For centuries,山Kailashhas been also a holy place for four faiths and adventurous explorers, but it has never been climbed. Here, we provided a full guide including some background info, the highlights, Mount Kailash trekking, and how to get there.
Content Preview
- Why Is Mount Kailash Famous
- Where Is Mount Kailash
- How to Get to Mount Kailash
- Documents Needed for Mount Kailash
Why Is Mount Kailash Famous?
山Kailash— "the Stairway to Heaven"at 6,638meters (21,778 feet) high is the most famous peak of Kailash mountain range.Climbingit is not permitted due to its sanctity.
山Kailash
It is recognized as asacred mountainby four religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bön, and Jainism. In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is whereShiva(the Supreme Being) resides.
InTibetan Buddhism, it's the home of theBuddha Demchok(representing nirvana).In their scriptures, Mount Kailash is considered to be theworld's centeror the point where heaven meets earth.
A beautiful lake, namedManasarovar, lies near the base of Mount Kailash is one of the highest fresh water lakes in China.
The Kailash region is (close to) the source of the main famousriversin South Asia, the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to Kailash for a yatra —apilgrimage journey, which may include a kora —walking around the mountain.
To find out more about Kailash Yatra
Where Is Mount Kailash?
山Kailash is on the southwest edge of theTibetan PlateauinNgari (Ali) Prefecture, western Tibet, near the borders of the PRC, Nepal, and India. It is about a 1,200 km (700 miles) fromLhasaand about 800 km (500 miles) from theGyirong borderwith Nepal.
山Kailash is deep within theKailash Range(the Gangdise Mountains), as its secondhighestpeak. The Kailash Range, western part of the larger Trans-Himalaya Range, runs through the southwest of Tibet, parallel to the Himalayas.
To find out more aboutKailash Facts
Recommended Tibet Tours:
How to Get to Mount Kailash
From Lhasa
Lhasais about 1,200 kilometers (700 miles) fromDarchen(Baga Township at the foot of Kailash) and the journey takes about2 days.
Most people start in Lhasa with a visit to thePotala Palaceand its surrounding ancient monasteries to acclimate, then drive toShigatseand stay overnight. Then they go on toDarchenviaSagaand Payang. It is better to spend a dayacclimatizingin Payang before reaching Darchen.
Along the way you can visit theYamdrok Lakeand view the snow-capped mountains, beautiful grassland, and local's villages.
Recommended Tibet Tours:
From Kathmandu
From Kathmandu, you can take anoff-roadvehicle to the Nepal-China border atGyirong Port. The distance is only about 170 kilometers (100 miles), but the journeyby roadmay take 8 to 12 hours due to the poor condition of the road.
Taking ahelicopterfrom Tribhuvan International Airport is a good option to avoid the bumpy road, and it is faster and safer. The journey by helicopter costs about 120 USD, takes 20 minutes, and takes you to a helipad nearGyirong.
Stay for onenightnear the port and pass through the port to the Tibet side. The drive fromGyirongto山Kailashis about 670 kilometers (420 miles) and can be done in one day as the road is well constructed. You will arrive inDarchen,a small town located at the foot of Mount Kailash.
If you travel with us, we and our cooperative partner in Nepal will help you to manage all of the transportation and accommodation. Although this could be a long journey, we will do our best to offer you a smooth experience.
To know more aboutEnter Tibet from Nepal
Recommended Tibet Tours:
Documents Needed for Mount Kailash
No matter whether you enter Tibet from Nepal or China, you need to apply for a China visa in advance. Seehow to apply for a China visa. You are advised to apply for it 2 months before your trip.
If you are traveling in a group with three or more people and planning to enter Tibet from Nepal, you can apply for a group visa in Nepal.Seehow to enter Tibet from Nepal.
ATibet Travel Permit需要访问西藏,和一个外星人体育旅游rmit and a Military Permit are needed to travel as far as Kailash. If you travel with us, we will help you to get them.
SeeHow to Plan a Tibet Trip in 2021 — Suggestions and Ideas
Documents and Policy for Indian Travelers
ForIndianswho are traveling as pilgrims toMt. Kailash, or are including Kailash as part of their tour, there are a separate set of rules for Tibet Permits.
The Tibet permits and China Visa are handled by theTibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center. It is the only organization that can arrange Indian travelers' visits to the Mt. Kailash area.
China Highlights isunableto organize Indian travelers' visits to the Mount Kailash area (Ngari), however we are happy to help withTibet toursin other parts.
Check more options ofTibet Tourorcontact usto tailor-make your trip
山Kailash Weather
The climate in Tibet is generallycoldanddry.In remote western Tibet, the climate is even colder and drier. Near Mount Kailash,snow fallseven during the warmest month of June.
On an average day, the temperature reaches ashighas 14°C (57°F) and aslowas -12°C (10°F). The average difference between the day and night temperature is around 14°C (25°F). The nights are much colder than the day.
