Kailash Parvat

Walk Kailash Parvat, Awaken the Soul

Kailash Parvat

Top Things to Do in Ngari 5.0

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5 Kailash Name: Gang Rinpoche (གངས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ), Mount Kailash, Kailash Parvat , Kailash Parbat

Kailash Parvat Location: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Mount Kailash Height: 6,638 meters (21,778 feet)

Kailash Parikrama Distance: 54km (trek 43km, drive 11km)

Visa and Permit for Kailash Yatra: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit

Gateway for Kailash Yatra: Lhasa, Gyirong, Purang

Best Time for Kailash Yatra: April to October

Kailash Parikrama Days: 1-4 Days

How to Do Kailash Outer and Inner Parikrama and Charan Sparsh?

The primary ways to pay homage to Mount Kailash are through the sacred act of circumambulation. There are three main methods: the Outer Parikrama, which is the standard 54km circuit around the base of the mountain; the Charan Sparsh, which involves touching the feet of the mountain at its north face; and the more demanding Inner Parikrama, which circles closer to the mountain’s steep slopes and is traditionally undertaken only by those who have completed the outer circuit multiple times.

1) Kailash Outer Parikrama
The Outer Parikrama is the most renowned and widely undertaken pilgrimage route around Mount Kailash. This journey is not merely a trek but a profound spiritual undertaking, believed to cleanse sins and bring good fortune.
Kailash Outer Parikrama Distance: 54km
Kailash Outer Parikrama Route:
Kailash Outer Parikrama Day 1: Darchen-Dirapuk Monastery
Kailash Outer Parikrama Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery-Dolma La Pass-Gauri Kund-Zutulpuk Monastery
Kailash Outer Parikrama Day 3: Zutulpuk Monastery-Darchen

2) Kailash Charan Sparsh
Charan Sparsh, meaning “Touching the Feet”, is a powerful extension of the pilgrimage for those wishing to get as close as possible to the mountain itself. This challenging side trip allows pilgrims to physically touch the base of the sacred North Face.
Kailash Charan Sparsh Distance: 7km
Kailash Charan Sparsh Route: Dirapuk Monastery-North Face of Kailash

3) Kailash Inner Parikrama
The Inner Parikrama is an even more advanced and restrictive path that circles the innermost cliffs of Kailash. It is considered a highly austere practice and is not part of the standard tourist itinerary. Permission is difficult to obtain, and it should only be attempted by experienced trekkers with a guide. The Inner Parikrama is a more challenging and less-traveled route.
Kailash Inner Parikrama Distance: 34km
Kailash Inner Parikrama Route: Darchen-Selung Temple-Thirteen Chortens and Spatarishi Cave-Nandi Parvat-Gyangdrak Monastery-Darchen

Top 8 Attractions Near Kailash Parvat

The region surrounding Mount Kailash is rich with spiritual and natural wonders that complement the pilgrimage experience.

Yam Dwar: The Sacred Entrance of Kailash Kora

Yam Dwar, also known as Tarboche in the Tibetan Language, is the starting point of Mount Kailash Kora.
Mansarovar Lake

One of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, revered for its purifying waters. Pilgrims often bathe in its sacred waters before the Kailash kora.
Rakshastal Lake

The “Lake of the Demon”, located beside Mansarovar, is known for its stark, saline beauty and is associated with the legendary King of Lanka, Ravana.
Guge Kingdom Ruins

The ancient ruins of the Guge Kingdom near Tsaparang offer a fascinating historical glimpse into a once-flourishing Buddhist civilization.
Zanda Earth Forest

The spectacular Zanda Earth Forest surrounds the Guge ruins with dramatic eroded landscapes resembling ancient castles and fantasy creatures. These unique geological formations feature layered sedimentary patterns in shades of red, gold, and gray, created by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
Tholing Monastery

Located in the Zanda County of Ngari Prefecture, it was established in 997 CE under the patronage of the Guge Kingdom. It served as the spiritual and artistic heart of the kingdom, playing a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism teachings in Tibet.

What to Eat in Kailash Yatra?

Sustenance during the Kailash Yatra is basic and focused on providing energy for high-altitude trekking. Meals are primarily simple Tibetan, Nepali, and Chinese cuisine.

In Darchen
In Darchen, the starting point, small guesthouses and restaurants offer a wider variety of food than on the trek itself. Options include noodle soups (thukpa), momos (Tibetan dumplings), fried rice, and simple vegetable dishes. It is advisable to eat well and prepare high-energy snacks like nuts, chocolate, and energy bars for the journey ahead. Stick to hot, cooked meals and bottled or purified water to minimize the risk of stomach upsets.

In Kailash Parikrama
During the Parikrama, food options are extremely limited. The guesthouses at Dirapuk and Zutulpuk provide basic meals, typically consisting of instant noodles, tsampa, fried rice, simple soups, and tea. It is highly recommended that pilgrims carry their own supply of snacks, such as dry fruits, biscuits, and energy bars, to ensure they have enough calories for the demanding trek.

What to Eat in Kailash Trek: Ultimate Kailash Tour Dining Guide

Where to Stay in Kailash Yatra

Accommodation during the Kailash Yatra is very basic and reflects the remote nature of the region. In towns like Darchen and Saga, you can find hotels providing modern facilities. You can also stay at simple guesthouses that offer private rooms with toilet facilities. During the actual Parikrama, accommodation is in basic guesthouses or mud-brick shelters at Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries. These provide only dormitory-style bedding, often on padded mats. There are no heating facilities, and toilets are usually squat-style located outside.

How to Get to Kailash Parvat?

