Travel Guide to Mt Kailash or Kailash Travel guide, Here you will find the most extensive Tibet travel information to visit Kailash. We cover all the dimensions of Kailash Yatra or Kailash Journey.
Mount Kailash is known as the holiest mountain for the four world religions. Additionally, the Mount is often associated with mythical tales of extraterrestrial and Its unworldly phenomenon. It is an axis of Earth between the celestial poles.
Due to the reasons mentioned above, it is the most popular tourist destination for travellers, either adventurous explorers or Devoted Pilgrims. The latest Lonely Planet Tibet edition has ranked Mt Kailash as number one in Tibet’s top 20.
What makes Mount Kailash Famous
Mythology and Geography play roles in the sacredness and popularity of Mount Kailash.
Mount Kailash is sacred in four worlds religion, like Hindus, Buddhists, Bön, and Jainism. Mount Kailash is the physical embodiment of Mount Meru. A centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes.
So each year hundreds of thousands of travellers visit Mount Kailash. So out is it. The majority of it is Pilgrims coming to Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
Kailash in Bön Religion
According to this Bön religion. Mount Kailash, Yungdrung Gutsek, a pyramidal-shaped mountain serving as axis mundi with nine stories Yungdrungs (swastika). From the four-hand of Swastika, four major rivers of Asia flows out.
Kailash in Tibetan Buddhism
To us (Tibetan Buddhists), the Mount is the adobe of a meditation deity called Damchog or Cakrasaṃvara. Thus, our name for the Mount is Gang Rinpoche (གངས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་), meaning Precious Snow Mountain. The Mount is also associated with Padmasambhava and Milarepa in Tibetan Buddhism.
Kailash in Hinduism
To Hindus, Kailash is the adobe of Lord Shiva, the Adiyogi. Therefore, he resides there along with his consort Goddess Parvati and their children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Moreover, Hindus text mentions the mountain as the pillar of the world located in the heart of six ranges symbolising a lotus. Additional about its four faces of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli.
Kailash in Jainism
For Jain, Kailash is the place where their first prophet received enlightenment. It is also where Lord Indra took their last prophet, right upon his birth, for a bath and anointment with precious unctions.
Getting to Mount Kailash
It is now much easier to reach Kailash via the overland route or flight from Lhasa. Yet travelling overland on the land route is much recommended for acclimatisation to the high elevation of Tibet.
Lhasa and Kathmandu are two main gateways to reach Kailash. In contrast, you can also trek from Simikot in Nepal to Burang for Kailash or Travel overland from Xingjiang Province to Lhasa with a stopover at Mount Kailash.
We will discuss it one by one.
Lhasa to Kailash
Lhasa is the central entrance city to Tibet. Hence most travellers reach Lhasa first before travelling to other areas of Tibet. It is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Most flights ( International and domestic) and trains are to Lhasa.
Lhasa is located 1200 kilometer and 2 days away from Kailash. Yet most tour to Kailash from Lhasa breaks into multiple stops of acclimatisations.
It is highly suggested to start the tour from Lhasa for all travellers. Spending few days in Lhasa and gradually ascending to the higher elevation around Kailash can help acclimatise you to Tibet's Altitude.
Kathmandu to Kailash via Gyirong
The primary land border port on the Sino-Nepal border is Gyirong port. You can reach here either travel by road or by helicopter to the Nepal side of the border.
Jeep ride from Kathmandu to Border
You can take the jeep to the international border at Gyirong port. However, the journey could take 8 to 12 hours to cross just 170 kilometres due to the poor road condition. Beware, in the monsoon season, the road often gets washed away.
The helicopter from Kathmandu to Border
You can also take a helicopter from Tribhuvan International Airport to avoid the bumpy road and arrive safer at the Nepal side of the border. However, it could cost up to 120 USD per person for a 20-minute flight to the helipad near the border.
Checking in at China Custom
Once you cross the border bridge, you will meet your tour guide to help with custom checking. He will have your Tibet Travel permits in his hand.