Best Times to Visit Mount Kailash
Latespringto earlyautumn(MaytoSeptember) is thebest timeperiod to visit Mount Kailash for warmer (above freezing) weather.
Barley Harvest in September
Themonsoonrain comes in summer (JulyandAugust), but it usually rains at night and then only lightly, so the weather will not affect a trip too much.
If you are going to do a yatra around Mount Kailash,summeris thebest timebecause of the warmer temperature and higheroxygencontent.
In winter, heavy snow will seal the mountain passes.
Recommended Tibet Tours:
Things to Do When Visiting Mount Kailash
1. A Mount Kailash Pilgrimage (Kora)
Kailash is not allowed to be climbed, so most people choose to do akora(trek around Kailash) to express their admiration for the sacred site.
In Hinduism andTibetan Buddhism, it is believed that a yatra (pilgrimage) can eliminate the evils of their life and secure safety/blessing fort heir families. A Kailash yatra is a part of their spiritual life.
A Kailash kora is3-day trek. Thedistance载到冈仁波齐山56公里(35英里)ith a lowest altitude of 4,675 meters (15,338 feet) at Darchen and a highest of 5,648 meters (18,530 feet) at Dolma La Pass.
Devout Tibetans prostrate themselves on the ground after every few steps in worship. They do it to attain religious merit. It usually takes them 15–20 days to finish the kora this way
2. Lake Manasarovar
Manasarovar is 32 km (20 miles) by road from Mount Kailash (Darchen) and has an elevation of 4,590 meters (15,059 feet). Manasarovar is one of the biggestfresh waterlakes in Tibet and has some of the most transparent lake water in China.
Lake Manasarovar
Manasarovar is asacred lakein Tibetan Buddhism and so it is apilgrim site. A lot of pilgrims to go there every year on a pilgrimage to bathe in the "holy water", which is believed to prolong life.
Going on a Manasarovarkorais also popular. A trek aroundManasarovaris easier than a Kailash circumambulation due to its lower altitude. The path around the lake is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) and typically takes 3 to 4 days to finish.
Read more about a Kailash and Manasarovar yatra.
Recommended Tibet Tours:
3. Mount Kailash Temples
There arefive monasteriesaround Mount Kailash, and each one of them is full ofBuddhist legendswith abundant carvings, statues, and murals. They can provide basicaccommodationsfor pilgrims and tourists on their treks.
Choku/Nyari Monasteryis the first temple on a Mount Kailash kora from which you can see the western face of Mount Kailash.
Drirapuk Monasteryis a good location to view of the north face of Mount Kailash.
Gyangzha Monasteryis the oldest monastery in remote western Tibet, situated on the inner kora circle.
Selung Monasteryis the first monastery you will arrive at on the inner kora circle.
从Selung修道院的圣山脉n where you can see a natural "卍" symbol, which is formed by big ice cracks on the south slope of Mount Kailash
Zutulpuk Monasteryfaces the eastern slope of Mount Kailash is a good place for appreciating a sunrise reflecting off Kailash. It is also the last monastery before returning to the start/finish point for a kora around Mt.Kailash at Darchen.
Altitude Sickness and Preparation
Thehigh altitudemakes it dangerous for un-acclimatized people to exert themselves. No matter whether you plan to do a Mount Kailash trek or not, we advise that you prepare physically and带the right equipment andclotheswhen journeying to Kailash.
1. Consult yourdoctoras to which medicine is suitable for you to use to fight altitude sickness. If possible, have a complete physical checkup.
2. Take regularexerciseand avoid catching a cold. If you catch one (or fall ill in any way) before departure, postpone your travel plans.
3. Stay for one or two days inlower altitudeplaces in Tibet, such as Lhasa and Shigatse, to help your body adapt to the altitude.>>check altitude in Tibet
4. Take yourwarmest clothes(ideally those designed to be lightweight and breathable) to keep warm. It is easier to get altitude sickness when the body is cold.
5. Drink someTibetan butter teato warm up your body and help you to conquer altitude sickness.
6. Don't take risks. If you feel exhausted or sick, you may not be able to go further safely and are advised todescendto a lower altitude.
7. Ask your local tourguide's helpto recover or to get to a nearby medical service base for treatment.
We also have some more advice aboutaltitude sicknessfor reference.
For More Understanding: Watch a Kailash Yatra Movie
The documentary movie "Paths of the Soul" is the true story of 11 Tibetans' yatra to Mount Kailash, which took 1 year and covered over 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) of road. The movie gives you a quick understanding of Tibetans and their beliefs.
The movie (subtitled in English) is now available onAmazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes.
Touring Mount Kailash with China Highlights
We will help you to get all of the necessary documents and will manage all of the bookings for you. Just tell us your plans and let us assist you with your challenge.
See the followingpopular Tibet toursfor inspiration:
