How to Get to Kailash from Xinjiang: by Flight, Overland or Train?

Mount Kailash, situated in the Ngari region of Tibet, has long been a revered site for Tibetan Buddhists. Besides traveling from Lhasa and Nepal, there's a third popular route to Mount Kailash: from Xinjiang. Along the way, you'll witness a dramatic shift in scenery, from the Gobi Desert to permafrost layers and perennial snow-covered mountains, continuing to experience the wonders of nature. This article will unveil how to reach Mount Kailash from Xinjiang, offering a choice of flight, road, or train to suit your needs.

Travel to Mount Kailash from Xinjiang by Flight

Regardless of your travel method, flying is always the fastest. You can fly directly from Urumqi or Kashgar to Ngari Gunsa Airport. If there are no suitable flights within Xinjiang, you can also take a flight from Urumqi or Kashgar to Lhasa, and then travel from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, but this will take longer.

There are daily flights from Urumqi and Kashgar to Ngari, but the flight from Urumqi has a 45-minute stop in Kashgar, taking a longer journey of approximately 4.5 hours, while the flight from Kashgar only takes about 2 hours. Detailed flight information is available below. If you have any questions about booking the flight tickets, please feel free to contact us.

From the plane, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the vast Tibetan Plateau and reach Mount Kailash in record time. However, please note that Ngari Gunsa Airport is located at a high altitude, and the rapid ascent may cause altitude sickness upon arrival. If you decide to take a flight, it's recommended that you take precautions in advance.

Kashgar Laining Airport

Travel to Mount Kailash from Xinjiang by Road

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219) is one of the highest highways in the world, stretching from Yecheng, Xinjiang, through Shiquanhe Town, and to Lhasa. While the road has been repaired and is in good condition in Xinjiang, some roads remain poor in high-altitude areas. For example, the section from Yecheng to 30 Miles Barracks lacks signal, and the route passes through the Qiangtang No Man's Land and the Karakoram Mountains, creating a relatively desolate landscape. Furthermore, the route is subject to natural disasters such as mudslides and rockfalls.

The journey from Xinjiang to Mount Kailash by land is mainly divided into two sections: the first section is from Kashgar to Shiquanhe, and the second section is from Shiquanhe to Mount Kailash.

The First Section: Kashgar to Shiquanhe

This 1,305km journey, comprised primarily of asphalt and dirt roads, passes through remote, desolate, and uninhabited areas. Starting from Kashgar, you'll travel southeast, passing Yecheng, 30 Miles Barracks, and Rutog, ultimately arriving at Shiquanhe in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture.

Kashgar, a major international economic hub in western China, is also the starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. From Kashgar, it's a 274km drive to Yecheng, where you enter the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, rising to an altitude of 4,500 meters. The route then continues to the frontier, descending to 30 Miles Barracks, just 3,700 meters above sea level. Passing through the three mountain passes of Kudidaban, Mazhadaban, and Heikadaban, the journey is steep and winding, with endless snow-capped mountains and a barren Gobi, evoking a profound sense of nature’s grandeur and desolation.

The average altitude of the road from 30 Miles Barracks to Rutog is about 4,800 meters. Upon arriving at Rutog County, you'll see Pangong Tso Lake on the roadside, an inland lake at 4,240 meters. Most of the lake lies within Chinese territory, with a smaller portion belonging to India. Interestingly, Pangong Tso is a freshwater lake on the Chinese side, while on the Indian side it is a saltwater lake. Numerous water birds occasionally fly over the lake, and the surrounding mountains, with their snow-capped peaks reflected in them, create a captivating scene. You can take a short break here.

The final section of the first section, from Rutog to Shiquanhe, is in excellent condition, mostly paved. Surrounding Rutog County is a vast wetland, lush with water and grass, a habitat for numerous migratory birds. Along the wetland's edge, flocks of birds can be seen foraging and frolicking in the water, creating a harmonious scene with the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Upon reaching Shiquanhe, you're not far from Mount Kailash.

The Second Section: Shiquanhe to Mount Kailash

Departing from Shiquanhe, you'll pass by the ruins of the Guge Kingdom. Precious temples, ancient palaces, and well-preserved murals all bear witness to the dynasty's former prosperity and splendor. A short distance ahead lies Tholing Monastery, once the Buddhist center of the Guge Kingdom. Built in the 12th century, its architectural style blends Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan influences.

