About Dirapuk Monastery
Dirapuk Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist gompa on the north face of Mount Kailash in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It stands at an altitude of roughly 5,080 metres on the western bank of the Lha Chu River, directly facing the imposing north face of the sacred mountain. Its location on the Kailash Kora pilgrimage circuit makes it one of the most significant resting points for travellers and devotees alike.
Location and Setting
Dirapuk rests on a broad, glacial valley carved by ancient ice flows, its position strategically chosen for proximity to both spiritual and practical needs. Historical records from Tibetan pilgrimage accounts mention Dirapuk as a site where travellers paused to conduct Chakrasamvara rituals before crossing the high Dolma La Pass. Its vantage point offers an uninterrupted view of the north face — a sheer wall of dark rock capped with eternal snow, revered as a vision of ultimate stillness and divine geometry.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Dirapuk Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, historically linked to Tsongkhapa’s lineage. The monastery enshrines images of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), and tantric protectors who guard the Kailash region. Oral histories state that a hermit named Dirapukpa meditated here for years, giving the site its name.
The north face of Kailash seen from Dirapuk is believed to represent spiritual aspiration in Buddhist iconography. Pilgrims perform circumambulation (Kora) as a form of merit accumulation, with an overnight stay here marking the transition from the physical challenge of day one to the spiritual test of crossing Dolma La.
Historical Insights
Archaeological surveys note that Dirapuk Monastery dates back several centuries, with construction materials and techniques matching other 17th–18th-century gompas in western Tibet. Historical maps of the Ngari region reference the site as a staging point for trade caravans heading towards Purang and beyond into Nepal.
In pre-modern times, Dirapuk also functioned as a seasonal shelter for monastic scholars travelling to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. The survival of such a high-altitude monastery highlights the resilience of Tibetan religious architecture and its role in maintaining sacred landscapes.
Pilgrimage and Trekking Role
Dirapuk is the first overnight stop on the outer Kailash Kora. The route from Darchen to Dirapuk spans about 20 km, following the Lha Chu valley past Yam Dwar and Chuku Monastery. Pilgrims reach Dirapuk in the late afternoon, often greeted by chanting monks and the sight of prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of Kailash.
From here, the second day of the trek climbs steeply to Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), passing by Gauri Kund before descending to Zutulpuk Monastery. Dirapuk’s elevation and proximity to the pass make it vital for acclimatisation and rest.
Visual Experience
The monastery offers photographers a rare perspective of the north face illuminated by sunrise or bathed in moonlight. Seasonal differences are stark — summer reveals the dark rock striations and hanging glaciers, while winter cloaks the face in shifting snowdrifts.
Climate and Best Visiting Period
The best months to visit Dirapuk are May to September, when the pilgrimage season aligns with safer weather conditions. Even in summer, nights drop below freezing, and oxygen levels are significantly reduced. Historical climate data from the Ngari plateau confirms average summer daytime temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, with sudden wind shifts common.
Practical Information
- Permits: Tibet Travel Permit + Alien Travel Permit required
- Accommodation: Basic dormitory-style lodges near the monastery, no heating
- Access: Only reachable on foot or horseback as part of the Kora
- Health Considerations: High-altitude experience recommended; risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Dirapuk” mean?
It’s named after a hermit (puk = cave) associated with the site, “Dira” being his name.
Can non-Buddhists stay at Dirapuk?
Yes, accommodations are available for all pilgrims regardless of faith.
Is Dirapuk the closest point to Kailash?
It’s the closest overnight stop to the north face and one of the best vantage points.
