SacredMount Kailashis in the remotest region ofTibetand is believed to be the center of the world in four religions.Holy Lake Manasarovar,near the foot of Kailash, is also apilgrimage site.
Every year, many believingpilgrimsfrom India, Nepal, China, and many other countries visitMount Kailashfor ayatra(pilgrimage), which usually includes a kora trek around it.Mount Kailashwas covered byNational Geographicas No. 5 of the “Top 10 pilgrimage routes around the world” in April 2021.
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- What is a Kailash Yatra?
- Where to start a Mt. Kailash Trek
- How many days for a Mt. Kailash Trek (Kora)?
- How Much Is a Kailash Yatra Tour?
- Best Times for Mt. Kailash Treks
What is a Kailash Yatra?
在Hinduism andTibetan Buddhism, ayatrais apilgrimageof great moral significance. It is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith.
>Pilgrimage to Mount Kailashi
Mount KailashandLake Manasarovarare where pilgrims believe thatShiva(for Hindus) or Buddha Demchok (for Tibetan Buddhists) resides.
It is believed that apilgrimagefollowed by walking around themountainand/orlake(two separate koras) can wash away the sin of your whole life while walking tencircuitsaround Kailash can save you from the suffering of hell.
Kailash’speakis often enwrapped by misty fog and clouds, so Tibetan people think it is a sign of good fortune if anyone can see its peak clearly.
Pilgrims alwayswalkin a clockwisecircuit, and devoutTibetansprostrate themselves on the ground after every few steps in worship.
- 14-Day Tibet Tour including Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
- 11-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp Trek
Where to Start a Mt. Kailash Trek
Thestarting pointfor Mount Kailash kora is a small town calledDarchen(Baga Township), which is located southwest of the mountain.
Darchen is about 1,200 kilometers (700 miles) fromLhasa, capital of Tibet and the journey takes about 2 days.
Most peoplestart in Lhasawith a visit to thePotala Palaceand its surrounding ancient monasteries to acclimate, then drive toShigatseand stay overnight. Then they go on to Darchen via Saga and Payang.
Fantastic views along the road fromLhasa to Shigatse, this trip includes the iconic landmarks, holyYamdrok Lakeas well as countless opportunities to experience theBuddhist culturaltouch.
How many days for a Mt. Kailash Trek (Kora)?
Usually, a3-daytrek is needed for aKailash kora. Thedistance载到冈仁波齐山58公里左右(36英里)with the lowest altitude of 4,675 meters (15,338 feet) at Darchen and the highest of 5,648 meters (18,530 feet) at Dolma La Pass.
A Typical Kailash Trek (Kora) Plan
Day 1:Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery— 24 km (15 miles)
This part is relatively easy with gentle slopes. The altitude increases from 4,675 to 5,080 meters (15,338–16,666 feet).
Day 2:Dirapuk Monastery to Dzultrituk Monasteryvia Dolma La Pass — 24 km
This is the mostdifficultpart of the kora. There are no paved roads, just chaotic rocky paths.
The 6 kilometers (4 miles) of the path that climbs over the Dolma La Pass is called the “deadly 6 kilometers” because the altitude increases sharply to 5,648 meters(18,530 feet).
After the hardest 6 kilometers is a flat river valley. Have some rest at the campsite, then go ontoDzultrituk Monasteryand rest overnight. If you still have the energy to go further, you can complete the kora by going on to Darchen on day 2.
Day 3:Dzultrituk Monastery to Darchen— 10 km (6 miles)
The trekking on the last stretch is mucheasierthan it was on the stretch before, but there are some narrow mountain paths on steep slopes. When you return to Darchen, celebrate your success in overcoming the kora!
Lake Manasarovar Treks (Koras)
A Manasarovar kora can be finished in3 to 4 days, and the trekking distance is about 93kilometers (58 miles).
Going on kora aroundLake Manasarovaris much easier than one aroundMount Kailashas the altitude is lower at about 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) and there are not as many steep rocky paths.
The streams and rivers on the way may causedifficultiesalthough some bridges have been built over them. During the rainy season (JulyandAugust), you may need to use a longer route to avoid the flooded or swampy ground.
You can start your journey from anylakeside areabut the most recommended place isChiu Monasteryto the northwest of the lake. You can have a good meal and rest there, check yourequipment和供应,购买额外的事情你需要there.
A Typical Manasarovar Trekking (Kora) Plan
Day 1:Chiu Monastery to Horqu— about 28 km(17 miles)
Day 2:Horqu to Seralung Monastery— about 16 km(10 miles)
Day 3:Seralung Monastery to Trugo Monastery— about 17 km (11 miles)
Day 4:Trugo Monastery to Chiu Monastery— about 32 km (20 miles)
Contact usto tailor-make your tour schedule
How Much Is a Kailash Yatra Tour?
A tour toMount Kailashand Lake Manasarovarcostsfrom aroundUS$2,000per person[2021], starting with a Lhasa highlights tour and then the drive to Darchen viaShigatse.
The price is based on aprivate groupof 2–5 people and includes private guides and drivers, accommodation, itinerary meals, entrance fees, all travel permits, and tax.
Other expenses are not covered, such astipsfor guides and drivers, aporteror a yak, alcohol andnon-itinerarymeals and food/drink, flights to/from Tibet, and travel insurance.Contact usto get a firm quotation
Please look at our14-Day Tibet Tour including Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovarfor more details.
Best Times for Mt. Kailash Treks
Thespringtoautumnperiod has thebest timesto go on Mount Kailash yatra.
在spring(May to June), most days are fine witha clear skyand temperatures rise above freezing. Witness the first green leaves and fresh beautiful scenery after the melt.
在summer(July to August), there is the warmest weather and the highest oxygen levels. The possibility ofaltitude sickness(though still high) is the least. It is likely to rain due to themonsoon, but most of the rains are light and at night.
