Australia to Kailash: How to Plan a Tibet Kailash Tour from Australia

Mount Kailash is a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon followers around the world. Located in the remote Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, it is believed to be the center of the universe in several religions and attracts travelers from every corner of the globe. For spiritual seekers from Australia, planning a Tibet Kailash tour might seem complicated due to the location and transportation options. If you are expecting a life-changing and unforgettable Mount Kailash tour now, you’d better take full advantage of this comprehensive travel guide on how to reach Mount Kailash from Australia.

Where Is Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash, situated in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, stands at an elevation of 6,638 meters above sea level. Although it is not the highest peak in the Himalayas, its spiritual importance greatly surpasses its elevation. Each year, thousands of devotees and trekkers will come to undertake the Kailash Kora, a sacred clockwise pilgrimage around the mountain that can wash away sins and bring good fortune.

The direct distance between Australia and Mount Kailash is about 9,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the city of departure (such as Sydney and Melbourne). However, due to the remote location of Mount Kailash and the lack of direct international flights, the Australia to Mount Kailash tour will involve multiple parts, including international flights, domestic Chinese or Nepali flights, and overland travel.

How to Get to Mount Kailash from Australia?

There are two primary routes for Australian travelers to reach Mount Kailash: via Nepal or via Chinese Mainland.

Get to Mount Kailash via Nepal

One of the most popular and scenic ways to reach Mount Kailash is via Kathmandu, Nepal. This route will offer a unique opportunity for travelers to explore charming Nepal before entering Tibet.

There are connecting flights to Kathmandu from major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne via transit cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. These connecting flights usually will take 15 to 20 hours. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can spend 2-3 days exploring this unique and amazing place. Iconic sites in Kathmandu include Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

From Kathmandu, tourists will be driven to the Nepal-Tibet border, Gyirong Port and then proceed overland to Saga, and eventually to Darchen - the gateway to Mount Kailash. Once you’ve properly acclimatized to the altitude, you can start the three-day trek around Mount Kailash.

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Get to Mount Kailash via Chinese Mainland

Alternatively, tourists in Australia can travel to Mount Kailash by entering Chinese Mainland first, then taking a domestic flight or Tibet train to Lhasa. From Lhasa, take an overland trip or flight to Mount Kailash. Some major airlines offer flights from Sydney and Melbourne to cities like Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Fly from Australia to Chengdu and Get to Mount Kailash

Chengdu is a great city for panda lovers and spicy food enthusiasts. It is also a hub for travelers who are heading to Tibet, with frequent flights and trains to Lhasa. There is one direct flight from Sydney to Chengdu, which operates on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. After 10 hours and 55 minutes on the flight, tourists will arrive at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and transfer to downtown Chengdu to enjoy delicious food.

In order to get to Mount Kailash, tourists need to get to Lhasa from Chengdu. It is convenient to fly from Chengdu to Lhasa since there are lots of daily non-stop flights available. Besides, one Tibet train is also a good option for tourists who wish to experience the gorgeous landscapes along the Qinghai-Tibet railway.

Fly from Australia to Beijing and Get to Mount Kailash

Beijing is the capital city of China, offering rich history with attractions like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace. A visit to Beijing provides a fascinating introduction to Chinese culture, architecture, and cuisine. If you need to choose a transit city to get to Mount Kailash, Beijing is a great choice for you if you are interested in getting to know more about China.

There is a flight from Sydney to Beijing Capital International Airport that operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Journey takes approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes and lands on Beijing at 5:25. If you're based in Melbourne, you also have direct flight options to Beijing Capital International Airport. Flights operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, with a flight duration of approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes. Upon landing, travelers can take public transportation or a taxi to the hotel, where they can rest for a while and then begin exploring Beijing before continuing to Lhasa.

Then, after you finish your tour in Beijing, you can travel to Lhasa and reach Mount Kailash from there. There are several direct flights from Beijing to Lhasa each day, allowing visitors to choose a schedule that suits them. For those seeking a more unique travel experience or hoping to enjoy the stunning scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet railway, taking the train to Tibet from Beijing will definitely meet your needs.

Fly from Australia to Shanghai and Get to Mount Kailash

Compared to Beijing and Chengdu, there are more flight options from Australia to Shanghai. Both Sydney and Melbourne offer three daily flights to Shanghai, with flexible schedules for tourists to choose from. The flight duration is just over 10 hours, making the journey relatively easy and comfortable. Once in Shanghai, travelers can spend one or two days exploring Shanghai.

There are direct flights from Shanghai to Lhasa, typically including a short stopover in cities like Chengdu or Xi’an. The total flight time is just over seven hours, making it a convenient option for travelers from Shanghai to Lhasa. Alternatively, there is a daily train from Shanghai to Lhasa. It is a good choice for travelers who are looking for an adventurous journey by rail. Tickets should be purchased in advance for this 44-hour and 57-minute trip.

