How to Plan a Mount Kailash Tour: A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers

Planning a Mount Kailash tour is more than just a simple journey. It can purify your soul and give you an unforgettable memory. In this complete travel guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information for your trip to Mount Kailash, including the best time to travel, accommodations, required permits, packing tips, advice on dealing with altitude sickness, and costs, so that you can easily prepare for your journey.

About Mount Kailash

Kailash is a mountain in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It lies in the Kailash Range of the Transhimalaya, in the western part of the Tibetan Plateau, near the western trijunction between China, India, and Nepal.

Not only that, Mount Kailash is located close to Mansarovar and Rakshastal lakes. The sources of the four rivers: Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali lie in the vicinity of the region. Mount Kailash is sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion. People from India, China, Nepal, and other countries in the region undertake a pilgrimage to the mountain.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash

The best time to do Kailash Kora is from May to October every year, especially in May, June and September. During these periods, the weather is ideal for hiking, allowing you to appreciate the plateau scenery better. Especially during the Saga Dawa Festival, many pilgrims came to worship, and the atmosphere of the kora is solemn; it will give you a better experience of the kora. Tibet in summer, in July and August, the temperature is higher, the weather is changeable, always rainy, and the road is slippery, which makes the kora more dangerous and difficult. From November to March of the following year, due to the heavy snow, you can't do Kailash kora. In summary, the best time to Kailash is in late spring or early autumn. During this time, the weather is cool and it’s comfortable for travelers to hike, also you can have a good view of the Tibet plateau and Mount Kailash.

Beautiful Scenery of Mount Kailash

How to get to Mount Kailash

There are three main routes to get to Mount Kailash: from Lhasa, Nepal, or Xinjiang.

Go to Mount Kailash from Lhasa

Most tourists will choose to start from Lhasa, passing through Shigatse, Saga, and Mansarovar, and finally arrive at Darchen to start the Kailash kora. This route has mature road conditions and magnificent scenery along the way, such as Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Everest Base Camp. It is the safest and most suitable way to adapt to the plateau, especially for tourists who are going to Kailash for the first time. You can also choose to fly from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport and then drive to Kailash.

Go to Mount Kailash from Nepal

If you choose to enter Tibet via the Gyirong Port from Kathmandu, Nepal, it is also another popular way. This route can lead directly to Nagri, and the duration is shorter. You can experience the unique culture and natural landscape of the China-Nepal border all the way. But because Kathmandu is about 1,400 m(4,593 feet) above sea level, due to the changeable altitude, it requires better physical fitness. If you want to choose a more exciting way, you can take a helicopter to the Purang border and then from here into Tibet to Mount Kailash.

Go to Mount Kailash from Xinjiang

In addition to the above two conventional routes, you can also choose to travel from Kashgar, Xinjiang, along G219 to Tibet. Along the way, you can visit many famous landmarks, such as Yecheng, Pangong Tso Lake, and Zanda, while crossing remote borderlands and finally arriving at Mount Kailash. Also, you can fly directly from Kashgar to Ngari Gunsa Airport, like Lhasa to Nagri, and then continue to Mount Kailash.

Visa & Travel Permit for Mount Kailash Tour

For travelers who plan to start a Mount Kailash tour, being able to successfully obtain all the necessary permits is a good beginning for a smooth trip. A trip that includes the Kailash kora is usually longer, so we recommend that you apply for a Chinese visa, even if your country is eligible for the visa-free policy in China.

In addition, Mount Kailash is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region. You must obtain extra permits, including the Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, and Military Permit. If you book our Kailash tour, we will assist you to get all required Tibet travel permits for free, ensuring you can get a smooth and worry-free journey

Top Four Itineraries for Mount Kailash Tour

Planning a perfect Mount Kailash tour, you first need to choose the right itinerary. Whether you prefer a short pilgrimage or a longer cultural adventure, we can all provide you with appropriate route. Here are some common itinerary options that can help you plan your trip effectively:

10 Days Kathmandu Gyirong Kailash Tour: This 10-day trip will take you to Mount Kailash in the most convenient and fastest way, entering and exiting Tibet through the Gyirong Port. During this land journey, you can not only enjoy Nepal's unique natural scenery and rich cultural relics, but also complete the trip to Mount Kailash.