After a brief stop at the Guge Kingdom and Tholing Monastery, you'll finally arrive at Darchen, a small town at the foot of Mount Kailash. From here, you can view Mount Kailash towering in the distance.

Scenery along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

What's the best time to travel to Mount Kailash via the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway?

May to October is the ideal time to travel the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway into Tibet. May and June are the most popular months, as the winter snow and ice have gradually melted, temperatures are comfortable, and the rainy season has yet to arrive, ensuring stable road conditions. July and August are Tibet's rainy season. Although rain often falls at night, it rarely affects daytime travel. However, heavy nighttime rain may affect road conditions. September and October offer pleasant weather, and the grasslands remain lush and green. Wild animals like Tibetan wild donkeys and antelopes roam the outdoors, and the lakes offer a captivating display. However, November to March marks winter along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, when roads are prone to snow accumulation, and most wildlife retreats for the winter. The grasslands wither, and the lakes freeze over. Traveling the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway into Tibet during the winter is not recommended.

Travel to Mount Kailash from Xinjiang by Train

For travelers who want to enjoy the scenery along the way and gradually acclimate to the altitude, taking a train from Urumqi to Lhasa via Xining is a great option. From Urumqi, you'll first take a train to Xining, then transfer to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa. The total journey, including transfers, is approximately 2,700 kilometers and takes between 30 and 40 hours.

The Train from Urumqi to Xining

The train from Urumqi to Xining passes through Turpan, Hami, and Jiayuguan. The journey offers a diverse array of scenery. Turpan and Hami offer vast desert landscapes and unique Yardang landforms. Jiayuguan marks a turning point along the way, offering a final glimpse into the desert. As the train continues, the scenery transforms into vibrant life.

Urumqi to Xining Train

Choosing a train with a longer layover will allow you to explore the beautiful city of Xining. The renowned Ta'er Monastery, the azure waters of Qinghai Lake, and the vibrant grasslands of flowers create a seamless connection between the beauty of the Western Regions and the charm of the highlands.

The Train from Xining to Lhasa

The Xining to Lhasa train is a major section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Along the way, the train passes through Golmud, crosses the Kunlun Mountains and its highest peak, Yuzhu Peak, and passes through the Kekexili Nature Reserve. As the train approaches Lhasa, you may see the beautiful Cuo Na Lake.

After you successfully arrive in Lhasa, you can choose to fly directly from Gonggar Airport to Ngari Gunsa Airport or travel overland to Mount Kailash via famous attractions such as Mount Everest.

Which Route is Best to Travel from Xinjiang to Mount Kailash?

Each route from Xinjiang to Mount Kailash has its unique advantages. Through the following comparative analysis, you will be able to understand more clearly and choose the most suitable route.

Flight: Flying directly from Xinjiang to Mount Kailash is the fastest way to get there, making it ideal for travelers with a shorter trip or those who don't want to waste time traveling. However, airfares are higher, the Ngari Gunsa Airport is at a high altitude, and you won't be able to fully appreciate the magnificent scenery of Tibet along the way.

Road: Traveling overland to Mount Kailash is perfect for adventure lovers. The scenery along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is magnificent, and you'll have ample time to admire and experience it all. However, the roads can be complex, so driving directly is not recommended for beginners. Book a tour with us, and we'll pair you with a professional driver who knows the road conditions, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.

Train: For travelers looking to gradually acclimate to the altitude, traveling by train to Tibet is a great option. From Urumqi to Xining, and then from Xining to Lhasa, the scenery along the two journeys is completely different, from the desert Gobi to the vast grassland to the snow-capped peaks, allowing you to experience the most beautiful scenery in a limited journey.

Conclusion

There are many ways to reach Mount Kailash from Xinjiang, whether by plane, road, or train. This article has provided you with a comprehensive guide. Whichever route you choose, you'll have a unique experience and a better understanding of Tibet. If you're planning a Mount Kailash tour from Xinjiang, please feel free to contact us. We can not only recommend the most suitable travel method based on your plans and requirements, but also provide one-stop services such as Tibet travel permit processing, accommodation reservations, and itinerary arrangements, ensuring a hassle-free and smooth trip to Mount Kailash.