Gyirong to Darchen (foot town of Kailash)
After a night a the Gyirong ( Now on China side). You will visit few exciting spots for acclimatisation hiking. From here, Mount Kailash is just 670 kilometres (420 miles), and you will reach there in just one day if going fast.
But for all the tours we undertake, you will get the foot of Kailash on the third day with a fully acclimatised body. So we ascend slowly for proper acclimatisation.
Kathmandu to Kailash via Simikot
This travel route takes you to the remotest region of the Himalayas between western Nepal and the Kailash region in Tibet. This journey requires two short flights and six days of trekking to reach Sino-Nepalese Border.
Due to gradual ascend while the hike to the border from Simikot. You will be well adjusted to altitude upon arrival on the Tibetan Plateau. From Border at Sher, you will reach Kailash on the second day.
Travel overland from Xinjiang to Kailash
It is not a very popular route solely for visiting Kailash. But if you are travelling from Kashgar to Lhasa or vice versa. You can visit Kailash and go trekking around the mount.
Document required for Kailash Journey
This part is Not for Indian citizens visiting Tibet for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. It is for regular tourists from the rest of the world, including Ancestral Indians how are not citizens of India (NRI's).
When travelling to Tibet or Kailash in particular, there are few documents you will need. It is the default for all the have valid passports. Rest we will discuss one by one.
Visa
The Visa situations differ if you are coming from Nepal or other regions of China.
Chinese Group Visa from Nepal
For those travellers entering Tibet from Nepal, it is mandatory to get a Chinese Group Visa from the Embassy in Kathmandu. You will have to arrive some days in advance to apply for it.
You will need to apply via a visa agent in Nepal, and they will fill up your visa form and submit it with your passport. The Visa process takes three business days, and you can travel to Tibet on next day. Read more about travelling to Tibet from Nepal and Chinese Group Visa to know more.
Regular Chinese Visa for those coming to Tibet from other regions of China
If you are planning to enter Tibet from another region of China, you need to get a regular Chinese tourist Visa or any other type at your convenience. Please apply for your visa at least a month in advance, as we will need a copy of your visa to apply for the Tibet travel permit.
Many travellers would say it is easier to obtain a visa without mentioning Tibet as a travel destination. However, the embassy might ask to submit your hotel booking, flight booking and other details with applications.
Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet travel permit is the third most important document you will need to enter into Tibet. It is issued by a Tibet Tourism Development Committee, formerly known as the Tibet tourism bureau. Hence, We, as your Travel partner in Lhasa, can apply it on your behalf.
The process of the permit will differ from your place of visit in Tibet. Hence tour to mount Kailash will take most days it. Generally, it will take from 24 -26 days to get the permit done. Therefore it is essential to book the tour well in advance and get the visa in advance too.
Other permits
Besides the Tibet travel permit, you will also need to apply for Aliens permit, border and security permit.
Your travel agency will take care of those permits while getting the primary permit. Hence if you book a reliable travel agency like us, you don't need to be concern about all the required permits for your journey to Tibet.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra policy for Indian Pilgrim
There is a different set of Tibet travel regulations for Indian Pilgrims visiting Tibet for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
There is a different Organisation to facilitate and organise Kailash journey Indian Pilgrims called Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center.
As of now, no travel agency, including i-Tibet travel and tours, can facilitate Kailash yatra for Indians. But if you are visiting other parts of Tibet, we will be more than happy to be your travel partner in Tibet.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for NRIs
It important part of Kailash Travel guide, that Kailash Yatra can be done with a local travel agency in Tibet. They don't have to organise through Indian Philgirmage service of Tibet.
We specialise in organising Kailash Manasarovar Yatra of Non-Residential Indian with our catering partner from Nepal for Indian Meals.
Each year we assist hundreds of NRIs to realise their long dream yatra to Kailash and Manasarovar.
All our yatra tours are design best for Acclimatisation in Tibet. Hence, therefore, a successful parikrama of the holy mount and even Charansparsh ( Touch Kailash).
Our team members have complete 100+ Kailash parikrama and 50+ Kailash Charansparsh on average.
Wheather and altitude at Kailash
Elevation
Kailash is located in far western Tibet, with its average elevation is 4800m, exceeding the average height of 4600m of the Entire Qinghai Tibetan Plateau. Meaning when you are visiting Kailash are reaching a very high elevation. The place is significantly risky for getting high altitude Sickness due to very little oxygen.
Proper acclimatisation is of utmost necessity for a good experience at the Holy Mount. Therefore, take your journey to the Kailash slowly with a gradual ascend from Lower areas. Entering Tibet from Lhasa is highly recommend if best acclimatisation to Kailash.
The climate at Kailash
It is usually dry and cold in the region. The possibility of snowing at the mount is very highly likely. Therefore we don't organise Yatra or tour to Kailash in the Monsoon Season.
The Average Temperature of the day could range between 14°C (57°F) and -12°C (10°F). The nights are much colder than a day, with a difference of 14°C (25°F).
Proper Sleeping Bags and Brown jackets are highly prescribing for the cold temperatures of the region.
Essential Packing List for Kailash
This part is another essential part of Travel Guide to Mt Kailash. Kailash journey including three days kora is most challenging and most demanding on Biological and Physical items.
Here are few things that are of utmost importance to bring for Kailash.
For your Feet:
- Trekking Shoe: A good shoe for hiking is the most important item on your packing list.
- Hiking Boot Spats: It is optional for most, Yet if you are travelling to Kailash in late Spring or early summer. There is a high possibility of snowing. This can prevent snow from entering your show. If you are going for Kailash Charansparsh, it is recommended.
For your Upper Body:
It is best practice to wear cloth in multiple layers. Hence you can remove a level when you feel hot and put it back as your body cool down. It can prevent you from exposing the cold wind at once.
- Baselayer: Wear a base that is made of cotton so that it could observe the sweat as you are walking.
- Jumper: A Jumper of wear over the base layer.
- Light Down Jacket:
- Windproof jacket:
For your lower body:
- Baselayer
- Walking Trouser (Breathable)
- Rainproof Trouser
- Two pairs of Socks
Sleeping
- Sleeping Bag: All the accommodation facilities around the kora route have blankets. Yet if you are visiting during the high season. It is a little hard to get the Blanket.
Travel accessories and care items:
- Hiking Poles: A good hiking pole can make your hike around mount Kailash as half as easier
- Emergency whistle: All group members wouldn't be able to walk together at the same pace. If the group has a leader and a guide, one can lead and the other can follow up. But If there is only a guide. Some time travellers might get lost on the way. The emergency whistle can make it easier for a search party to find you before dust.
- First aid kit with Medicine: We would highly recommend bringing as per the recommendation of your doctor and make a small kit for yourself. Our tour guide will always have a bigger pack with him.
- Thermal bag or survival blanket
- Head Torch or Fleshlight with extra batteries: It is recommended to have a torch with you as we will starting the trekking trail very early in the morning.
- Hats: Sun hat to protect yourself from the sun and warm Beanie
- Skincare: Sunscreen lotion with +50 SPF. Lip balm prevents lip cracking due to low moisture in the atmosphere.
- Facemask: Wearing a face mask can help prevent loss of moisture from your nose, and throat. Additional to recommended medicine, it is highly recommended to bring some drops to prevent noise bleeding due to dryness of the air.
Bags:
It is highly recommended to discuss with group members to hire a common Yaks or porters in the group.
- Backpack: If you are hiring a yak, you can bring a smaller day pack. If not you will have to bring a bigger bag to fit your needs for three days
- Waterproof Duffel Bag: For bring it on yaks. you will not need it if you are not hiring yaks.
- Hydration packs or Water bottles: Bring either a water bottle or Hydration pack suitable for your backpack.
Food:
Food is very limited to instant noodles along the trekking route at Kailash. Please bring ready to eat dry food. You will get hot water at the resting points.
For our VIP Kailash tours and Kailash Yatra for NRI, You can only bring a small day pack. We will be arranging yaks, Drinks, Meals and a Waterproof Duffel Bag for your trekking and the entire journey.