13 Days Lhasa EBC Kailash Mansarovar Gyirong to Kathmandu Tour: This 13-day tour begins in Lhasa and takes you to Tibet’s iconic sites, including the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp and so on. Before the tour ends, you will do the Kailash kora and visit Lake Mansarovar. Finally, you can cross the Gyirong border to Kathmandu, where you can continue your journey.

15 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Gyirong Lhasa Tour: This 15-day immersive journey starts and ends in Lhasa, taking you through the majestic Everest Base Camp, the sacred Mount Kailash, the pristine Lake Mansarovar, and will also go to explore the Gyirong valley. This tour perfectly combine the scenery and spiritual experience of Tibet. It’s really suitable for tourists seeking adventure and wanting to explore Tibet in depth.

17 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Manasarovar Guge Kingdom Full Moon Tour: Embark on a 17-day epic journey to explore the most sacred place in Tibet. This journey departs from Lhasa, and you will visit famous attractions such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. After that, you will pass through Yamdrok Lake, head to the Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, and finally go to the ancient Guge Kingdom ruins and Zanda Earth Forest. The trip coincides with the Full Moon Festival, and the strong festive atmosphere makes your tour even more perfect.

How to Cope with Altitude Sickness for Mount Kailash tour

Mount Kailash is approximately 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level. Our tours usually arrange for travelers to stay in Lhasa or other low-altitude areas for 2 to 3 days to acclimate to the gradually increasing altitude. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath are common when first arriving in Lhasa or other high-altitude areas, and usually subside within 2-3 days. To relieve these symptoms, you can drink more water to stay hydrated, but also avoid alcohol, and get enough rest. Also, when you first arrive at a higher altitude, try to avoid showering. In addition, it may be helpful to bring anti-altitude sickness drugs. If symptoms persist or even become more severe, you should go to the hospital immediately or descend to a lower altitude.

Accommodation & Food for Mount Kailash Tour

During the entire kora, the accommodation in Darchen is the best and has a wide variety of options. There are three-star and four-star hotels that meet most people's requirements, such as Jingruihonghao Hotel, Himalaya Kailash Hotel and Purang Kailash Castle Hotel. After the start of the trek, you can only stay in the guesthouses along the way, such as Drirapuk Monastery Guesthouse and Dzultripuk Monastery Guesthouse. Although the facilities are simple, they can provide you with the necessary comfort after a long trek.

Similar to the accommodation, Darchen has more options, usually including Tibetan and Chinese dishes, and provides simple but hearty meals to replenish energy. It is recommended that you bring some snacks to replenish energy along the way. Even if you don't bring any, don't worry, there will be food at the supply points along the way.

Packing List for Mount Kailash Tour

Among the series of preparations, package preparation is crucial. All necessary permits, including your passport, Chinese visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, and Military Permit, should be brought with you as they may be checked at random along the way. Due to the high altitude of Tibet, large temperature difference between day and night, changeable weather, and dry climate, for clothing, you need to prepare thermal underwear, down jackets, windproof and waterproof coats and trousers, warm hats, gloves, and comfortable hiking shoes. For personal items, you can bring a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, and some basic toiletries. To cope with altitude sickness, you can also carry anti-altitude sickness drugs and personal prescription drugs. In addition, you can also prepare some energy bars and nuts to replenish your energy. The right equipment will greatly improve the safety and comfort of your Mount Kailash tour.

Cost for Mount Kailash Tour

The Mount Kailash tour is an unforgettable experience, and knowing the relevant costs will help you plan this trip better. The total cost depends on the duration, the route, the travel time, and the type of the tour (private or group tour). In general, a standard 10-13 days group tour costs between $1450 and $1750 per person, including permits, accommodation, transportation in Tibet, and guide services. If your trip is 15-17 days, the cost is between $1800 and $2300. The cost may be higher if your trip is longer.

Booking Tips:
1. Book your trip in advance: Booking in advance generally offers discounted prices. It is recommended that you book at least 1-2 months in advance.
2. Choose a group tour: Compared with a private customized tour, a small group tour is cheaper.

Conclusion

Planning your first trip to Mount Kailash might be overwhelming. But with this guide, you’ll have a smooth preparation for the trip. From the best time to Kailash to costs for the journey, this guide covers everything you may need. Hopefully, you can have a safe, fulfilling, and memorable trip to Mount Kailash and embark on a spiritual pilgrimage.