Get to Mount Kailash from Lhasa by Road or By Air

From Lhasa, there are two ways to get to Mount Kailash - by car or by air. Tourists can get to know more information about these two ways and make a choice.

The most common way to reach Mount Kailash is by road. The total distance between Lhasa and Mount Kailash is approximately 1,338 kilometers, with the route passing through Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Saga, and Darchen before reaching the mountain. This route offers incredible views of the Tibetan Plateau. But it involves long drives and high mountain passes, which can be affected by weather.

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While there is no direct flights to Mount Kailash, travelers can fly from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport near Shiquanhe Town. From there, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Mount Kailash. This option is faster but not very suitable for those who are not fully acclimatized to high altitudes.

China Visa and Tibet Permits for Mount Kailash Tour from Australia

Traveling to Tibet, especially Mount Kailash, requires several permits and official documents due to its political and geographical sensitivity. If you are planning a Mount Kailash tour, get to know the permits and documents needed for a more smooth experience. Please note that Australian citizens holding ordinary passports do not need to apply for a visa to visit China from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025 since China is implementing a visa-free policy for Australian travelers.

In order to get to Tibet, all foreign travelers need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit that is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Just book a Tibet trip with Tibet Horizon, a licensed Tibetan travel agency to handle your TTP application properly.

Since you are going to Mount Kailash, an Aliens' Travel Permit or a PSB Permit is required for traveling to those restricted areas. After you arrive in Lhasa or Shigatse, your tour guide with Tibet Horizon will help with the application.

A Military Area Entry Permit is a special permit required for travel to military-sensitive regions or remote border zones in western Tibet, such as Ngari Prefecture where Mount Kailash is located. It is arranged exclusively through your travel agency and need to apply in advance.

Best Time to Visit Tibet Kailash from Australia

Australia and Tibet are located in opposite hemispheres, making their seasons reversed. So, it is important for Australian travelers to keep this seasonal difference in mind and get to know when the best time to visit Mount Kailash is. Generally, the best time to undertake a Kailash pilgrimage or trekking journey is between May and mid-October, when the weather in western Tibet is more stable and the mountain is accessible.

May to June is the beginning of the travel season in Tibet. Temperatures start to rise, and the landscape comes alive with blooming wildflowers, green meadows, and snow-capped peaks. It is also great for trekking and enjoying Tibet's natural beauty when the peak-season crowds have not come. Besides, there is an important festival called Saga Dawa, which often takes place during this period.

July to August are the warmest of the year in Tibet, which is very comfortable for camping and trekking. However, it is also the monsoon season in this area. Occasional showers may affect road conditions and visibility.

September to mid-October is often considered the best time to visit Mount Kailash. The skies are typically clear, the air is crisp and the post-monsoon landscapes are vibrant with golden hues. Visibility during this period is excellent for photography and trekking.

Where to Stay in Tibet Kailash Tour from Australia

In Lhasa and Shigatse, there is a range of hotels that are available for tourists from Australia to choose from. They can find 3-star Tibetan-style guesthouses to modern 5-star hotels with English-speaking staff. When you are in remote towns like Saga and Darchen, you can stay in those basic guesthouses or inns with limited facilities. During the Kailash Kora, all pilgrims and trekkers can only choose to stay in simple guesthouses at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk monasteries.

What to Eat in Mount Kailash Tour from Australia

While in Lhasa and Shigatse, you will find a variety of food options, including Tibetan, Chinese, and even some Western cuisine. However, once they head west toward Mount Kailash, food choices become simpler, and the limited meals may not suit your tastes. So, it is recommended to bring supplies from Lhasa or Shigatse.

Australia to Kailash Tour Cost

It usually involves several cost parts to plan a trip from Australia to Mount Kailash. Flights from Australia to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu generally range from $380-$550, depending on the season and airline. From there, domestic flights to Lhasa may add another $200-$350.

Tour packages to Mount Kailash, which include transportation within Tibet, accommodation, meals, a licensed guide, and all necessary permits, typically cost between $998-$2598, depending on group size, itinerary length, and accommodation quality.

Besides, there are also some additional costs such as China visa fees, travel insurance, altitude-related medications, trekking gear, and personal expenses or tips that can add another $200-$500.

Conclusion

Traveling from Australia to Mount Kailash is a profound spiritual adventure that requires meticulous planning. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable journey, please take time to go through those travel route options and work with experienced travel agencies, like Tibet Horizon. Whether you choose to travel from Nepal and take a Himalayan adventure to Mount Kailash or fly to Chinese Mainland to appreciate the variety of its major cities first, it would be a rewarding trip for all Australian visitors.