Above are the things we highly recommend you to bring for your Kailash Parikarma or Trekking around the holy mount. Read more about the Packing list for Mount Kailash
MOST DESIRABLE TIME TO VISIT KAILASH
The best time to visit Kailash is either late spring or early autumn for its optimal favourable season. Yet, Travellers visiting spring could face spring snow which is very common in the Tibetan plateau.
Monsoon in Tibet starts late June to early September. However, it is possible to visit Kailash. Yet if you are trekking around the Kailash, the road on the descend point will be slippery. And it is not a great time if you are not an experienced trekker.
It is impossible to visit in winter for most travellers. But we do have some travellers visiting Kailash in winter. Read more on the Best time to visit Tibet.
THINGS TO DO AT MOUNT KAILASH
Due to its location and elevation, you might feel fewer things to do at the Kailash. But, there are pretty different things you can do in the region. Please remember, any physical activities are physically demanding for travellers from lower areas.
Following on Travel Guide to Mt Kailash are few things you can do at the Mount Kailash region. Some are ban for foreign travellers, but we will write for sharing them with you.
KAILASH PARIKARMA OR TREKKING AROUND THE HOLY MOUNT
Kailash Parikarma Or Kora is an essential spiritual practice in all the spirituality the venerates the mount. Most of them would walk clockwise on this trail, Yet believers of Bön Religion are only one walking anti-clockwise.
This trekking trail covers 54 kilometres and would take about three days for regular visitors from low areas. However, most Tibetan can complete this entire kora in 12 hours.
The lowest point on this trek is at Darchen town at 4,675 meters (15,338 feet), and the Highest is at the Drolma La Pass at 5,648 meters (18,530 feet).
You will also find hundreds of Tibetan devotees doing full-body prostrating for the entire Parikrama. It takes them about 15 days to complete one circumambulation.
TOUCH KAILASH OR KAILASH CHARANSPARSH
This part of Kailash Travel guide is highly contested part. Kailash charansparsh is a high debate among the devotees if it is ok to hike up the foot of the mount and touch itself. Some believe it is trespassing and disturbing the sanctity of divine energy residing at the mountain. Yet others believe it is a divine blessing to touch the Kailash itself.
If You believe in Kailash Charansparsh, you can hike from Drirapuk Monastery ( First camp) to the very feet of Kailash on the north side. It will take four hours to walk up to the mount and two hours to walk down in Gangkhyam valley and Gangkhyam Glacier.
KAILASH INNER KORA
Kailash inner kora is like walking on the lap of the holy mount. This kora is the most challenging pilgrimage route in Tibet. Therefore requires mountaineering experience and equipment.
MANASAROVAR LAKE
The lake is located at an elevation of 4,590 meters (15,059 feet) above sea level and 32 kilometres away from Darchen town. It is the biggest freshwater lake in Tibet.
HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS AND PREPARATION FOR YOUR KAILASH JOURNEY
This is a very critical section of Travel Guide to Mt Kailash. Please read this Kailash Travel guide well and let us know if you have any questions.
High Altitude sickness is actual and can affect anyone travelling to Kailash. In this section of Travel Guide to Mt Kailash. We will discuss how to prepare better to manage the rapid change of altitude in Tibet.
CONCLUSION OF TRAVEL GUIDE TO MT KAILASH
Travelling to Kailash is an exciting as well as the least informed part of Tibet tourism. Above are all the Kailash Travel guide, we can possibly gather from our years' experience of organizsing Kailash tours or Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for Pilgrims.
We hope you will find this Travel Guide to Mt Kailash informative. If you are planning to visit Kailash and any part of Tibet. Please do contact to for the most authentic travel experience with Tibetan professionals.
Mount Kailash is a peak in the Gangdise mountains, a part of western Himalaya in Tibet. It lies near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia:
We offer some of the best travel services to Mount Kailash from Yatra for NRIs to regular tourists exploring the region. Check out some of the tours to Kailash.
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