The journey to Mount Kailash is a profound spiritual quest, but no moment is as visually or emotionally arresting as reaching Dirapuk. Situated at an altitude of 5,210 meters (17,093 feet), Dirapuk serves as the first overnight camp on the 52-km Parikrama and offers the most intimate view of the North Face of Mount Kailash.
As we progress through 2026, the Tibetan Year of the Fire Horse, the energy at Dirapuk is electric. This rare astrological alignment, occurring only once every 12 years, is said to multiply the spiritual merits of the journey by 13 times. For pilgrims and trekkers alike, Dirapuk is the literal “North Star” of our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour packages, marking the transition from a physical trek into a deep spiritual immersion.
The North Face: The “Shiva Face” of Mount Kailash
The North Face is arguably the most iconic side of the mountain. In Hindu tradition, it is often referred to as the Shiva Face.
The Mystery of the Golden Face
When the first rays of the sun hit the North Face, the mountain transforms into a pyramid of molten gold. This phenomenon, known as the “Golden Kailash,” is best viewed from the banks of the Lha Chu River near Dirapuk. According to historical and cultural research from the Tibet Policy Institute, the North Face is symbolically associated with the element of gold, representing divine wisdom and the mirror of the soul.
Spiritual Significance: For Hindus, the North Face represents the meditative aspect of Lord Shiva. The vertical rock striations are believed by many to resemble the matted locks of the deity.
Geological Wonder: Scientific observations by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) highlight the unique vertical granite walls of the North Face, which remain unclimbed due to their sacred status and sheer technical difficulty.
Dirapuk Monastery: The Cave of the Horn
The Dirapuk Monastery (or Drirapuk) is built around a sacred meditation cave. The name literally translates to “Cave of the Female Yak Horn.”
History and Legends
Legend has it that the 13th-century Buddhist master Gotsangpa was guided to this spot by a divine female yak during a heavy snowstorm. He found refuge in a cave, where he meditated for several years. Today, pilgrims can visit this cave and see what are believed to be the master’s footprints embedded in the rock.
The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. In 2026, the site remains a sanctuary for practitioners. You can explore more about the monastic lineages of the Ngari region through the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), which documents these ancient Himalayan structures.
What to Expect in 2026: Logistics & Success Rates
Reaching Dirapuk is the climax of Day 1 of the Parikrama. The trek from Darchen to Dirapuk is roughly 12–13 km and takes 6–8 hours.
| Feature | Details for 2026 Season |
| Altitude | 5,210 Meters (High risk of AMS) |
| Best Time | May, June (Saga Dawa), and September |
| Accommodation | Basic guesthouses/monastery dorms |
| Connectivity | Extremely Limited; Satellite phones recommended |
2026 Travel Advisory
Due to the Saga Dawa Festival (May 31, 2026), permits for the Ngari Prefecture are subject to high demand. It is vital to check current border regulations via the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or your authorized travel partner to ensure all documentation is in order well in advance.
Essential Tips for the Dirapuk Night
Photography: The “Alpenglow” on the North Face lasts only a few minutes around 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM. Be ready with your camera before dawn.
Health First: The High Altitude Medicine Guide warns that dehydration is the primary trigger for altitude sickness at 17,000+ feet. Drink at least 4 liters of water daily.
Climate: Temperatures at Dirapuk can drop to -10°C even in mid-summer. High-quality down jackets and thermal layering are mandatory.
Charan Sparsh: If your health permits and regulations allow, the trek to Charan Sparsh (touching the feet of Kailash) is a 4-5 hour round trip from Dirapuk that brings you to the very base of the North Face.
Environmental Responsibility
With record numbers of visitors expected in the 2026 Year of the Horse, following Leave No Trace principles is essential. The Lha Chu River is a source for major Asian rivers; please ensure no plastic or chemical waste is left behind.
Conclusion: The View That Changes You
Standing at Dirapuk, looking up at the North Face of Mount Kailash, is a moment of total surrender. It is where the physical world feels thin and the divine feels within reach. Whether you are there for the religious merit of the Horse Year or the sheer wonder of the Himalayas, Dirapuk will remain etched in your heart forever.
Witness the North Face with Travel Dukaan
At Travel Dukaan, we specialize in making the impossible journey possible. Our 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra packages include expert guides, medical-grade oxygen support, and pre-vetted accommodations at Dirapuk to ensure you can focus on the spiritual majesty of the Shiva Face without worrying about the logistics.
Don’t miss the 2026 Year of the Horse! 👉 Book Your Spot for the North Face Darshan at TravelDukaan.in
With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Narendra Rathore is the proud owner of Travel Dukaan, a premier travel agency based in Gota, Ahmedabad. As a tour operator, Narendra’s expertise and passion for travel have guided countless clients to unforgettable destinations. His deep knowledge of the industry and commitment to exceptional service make him a trusted resource for travel enthusiasts seeking their next adventure.
