News and Updates

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar have always been a desired destination for those who want to enjoy the ultimate purity and sanctity. Fulfilling a Mt. Kailash trek is also a lifetime dream for pilgrims and many tourists. Closed due to bad weather conditions, the sacred Mt. Kailash officially opens for tourists and pilgrims on April 20^th! Meanwhile, the Ngari “Sacred Mountain and Holy Lakes” scenic spot is also put into service. Read on and check more information about the Kailash Manasarovar tour.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, located in the remote western region of Tibet, is a majestic peak that holds profound religious significance for multiple faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is revered as a sacred site where spiritual energy is believed to be particularly potent. Beyond its religious significance, Mt. Kailash is renowned for its captivating natural beauty. The mountain rises majestically above the surrounding landscape, with its snow-capped peaks towering into the clouds. The rugged terrain and pristine lakes also add to the allure of the area. Therefore, Mt. Kailash has become a dream destination for both pilgrims and tourists around the world.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash Kora

The mountain attracts pilgrims who undertake the holy kora, or circumambulation, around its base. This pilgrimage involves walking around the mountain in a clockwise direction. The Kailash kora is considered an act of great religious merit and is believed to purify one of lifetime sins and accumulate spiritual blessings. Also, the enchanting landscape of this area attracts many tourists to join the pilgrims for a challenging trek around the mountain.

the Kailash kora

Best time for Kailash trek

The best time to visit Mt. Kailash is from April to September.

October is also possible, but it’s getting a bit cold.

It's not advisable to trek the mountain from December to March because the snow is too thick at this time.

Mount Kailash Trek Time Planning

1-day Trek
The 1-day Kailash trek will be very challenging. It’s only recommended for professional trekkers.
5: 00: Depart from Darchen
12:00: Arrival at Dirapuk Monastery
16:00: Reach Dolma La Pass (5648m), the highest pass of the kora
22:00: Arrival at Darchen

2-day Trek
The 2-day Kailash trek is suitable for tourists in normal physical conditions.

Day 1: Darchen-Dirapuk Monastery (drive 7km, trek 13km, 4675-5080m)
9:00: Depart from Darchen
10:00: Reach Lungta Square
11:00: Reach Chorten Kang Ngyi (two-legged Stupa)
12:00: Arrival at Qugu Monastery
Reach Dirapuk Monastery in the afternoon and stay overnight there.

Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery-Darchen
5:00: Depart from Dirapuk Monastery
10:00: Reach Dolma La Pass (5648m), the highest pass of the kora
12:00: Reach the first rest point
14:00-15:00: Reach the second rest point
19:00-20:00: Arrival at Darchen

3-day Trek
The 3-day Kailash trek is recommended for physically fit for the vast majority of tourists.

Day 1: Darchen-Dirapuk Monastery (drive 7km, trek 13km, 4675-5080m)

Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery-Dzultripuk Monastery (trek 24km, 5080-5648-4830m)b
8:00: Depart from Dirapuk Monastery
12:00: Reach Dolma La Pass (5648m), the highest pass of the kora
18:00: Arrival at Dzultripuk Monastery. Stay overnight there.

Day 3: Dzultripuk Monastery-Darchen (trek 6km, drive 4km)

4-day Trek
The 4-day Kailash trek offers an extra day to explore Mt. Kailash.

Day 1: Darchen-Dirapuk Monastery (drive 7km, trek 13km, 4675-5080m)
Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery-Western Slope of Mt. Kailash-Dirapuk Monastery
Under the lead of your guide, you may have a chance to touch the glaciers on the holy mountain and engage in meditation at the center of the world.
Day 3: Dirapuk Monastery-Dzultripuk Monastery (trek 24km, 5080-5648-4830m)
Day 4: Dzultripuk Monastery-Darchen (trek 6km, drive 4km)

Difficulties of Mt. Kailash Trek and Practical Coping Tips

High Altitude: The trek involves ascending to high altitudes, which can lead to altitude sickness. During the trek, most places are above 4500m, presenting a great challenge to tourists.

[Practical Coping Tips] Spend a few days acclimatizing to the high altitude before starting the trek. It’s recommended to spend a few days in Lhasa before heading to Kailash region. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol or smoking, and take it slow to allow your body to adapt.

Rugged Terrain: The trail around Mount Kailash is characterized by rugged terrain, including rocky paths, steep ascents and descents, and narrow passages.

[Practical Coping Skills] Wear comfortable walking shoes. Take a slow pace and don't push yourself too hard. Follow the guidance of your guide to ensure a safe trek.

Physically Demanding: The long duration of the trek, combined with the high altitude and challenging terrain, can be physically demanding for many pilgrims.

[Practical Coping Skills] Pace yourself and take frequent breaks to rest and catch your breath, especially during steep ascents. Your guide will also adjust the pace according to your condition. You can choose to hire a porter or a yak to carry your luggage. You can also hire a groom to lead the horse while riding on it yourself. Please feel free to contact our travel guru to arrange those services for you in Darchen.

Ngari “ Sacred Mountain and Holy Lakes ” Scenic Spot

In addition to the sacred mountain, in the Ngari Prefecture also lies two holy lakes—Lake Manasarovar and Lake Lhanag-tso. Along with the opening of Mount Kailash, the 5A-level scenic spot of “Sacred Mountain and Holy Lakes” will also open simultaneously. Keep reading to learn more about the two lakes.

Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar, located in the remote western region of Tibet, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and holds great religious significance for multiple faiths, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism.

Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Mount Kailash, and its clear blue waters reflect the pristine Himalayan landscape. For decades, tourists have been to Lake Manasarovar to enjoy its tranquil nature.

Lake Lhanag-tso

Lake Lhanag-tso, also known as Rakshastal, is a saltwater lake situated in the Ngari Plateau. Unlike Lake Manasarovar, which is freshwater, Lake Lhanag-tso is a saltwater lake. It is relatively smaller in size compared to Lake Manasarovar but is significant due to its unique geological and hydrological features.

Lake Lhanag-tso

While Lake Manasarovar is considered sacred, Lake Lhanag-tso is believed to be a demon lake, associated with the demon king Ravana. The name “Rakshastal” itself translates to “Lake of the Demon” in Sanskrit. You may come here in person and explore its mystery!

Mt. Kailash Hotel & Accommodation

The Himalaya Kailash Hotel is the largest and most fully equipped hotel at the foot of Mount Kailash, and also the earliest four-star hotel in this scenic area. With the opening of Kailash Mansarovar scenic area, the Himalaya Kailash Hotel will also resume operation.

Documents Needed for Kailash Manasarovar Tour

For foreign travelers, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa first. With your Chinese visa and a valid passport, you can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, which is the prerequisite for your entry into Tibet.

As Mount Kailash is situated in the remote western part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, additional travel documents are required for your visit, such as the Aliens’ Travel Permit and the Military Area Entry Permit.

Conclusion

The opening of Mt. Kailash is major news for Tibetan tourism and great information for tourists and pilgrims who yearn to travel to the Kailash Manasarovar area and engage in a kora around the sacred mountain. With natural wonders, unique culture, and rich religious beliefs of this highland, this area offers you a lifetime travel experience, so start to plan your Kailash Manasarovar tour!