Touch Kailash from Kathmandu: Ultimate Guide for Nepal to Kailash Touching Tour

Welcome to the journey of a lifetime--the Nepal to Kailash Touching Tour, a pilgrimage that immerses you in rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and profound personal growth. This article serves as your ultimate guide, offering information you may want to know about this Kailash travel from Nepal. Whether you are drawn by the allure of the Himalayas, the call of ancient spiritual traditions, or the quest for inner peace, we are here to accompany you on this journey, ensuring you get an unforgettable experience.

Kailash Tour

Is Kailash Parvat in Nepal?

Mount Kailash, the sacred peak revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos, is NOT located in Nepal but in Tibet, China. It stands majestically in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering Nepal to the south. While its spiritual significance spans across borders, the journey to touch this holy mountain begins from various points, including Kathmandu, Nepal.

Is It Possible to Touch Mount Kailash?

Yes, it is possible to touch Mount Kailash. You can embark on a Kailash touching tour through a pilgrimage or trek around Mount Kailash. This journey is considered one of the most sacred yatra for believers, which can bring spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

Can I Fly to Kailash from Kathmandu, Nepal?

There are no direct flights to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu, Nepal. However, there are several ways to reach Kailash from Kathmandu:

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Travel to Kailash by Plane or Road

There are daily flights operated by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. The flight lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers a distance of 607 kilometers (377 miles). After landing in Lhasa, you’re recommended to spend a few days enjoying the city's charm while allowing your body to acclimatize to the high altitude of the plateau.

From Lhasa, you can either take a flight to Ngari Prefecture or travel by road to Darchen, the starting point for the Kailash trek. By flight, you’ll experience a sudden change in altitude from 3570 m at Lhasa Gonggar Airport to 4274 m at Ngari Gunsa Airport. The whole flight takes about 2 hours only. By road, the 13-day Kathmandu Lhasa Kailash overland route allows you to acclimatize gradually to the high altitude and offers a chance to witness the stunning landscapes and cultural sites along the way, including the Yamdrok Lake and the Everest Base Camp.

Route Map of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal

Fly from Kathmandu to Hilsa by Helicopter and Travel to Kailash by Road

This is a more exciting and less common route. You start by flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Simikot. Our staff in Simikot will arrange for a charter helicopter for you to fly to Hilsa. At Hilsa, we need to cross the river to the other side, where we'll complete formalities at the Nepal immigration office. The helicopter tour provides a unique aerial perspective of the majestic Himalayas, including a flyover of Mount Everest. After crossing the border to Tibet, the journey continues by road through the remote and rugged terrain of the Tibetan Plateau to reach Darchen.

This 11-day Kathmandu to Kailash helicopter itinerary via Purang is cost-effective and time-saving. Along with our local Tibetan guide and driver, light meals and cozy accommodations are provided. This tour offers a high-quality experience with the excitement of helicopter rides, making it an unforgettable pilgrimage for you.

Travel from Kathmandu to Kailash via Gyirong by Road

For seeking a more extended and immersive experience, the 10-day overland journey from Kathmandu to Kailash via Gyirong is the best option. This route involves driving from Kathmandu to Gyirong, either by local buses or private vehicles we provide for you. Once you cross the border into Tibet, the journey continues through Saga, a crucial hub before reaching Darchen, and finally Kailash.

Each of these routes offers a unique perspective on the journey to Mount Kailash, and the choice of which to take depends on your personal preferences. Regardless of the path you choose, the journey to Kailash is one that will leave a lasting impression and provide a wealth of experiences and memories.

How to Touch Kailash from Kathmandu?

Once you get to Mt. Gang Rinpoche from Kathmandu, you can start your 4-day Kailash touching journey. The whole route spans 54 kilometers, starting and ending at Darchen. For those worried about completing the Kailash trek, the eco-bus service can be a helpful option to save energy. It operates between Darchen and Sarshung Valley, covering 7 kilometers, and from Zongto back to Darchen, covering 4 kilometers. By utilizing the eco-bus for these sections, the total trekking distance can be reduced to 43 kilometers.

Day 1: Darchen - Dirapuk Monastery

In the morning, you will board an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where you start the first day of your Kailash kora trek. The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, as you walk along the valley floor at the foot of Mount Kailash most of the time, enjoying stunning views of the south and west faces of the mountain.

Upon reaching the guesthouse at the base of the west slope and settling your luggage, you will join your guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery. Here, the most striking sight is the sunset on Mount Kailash. As the sun slowly sets in the west, you can patiently wait for the last rays to cast their glow on the cliffs of the west slope. Once night falls, you can also admire the beautiful sight of shining stars and the moon hanging over the summit of Mount Kailash.

Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery - Western Slope of Mount Kailash

Today’s trek starts from Dirapuk Monastery and reaches the glacier at an altitude of about 5800 meters on the western slope of Mount Kailash. Here, you can closely appreciate the majesty of the sacred mountain, and our guide will lead you to meditate in this "center of the world". If your physical condition permits, you may have the opportunity to cross the glacier, get closer to the mountain, and even touch the steep and hard rocks of the sacred mountain (subject to the actual situation of the glacier).

Touch Kailash from Kathmandu

Day 3: Dirapuk Monastery - Dzultripuk Monastery

Today is the most challenging day. In the morning, you set out from Dirapuk Monastery early and walk 4 kilometers with the altitude rising to 5430 meters. During this section, you can enjoy the magnificent sunrise on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash. Then continue walking 2 kilometers to reach the highest point of the trek--Dolma La Pass at 5630 meters. Standing at the pass, the colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, like the guardian spirits of the sacred mountain. Along the way, you will see devout pilgrims who prostrate themselves on the boulders, measuring this sacred land with their bodies. Please note that the road surface at Dolma La Pass may be icy and covered with gravel even in summer, so pay special attention not to slip when trekking.

After successfully crossing the highest point, you will see the serene Cibei Lake. It is said that bathing in the lake can wash away the sins of a lifetime. Here, you can also see the thick glaciers on the east slope of Mount Kailash. After crossing the lake, there will be a long downhill journey until you reach the river valley at the southeast foot of Mount Kailash. In the river valley, you may encounter lovely wild animals and can also rest on the grassland.

Day 4: Dzultripuk Monastery - Darchen

On the last day, you depart from Dzultripuk Monastery in the morning and return to Darchen. In the afternoon, our guide will accompany you to drive 30 kilometers to visit the holy Lake Manasarovar. The lakeside is an ideal place for meditation. You can listen to the sound of the ripples of the holy lake and feel the peaceful atmosphere. There are also hot springs for you to soak your feet and take a bath by Lake Manasarovar. If you feel tired after the trek, you can spend some time relaxing in the hot springs to relieve your fatigue. After the visit, return to Darchen for a good rest.

For more details, please check 16 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Manasarovar Saga Dawa Festival Tour.

Kailash Kora Map

Which Is the Best Month to Touch Kailash from Kathmandu?

Generally speaking, Mount Kailash can be touched at any time during the months from April to October each year. However, the best months to plan your Kailash touching trip falls from May to June and September to October, when there is good visibility and spectacular scenery, as well as comfortable temperatures.

What to Prepare for Nepal to Kailash Touching Tour?

To touch Kailash from Nepal, the documents you need are as follows.

Chinese Group Visa

Chinese Group Visa can only be obtained through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. With a local office in Kathmandu, we are willing to assist you with your Chinese Group Visa application. However, if you are from a country that qualifies for 15 or 30 days of visa-free access to China, there's no need to secure a Chinese Group Visa.

Tibet Travel Permit

The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, is required for all tourists entering Tibet Autonomous Region. Without this permit, you will not be allowed to enter Tibet. The TTP is processed through a designated travel agency like Tibet Horizon, as individual travelers cannot apply for it directly. This permit is valid for a specific route, duration, and traveler details, and any changes may require re-issuance.

Aliens’ Travel Permit

The Aliens’ Travel Permit, issued by the Public Security Bureau, is required for travel to certain restricted areas within Tibet, including Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Military Area Entry Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit

Certain areas like Mount Kailash in Tibet, particularly those close to the military zones , require a Military Area Entry Permit and a Foreign Affairs Permit. Obtaining these permits can be a complex process and requires the assistance of a local travel agency like Tibet Horizon. We offer hassle-free application services to ensure your immersive journey.

In conclusion, traveling from Nepal to Tibet requires careful planning and obtaining the necessary permits. Make sure to consult with a reliable travel agency or the relevant authorities to ensure that you have all the required documents before embarking on your Kailash tour.

Conclusion

Touching Kailash from Kathmandu is a journey of a lifetime, an adventure that tests both your physical and spiritual strength. Whether you choose to fly to Lhasa, take a helicopter to Hilsa, or drive through Gyirong, you’ll be able to enjoy the unparalleled scenery and gain an unforgettable experience. With the right preparation and a respectful approach to this sacred journey, you can embark on a pilgrimage that will touch not just the mountain, but also your soul.