Packing Lists for Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour

This sutra-turning path, which surrounds Mount Kailash, has been traversed by countless pilgrims over the past few centuries. In recent years, the services that can be provided by the supply points along the way have also become very good. There are now 11 supply points throughout the journey, and the basic food and accommodation services are quite complete. However, the entire road is at high altitude and has a long distance, and the proper equipment will make you more comfortable while walking. You can refer to the following content to prepare. In addition, the equipment mentioned in this article only considers the needs of the Kailash Kora, and other supplies need to be comprehensively arranged according to your entire itinerary.

Clothing and Shoes

The climate of the plateau is changing, with a large temperature difference between day and night, and mostly rugged mountain roads. Therefore, the most important thing on the way to the mountain is to prepare suitable clothes and walking shoes.

How to prepare appropriate clothing?

For the mountain kora from May to June, mid-September to October, you can generally prepare for the cold resistance ability of -10℃ to -15℃; from July to early September, in this period, Tibet is in summer, the weather is warmer, so you can prepare for the extreme of -5℃ to -10℃. Because everyone has different cold resistance, it is impossible to recommend what kind of clothes to wear. You can refer to the extreme temperature mentioned above and your situation. If you are particularly afraid of the cold, you can bring a little warmer clothes.

Except during the rainy season, there are usually no particularly heavy and long-lasting rains or snow during other periods of the Kailash kora. Therefore, considering the itinerary of the three days of the kora, you don’t have to wear those waterproof jackets and pants. You can wear exterior clothes that are thick and can basically be protected from wind and water. Jackets should not be worn with pure cotton material, because they are difficult to dry after getting wet. For cold-resistant clothes such as thermal underwear, fleece jackets, down jackets, etc., you should choose those that can sweat and dry quickly. It is best to use the "onion" multi-layer wearing method to facilitate rapid increase and decrease of clothes to ensure physical comfort due to external temperature and changes.

What kind of shoes do you need to prepare?

Just prepare a pair of hiking shoes. But it needs to be medium or high-end, with basic waterproofing capabilities. The size is about half a size to one size bigger than the usual shoes, because on the third day of the kora, there are about 3km of steep downhills. If the shoe length is not long enough, your toes will rub against the shoe tip when walking. This could cause bruising on your toes or even make your toenails fall off. You can test the fit by lacing up the shoes, then kicking the ground firmly with the toe downward to check if your toes hit the front.

The soles of hiking shoes are generally thicker and harder. If you are used to wearing ordinary sports shoes, you may not be able to adapt to such a hard feel. You can add a pair of soft insoles to the soles. Most sections of the roads in Mount Kailash are covered with gravel and rocks. Thick and hard soles can protect the legs, while medium and high tops can reduce the risk of spraining the ankle. In addition, the 50km of the mountain is still quite challenging, and the comfort of the shoes is very important. It is best to wear shoes that have been worn in for a while. If it is a new shoe, it is recommended to place band-aids on places where the feet rub more against the shoe (such as in front of the soles of the feet) for protection, otherwise it will easily cause blisters.

In addition to preparing clothes and shoes, you also need to carry a headscarf or a scarf. Around mid-September, the wind will become very strong during the mountain Kailash kora, and you can use it to keep out the wind and cold.

Besides the headscarf, socks and gloves are all necessary. It is recommended that you bring one or two pairs of socks to keep your soles dry and not easily blistered. It is best to choose a glove that supports touchscreen to avoid taking it off when using the phone. It is both troublesome and easy to lose. You can also bring an extra pair of gloves as a backup.

Essential Equipment

Apart from clothing, some suitable and simple equipment can make your kora journey more easier.

What basic equipment need to be prepared?

In addition to some basic equipment such as hiking poles, backpacks when doing the kora, sunglasses, electronic equipment, and headlights, sometimes crampons, knee pads, and sleeping bags may also be used, which can also be prepared as appropriate.

Packing Lists for Kailash Kora

What are the uses of these equipment?

