Join us for a spiritual Mount Kailash Tour in Tibet and pay homage to the holy mountain, the abode of Shiva.
A tour to Mount Kailash is a profound journey that combines adventure, spirituality, and cultural immersion in one of the most remote and sacred regions on Earth. Located in western Tibet, Mount Kailash rises to 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) and is revered by four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Despite its spiritual significance, the peak has never been climbed, out of respect for its sacred status.
The journey typically begins in Kathmandu, Nepal or Lhasa, Tibet, depending on the route and travel permits. From there, travelers undertake a long, rugged overland drive across the Tibetan Plateau, often passing through stunning landscapes and remote high-altitude villages. A key stop along the way is Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, believed to cleanse the soul of sins.
The highlight of the tour is the Mount Kailash Kora, a 52-kilometer pilgrimage trek that circles the base of the mountain. This challenging 3-day trek reaches its highest point at the Dolma La Pass (5,630 meters), testing one’s endurance and mental strength. Along the route, pilgrims perform ritual circumambulation, often in silence or with prayer, believing it to bring spiritual merit.
Due to the high altitude and remote location, acclimatization and physical preparation are essential. Travelers also need to secure Chinese visas and Tibet Travel Permits in advance, often through a registered tour operator.
The best time to visit is between May and September, when weather conditions are most favorable. While the journey is physically demanding, the Mount Kailash tour offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery, cultural insight, and spiritual reflection—making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
A pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is considered to be one of the most sacred journeys in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
The spiritual pilgrims from around the world visit this sacred place in the Himalayas. Let's see what the highlights of the Mount Kailash Tour are.
Mount Kailash: The mountain itself is the main attraction of the tour. It is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism and the center of the universe in Buddhism. The mountain is also believed to be the source of four of the world's major rivers: the Brahmaputra, the Indus, the Sutlej, and the Karnali.
Lake Manasarovar: Lake Manasarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and is located at the base of Mount Kailash. The lake is believed to have spiritual powers and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Barkha Plain: The Barkha Plain is a vast open plain located near Mount Kailash. It is believed to be the site where the great sage, Milarepa, once meditated and attained enlightenment.
Darchen: Darchen is a small town located at the base of Mount Kailash and is the starting point for the Kailash Kora, a circumambulation of the sacred mountain. The town is also home to a number of small temples and monasteries.
Guge Kingdom: The Guge Kingdom was an ancient kingdom located in western Tibet. The kingdom was known for its unique architecture, which included rock-carved temples and fortresses. Today, the ruins of the Guge Kingdom are a popular tourist attraction.
Tholing Monastery: The Tholing Monastery is an ancient monastery located in western Tibet. It was founded in the 10th century and is known for its stunning murals and unique architecture.
The best time to visit Mt. Kailash is during the months of May to September when the weather is relatively stable, and the snow has melted enough to make the trekking trail accessible.
However, keep in mind that this is also the peak season for tourism, and the trails and accommodations can be crowded. It's also essential to avoid the monsoon season (June to August), as the trails can be dangerous due to landslides.
Check this Overland Tibet Tour if you want to explore more of the country.
The trek to Mt. Kailash is challenging, and proper preparation is essential to ensure a successful trip. It's recommended to undergo a medical check-up before embarking on the journey, as the high altitude can be taxing on the body.
Pilgrims are advised to train their bodies to get acclimatized to the altitude and trekking conditions.
It's also important to carry appropriate gear and clothing, including warm clothes, comfortable trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Additionally, it's essential to carry a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and enough cash as there are no ATMs in the region.
The Mount Kailash Tour is an unforgettable spiritual journey that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Tibet. The major highlights of the tour include Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, the Barkha Plain, Darchen, the Guge Kingdom, and the Tholing Monastery.
These landmarks provide an unforgettable experience and offer a glimpse into the unique beliefs and traditions of the region. A Mount Kailash tour is a journey that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
You need to arrive to Kathmandu at least 3-4 days before the day 01 of this trip starts. These extra days are to proceed for the visa to Tibet and other formalities. Please plan accordingly.
On the day 01 of the journey, we will drive from Kathmandu to Nepal Tibet border along a scenic highway. After immigration formalities at the border, you meet our Tibetan guide & driver. After some briefing we drove to O/N at the Guest House.
Acclimatize in Kyirung before further driving. Free afternoon look around. O/n at Guest house.
First day with a long drive on the desert terrain. Driving past nomad camps and sheep and yak herds. We can see Gaurishankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Himal from the pass. Continue drive through Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen and Peiku tso Lake (4400m). We will be crossing river Brahmaputra ( “Yarling Tsangpo” in Tibetan ) to reach Saga (4600m). O/n in guest house.
Watching the mountains in distance and driving through road we pass through the small town of Zhongba before reaching to Paryang.. Offering the first view of mt kailash and the holy lake only after several hours of drive. As you approach this serene and sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can have a glimpse of majestic Mount Kailash. Manasarovar , the highest fresh water lake with turquoise complexion - surrounded by mt Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata and Lake Rakchyas is simply heavenly. O/n at Guesthouse.
After some peaceful hours at the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the snowy massif of Gurla Mandhata 7694m just across the lake, we drive 40 km to Darchen which serves as the base for Mt kailashkora (circumambulation). The Kora is 53 km in total and completed in three days. O/n in a Guest house.
It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky. The 15 km trail takes almost 7 hrs. O/n Guest house.
Hardest but Holiest day of your pilgrimage trek , cross Dolma La pass at 5670 m. Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation to forget you. By the late afternoon you will arrive at Zuthul Puk where the great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles. O/N at local guest house
Complete the kora and drive to Lake Manasarovar to Saga O/N at Guest House.
Drive back to Kyirung O/N at Guest House.
Driving further to Nepal Tibet border, complete the immigration formalities,
If this trip is not suitable for you. We can make Tailor Made Trip for you.
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