1) Get to Kailash Parvat from Major Chinese Cities
The most common route is to fly to major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Shanghai. You can continue your trip to Kailash parvat by firstly taking a flight or train to Lhasa. After acclimatizing in Lhasa, the journey continues overland, passing through Shigatse, Saga, and Lake Mansarovar to Darchen, the starting point for the Kailash kora. This journey can take 4-5 days from Lhasa. Alternatively, you may fly to Nagri Gunsa Airport and Purang Airport, and then move to Kailash area.

2) Get to Kailash Parvat from Kathmandu, Nepal
Many international pilgrims enter Tibet via Kathmandu. From the capital city of Nepal, you can drive to the Nepal-China border at Gyirong or Zhangmu. After crossing, you’ll meet your Tibetan guides and vehicles for the 1-2 day drive to Darchen. You may also fly to Lhasa and then travel to Mount Kailash. A more adventurous option is taking flights to Nepalgunj and then to Simikot, from where you can enjoy a helicopter ride to Hilsa near the Purang Port.

3) Get to Kailash Parvat from Delhi, India
Indian pilgrims can reach Mount Kailash through two primary routes. The first one is taking a flight to Kathmandu and then traveling to Kailash Parvat. The second one is flying to a gateway city in the Chinese Mainland, like Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing. From these cities, you can take an air, train, or road trip to Tibet and then continue to Kailash Parvat.

Best Time to Visit Kailash: Kailash Parvat Temperature

The optimal travel time for the Kailash Yatra is from April to October. During these months, temperatures are relatively moderate, and the high mountain passes are generally free of heavy snow. The peak season is May to September, when daytime temperatures in Darchen can range from 10°C to 20°C, but nights remain cold, often dropping below freezing. The monsoon (July-August) can bring occasional rain showers but is less pronounced in this rain-shadow region. Winters (November-March) are extremely harsh, with temperatures plummeting well below -20°C, and the mountain is inaccessible.

Month	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Ave. Temperature (°C)	-16–1	-16–1	-13–5	-8–9	-4–9	-1–12	5–21	6–19	4–18	2–18	-12–9	-10–3
Rainfall (mm)	2.5	37.1	66.5	2.7	18.4	24.8	11.8	78.1	103.5	38.81	2	1.84
Clear Days	29	19	19	23	25	25	13	5	9	30	29	30

China Visa and Tibet Permit for Kailash Yatra

Chinese Tourist Visa (L-Visa): All foreign nationals require a standard Chinese Tourist Visa, which must be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country before travel.

Tibet Travel Permit: This is the essential permit required to enter Tibet, applied for by your tour operator after you have booked a tour and obtained your Chinese visa.

Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit: These are additional permits required for travel to the restricted Ngari Prefecture, where Kailash is located. Your tour agency will handle these applications.

What to Pack for Kailash Yatra

Packing correctly is crucial for a safe and comfortable journey. Essential items include: layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof and windproof outer shell); sturdy, broken-in trekking boots; a first-aid kit including medication for altitude sickness; high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses; a headlamp; a durable backpack; water purification tablets; and plenty of high-energy snacks.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost

The cost of a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra varies significantly based on the mode of travel, group size, and level of comfort. The price for a classic Kailash Parikrama group trip usually ranges from $1,500 to $2,800 USD per person, including transportation, accommodation, meals, permits, and guide services. Factors influencing the cost include the size of the group (private tours are more expensive) and the route taken. We offer both small group and private Kailash tour packages, catering to travelers with different budgets.

Real Join-in Group Tour

12 Days Lhasa EBC Kailash Mansarovar Gyirong/Zhangmu to Kathmandu Join-in Group Tour

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15 Days Lhasa EBC Kailash Mansarovar Gyirong Sakya Shigatse Lhasa Join-in Group Tour

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15 Days Lhasa EBC Kailash Northern Nagri Route Namtso Lhasa Join-in Group Tour

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FAQs on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

1. Is prior high-altitude trekking experience necessary for the Kailash Parikrama?
While not strictly mandatory, prior experience trekking is highly recommended. The Kailash kora involves crossing the Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, where altitude sickness is a real risk. Being physically fit, well-acclimatized, and understanding how your body reacts to high altitude is crucial for a safe and successful pilgrimage. Undertaking a few preparatory treks at high altitude before the journey is strongly advised.

2. What is the level of difficulty of the Kailash Parikrama?
The Kailash Outer Parikrama is considered a moderately difficult to challenging trek. The primary difficulties stem from the high altitude, which can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and the long daily walking distances (6-8 hours). The second day, involving the ascent and descent of the Dolma La Pass, is particularly strenuous. However, with proper acclimatization, a reasonable level of fitness, and a slow, steady pace, most determined individuals can complete it. The Kailash inner Parikrama and Charan Sparsh may be more challenging.

3. Can the Kailash Yatra be done independently?
Independent travel to Mount Kailash is not permitted. The Chinese government requires all foreign travelers in Tibet to be part of an organized tour with a licensed guide. This policy is strictly enforced, especially in remote areas like Ngari. Therefore, booking through a reputable travel agency like us is the way to undertake the Kailash Yatra.

4. Are there any age restrictions for the Kailash Yatra?
There is no official age limit, but tour operators generally advise against the trek for children under 14 and seniors over 70 due to the extreme altitude and physical demands. Any prospective pilgrim, regardless of age, must be in excellent health and should consult a doctor before the journey. A high level of physical fitness is more important than age itself. Please note that Indian pilgrims over 70 cannot participate in the organized Kailash Parikrama due to the regulations of government authorities.