在autumn(September), temperatures drop rapidly but there is a brief month with generallyabove-freezingweather and low rainfall to attempt a kora before winter sets in.
在winter(October to April), heavy snow will seal the mountain passes and it is nearly impossible to make aKailash kora journey.
>>Also to find outBest Time to Visit Tibet
Documents Needed for a Kailash Yatra
The airports in Tibet (mainly Lhasa Gonggar International Airport) only connect withMainland Chinacities and Nepal, so you can only enter Tibet from mainland China or Nepal.
Whether you enter Tibet from a city in mainlandChinaorNepal, you will need aChina visa.Seehow to apply for a China visa. You are advised to apply 2 months before your visit.
If you are traveling fromNepal, you can apply for agroup visathere.>>See how to enter Tibet from Nepal.
ATibet TravelPermit is needed to visit Tibet, and an Aliens’ Travel Permit and a Military Permit are needed to visitMount KailashandLake Manasarovar.
Remember that you cannot visit Tibet independently and are only allowed to travel with atour service(such as China Highlights).
If you travel with us, we will help you to get all of thevisasandpermits(our cooperator in Nepal will help you to apply for a visa if you are traveling from there).
Mount Kailash
Documents and Policy for Indian Travelers
For在dianstraveling to Mt. Kailash, Tibet permits require a completely different process.
Permits are issued jointly by the Tibetan Foreign AffairsOffice, theTibet Region Military, the Armed Police Tibet Frontier Corps, and the Department of Public Security.
The Foreign Affairs Office and Pilgrim Center also called theTibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center, is the only organization that can arrange Indian travelers access to visit the Mt. Kailash region.
It will arrange all travel documents and arrangements including accommodation, transportation, local vehicles, tour guides, and any other requirements.
China Highlights isunable tofacilitate Indians’ travel to theKailash-Manasarovarregion (Ngari), no matter whether for apilgrimage or any other visit. However, we are happy to help you with non-NgariTibet tours.
>>Read aboutHow to Plan a Tibet Trip in 2021 — Suggestions and Ideas
- 17-Days Beijing, Xian, Tibet, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong Tour
- 13-Days Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai Private Tour
Avoiding High Altitude Sickness
1.Consult your doctoras 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.
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.
>>Read more advice aboutaltitude sicknessfor reference.
Useful Tips for a Kailash Trek
Take enough cash: In this remote region of Tibet, your credit card is useless and mobile payments may not work due to a poor Internet connection. You can exchange your currency into RMB in the port as you enter Tibet. A cash amount of 1,000–1,500 RMB is usually enough.
Hire a porter:在Darchen, you can hire a porter to help you carry some of your baggage and give you advice along the way.
Don’t take risks:If you feel exhausted after the first day’s walking, you may not be able to go further and are advised to return the way you came or to hire a local Tibetan who can take you back on horseback.
Assist each other:你的旅行者,以及每个人都是谁going the same way as you, are the most reliable source of power for you to overcome the challenge. Feel free to accept their help and assist others when they are in need.
What to Pack for a Mount Kailash Trek
Clothing
Mountaineering boots: Wear well-designed boots that can protect your ankles and are waterproof.
Quick-drying, breathable clothes:Technical outdoor wear (including underwear) that wicks sweat will help you avoid chills that sap energy and increase the risk of altitude sickness, and as a bonus is lightweight.
Windproof outdoor (down) jacket: The higher the altitude, the stronger the wind.
Other clothing accessories:At different stages, you’ll feel the need to wear a hat, sunglasses, and gloves.
Technical Equipment
Alpenstock(s):Take your own or buy one (or a pair of walking poles)when you arrive.
Knee supports:You may want to add protection to your knee joints as the trek is particularly hard on them.
Crampons:It is snowy all year round on the mountain pass, so a pair of crampons will help you navigate the snowy or frozen mountain paths of Dolma La Pass. Hire them from your guide if you don’t have your own.
Other Equipment
Sleeping bag:Although quilts are provided in the boarding places (monasteries), they are generally not very clean because it is hard to wash them in a dry and cold environment. Take your own sleeping bag to get a better night’s sleep.
Energy-boosting food:Prepare some chocolate or compressed biscuits (for emergency energy needs). You don’t need to carry too much food or water as they are sold at supply points and monasteries along the kora route.
Wet wipes, tissues, hot water flask, etc.: Baths/showers are not available near the mountain. Use wet wipes and some hot water to keep clean. There are no toilets in the wilds and certainly no toilet paper, and the monasteries’ facilities are very basic. Toothbrushes, soap, etc. aren’t provided but can probably be bought.
Rubbish bag:Don’t throw non-degradable rubbish in the wild. Collect your rubbish in a bag and throw it away in the proper places.
Backpack:Take a backpack to hold all of the items mentioned above (a capacity of about 30 liters is enough).
>>Also to find outWhat to Pack for a Tibet Tour
Complete a Kailash-Manasarovar Trip with Us
If you are ready for aKailashandManasarovar yatra(or a non-religious adventurous trip), we can give you a helping hand.
We will help you to get all of the necessarydocumentsand will manage all of the bookings for you. Just tell us your plan and let us assist you with your challenge.
If you are looking to gosightseeing in Tibet,check out our topTibet toursand add Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as two of the attractions when booking if they’re not included.
See the followingpopular Tibet toursfor inspiration:
- 17-Days Beijing, Xian, Tibet, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong Tour
- 13-Days Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai Private Tour
- 10-Days Beijing-Lhasa-Shanghai
- 8 Days Chengdu Pandas, Sichuan Cuisine and Lhasa Tibetan culture Tour
All our tours are customizable. We can alsocreate an expert itinerary from your requirements.