Correct use of hiking poles can transfer the strength of your hands to the ground, which is equivalent to having one or two legs added to reduce the burden on the legs. Flat ground or uphill can accelerate, while downhill can reduce pressure wear on the knees and can also serve as a safe fulcrum in dangerous sections.

The backpack for the journey is used to hold these listed items, and it doesn't need to be too big. About 25L is enough. When you choose the item, a belt and chest strap are better, which can reduce the pressure on your shoulders.

Sunglasses can resist strong sunlight and protect the eyes. You may set off before sunrise on the second day during the kora, and a headlight is required. It is not recommended to replace it with a mobile phone or flashlight. You need to use a hiking pole, so it is not convenient to hold the flashlight in your hand all the time. In addition, you can prepare electronic equipment such as backup batteries, power banks, etc., according to your needs, without too much, because the accommodation facilities on the way are now very complete, and there are basically charging places.

During the third day, there is a steep and continuous downhill of 3km, which is very stressful to your knees. You can decide whether to prepare knee pads based on your physical condition. If you are on a road that will freeze and is dangerous, you can carry a pair of crampons, but most of them are not used. A hiking pole can help you pass through it, or you can bring a pair of long, thick socks. In case you meet the slippery ice surface, tie the socks horizontally to the soles of the shoe, which can increase friction and achieve an anti-slip effect.

Many tourists come to ask whether they need to bring a tent and a sleeping bag before traveling. These things do not need to be carried, and they will only increase the burden on you during the kora. Now, there are many supply points for accommodation on the way, and basically each bed comes with a quilt and a blanket, and some also have electric blankets, which is enough for most people. If you have high-standard hygiene, you can prepare a lightweight isolation sleeping bag.

Required Personal Items

In addition to the above mentioned essential items, you will also need some personal items on the journey.

Basic toiletries: At present, all accommodation sites along the way do not have the conditions to take a bath. At most, you can only brush your teeth and wash your face. You can bring some wet tissues to wipe your face. Some hotels may provide hot water to soak your feet.

Some medicines, skin care products, and hygiene products can also be prepared, such as cold medicine, headache medicine, and bandages (also used as waterproof blisters). July and August are warmer, and sometimes there are mosquitoes on the way. You can carry a bottle of mosquito repellent water with you. If necessary, apply it on your head or hat to repel insects. In addition, July and August are rainy seasons, and it often rains, sleet, or small hail. In this short period of time, you need to bring a raincoat just in case, and you can buy it in the shops at Darchen.

Kailash kora is a long hike, and it is very important to ensure sufficient moisture. You can carry a thermos cup, and it doesn't need to be too big. About 0.5L is enough because hot water is provided by the supply points along the way. In addition, the energy consumption is also high. You can bring some high-calorie food to replenish energy on the way outside the supply points, such as nuts, chocolate, energy glue, energy bars, compressed biscuits, etc., but the taste should not be too salty and too sweet to cause thirst. According to this standard, based on the maximum length of a 3-day kora, it is enough to prepare about 500g of high-calorie dry food for each person throughout the whole process.

Important Visa & Permits for Kailash Kora

Permits are the most important thing in your entire trip to Kailash. Without a complete permit that meets the requirements, all your preparations are meaningless.

The first is a valid passport and a Chinese visa. Generally speaking, the journey to Mount Kailash is long, even if your country meets China's foreign visa-free policy, it is recommended that you apply for a Chinese visa.

Then is the Tibet Travel Permit. It is a necessary certificate for entering Tibet. Without a Tibet Travel Permit, you will not be able to board a plane or train to Tibet. It should also be noted that it cannot be applied for by individual, and can only be processed by a qualified travel agency. If you choose to start your trip to Kailash with us, Travelkailash can deal with your Tibet Travel Permit for free.

Due to the special location of Mount Kailash, in addition to the above-mentioned Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit, a smooth tour of Mount Kailash also requires an Aliens' Travel Permit and a Military Area Entry Permit. Don't worry, Travelkailash can help you easily handle these permits.

Conclusion

Through the detailed explanation of this article, I believe you have a very complete understanding of what you need to prepare. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. Now is a good time to do a Mount Kailash Kora, so start a sacred Tibet trip!