolma La Pass is the most demanding section of the Kora, making Dirapuk a crucial acclimatization point. Pilgrims often prepare mentally and physically here for the next day’s trek, which takes them over 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). Dirapuk thus acts as a spiritual and physical threshold, balancing serenity with anticipation of the challenge ahead.
While Dirapuk is a highlight in itself, the surrounding region adds to its spiritual magnetism:
Mount Kailash North Face – The most powerful and sacred view of the holy peak.
Lha-Chu Valley – A river valley that adds charm to the route leading to Dirapuk.
Dolma La Pass – A high-altitude pass that pilgrims must cross on the second day of the Kora.
The ideal time to visit Dirapuk Monastery is between May and September, when the weather is relatively favorable, and the route remains accessible. During this season, thousands of pilgrims from India, Nepal, Tibet, and across the world undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, with Dirapuk as one of the most sacred overnight halts. Winters are extremely harsh, with heavy snow blocking the trails, making it nearly impossible to reach.
Dirapuk Monastery is not just a resting place on the Kailash Kora—it is a spiritual destination where faith, nature, and divine energy merge into one. The monastery’s serene surroundings, coupled with its unparalleled view of Mount Kailash, make it a place of deep inner transformation. For pilgrims, spending a night at Dirapuk is an unforgettable experience, a step closer to spiritual liberation, and a sacred bond with the divine presence of Lord Shiva. Whether you are on a religious journey or a seeker of extraordinary landscapes, Dirapuk Monastery is an essential and soul-stirring stop on the path of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.