1. Elevation: 6,638 meters (21,778 feet)
2. Tibetan Name: Gang Rinpoche ( གངས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ), meaning 'Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain'.
3. Geography: Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It lies in the Kailash Range (Gangdisê Mountains) of the Transhimalaya, on the western part of the Tibetan Plateau, near the borders with India and Nepal.
4. Unique Shape: The mountain is similar to a pyramid, with four sheer and symmetrical faces pointing to the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west).
5. Unclimbed Peak: Although it is not a top-ranked mountain by height, no human has ever reached the summit, as climbing is prohibited due to spiritual beliefs.
Mount Kailash is one of the holiest mountains in the world, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners. In Hinduism, it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides in meditation, making it a sacred site for spiritual liberation (moksha). Buddhists associate it with Mount Meru, the cosmic center, and believe it to be the home of Buddha Demchok (Chakrasamvara), symbolizing enlightenment. In Jainism, it is known as Ashtapada, where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation. The Bon religion considers it the axis of the universe and the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen.
Mount Kailash is the source of four major rivers that sustain millions of people across Asia. These rivers originate from the glaciers surrounding the mountain and flow into some of the largest river systems in the world. The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, begins near Mount Kailash and flows through Tibet, India, and Pakistan. The Brahmaputra River (called the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet) originates nearby and travels across Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. The Karnali River, a major tributary of the Ganges, flows into Nepal and India, while the Sutlej River, another Indus tributary, runs through Tibet, India, and Pakistan.
For somewhat unknown reasons, the snows on the southern slope of the mountain never melt all year round, covered with a thick layer of ice; and on the northern slope of the mountain, there’s seldom any snow there and even though covered by a little snow, it would be melted as soon as the sun rises up, which exactly runs counter to the nature’s routine. Usually, the top of the mountain is in the clouds and difficult for tourists to see its whole real portrait. Also, many visitors report feeling powerful, transformative energy at Kailash, leading to profound spiritual experiences, and legends say time moves faster near Kailash, with some pilgrims reporting rapid aging of hair and nails.
As one of the most popular trekking routes on the plateau, Mount Kailash Kora is the best way to worship this sacred mountain and realize your lifetime trip of thoroughly meditation. The full circumambulation route is about 52 kilometers (32 miles), with travelers walking in a clockwise direction, which is believed to bring good fortune, while also offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding landscape, including snow-capped peaks, ancient monasteries, and vast Tibetan plains.
For some Tibetans, the Kailash Kora will take them only 15 hours while for most tourists, it may take 2 nights and 3 days on foot to complete the trek. However, your journey will be very enjoyable because of the proper arrangements made by our experienced tour guides.
Located at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, and is also considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. The lake covers an area of about 412 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of about 91 meters (300 feet). And with an elevation of 4,583 meters (15,000 feet), Lake Manasarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
Lake Manasarovar is usually organized as part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Pilgrims often bathe in its holy waters, believing that it purifies the soul. Meanwhile, the lake is known for its stunning turquoise color, and its serene beauty makes it a perfect spot for contemplation and photography.
If you happen to visit Mount Kailash in the spring, you may be lucky enough to witness the Saga Dawa Festival, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha Shakyamuni and typically takes place in May or early June (On the Full Moon day of the fourth Tibetan lunar month). Many pilgrims visit Kailash during this time to enhance their spiritual journey, as it is believed that the merits of good deeds are multiplied during this sacred month.
The festival includes religious ceremonies, dancing, and chanting, attracting pilgrims from all over Tibet and beyond. The climax is the raising of a large prayer flag pole at Tarboche (the foothill of Mount Kailash), offering blessings to all living beings. It is a great opportunity to experience the Tibetan culture.
Located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Mount Kailash, Tirthapuri is another famous pilgrimage site which is closely associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), and has one of the less visited natural hot springs in Tibet. Pilgrims and travelers come here to bathe or simply soak their feet in pools fed by the hot springs to relax after the completion of the Kailash Kora. The springs are nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rugged mountains.
Furthermore, a day's drive from Mount Kailash will lead you to Tholing Monastery (the first monastery in the Ngari area) and the ruins of Guge, a mysterious and lost kingdom that flourished in Western Tibet from the 10th to the 17th century. The surrounding clay forest geological park is also magnificent.
Getting to Mount Kailash requires careful planning, as it is located in a remote region of Tibet's Ngari Prefecture. There are two main ways to reach Mount Kailash, and here’s a step-by-step guide:
Fly to Lhasa: First, take a flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing or Xi'an.
Acclimatize in Lhasa: Spend 1–2 days for sightseeing and adjusting to the altitude (3,656 m / 11,995 ft).
Overland Journey to Darchen: Travel by road (approx. 1,300 km / 810 miles) from Lhasa to Darchen, the base town of Mount Kailash.
Rough Route and Duration: Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Lake Manasarovar → Darchen (3–5 days by vehicle)
Fly to Lhasa: Take the direct flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu and follow the Lhasa-to-Darchen route mentioned above.
Overland Journey to Kailash: Take a scenic overland tour from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash via the Gyirong Border, which takes about 4–5 days.
Visiting Mount Kailash is a spiritually enriching yet physically demanding journey, especially if you wish to go on a pilgrimage with the 52km trekking around the foot of the mountain. Here are essential travel tips to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience:
According to the regulation, foreign tourists need a Tibet Travel Permit, an Aliens' Travel Permit, and a Military Permit (for sensitive border regions). All foreign visitors must book through a registered tour operator, as independent travel in Tibet is not allowed. Please prepare at least 30 days for all these necessary documents to be ready.
The best time to visit Mount Kailash is during the spring and autumn seasons, from May to mid-October. These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and stable weather, making it ideal for trekking and pilgrimage. From November to next April, you'll encounter harsh winter conditions, freezing temperatures, and heavy snowfall make travel extremely difficult when the road to the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) is not accessible.
There are no hospitals near Mount Kailash, so it's wise to bring a basic medical kit. Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage is also highly recommended. Although there is no age limit for visiting Mount Kailash, we may only suggest tourists over 12-year old and under 70-year old to try the trekking around the mountain. Most importantly, respect your limits - if symptoms of altitude sickness worsen, descend immediately.
During the Kailash Kora, lodging is very basic, with simple guesthouses at Dirapuk Monastery (first night, 5,080m), and Zuthulpuk Monastery (second night, 4,790m). Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms with minimal facilities. Food along the trek is also simple, with options like instant noodles, tsampa (barley flour porridge), rice, soup, and Tibetan butter tea available mainly at guesthouses and small eateries. As food choices are limited and expensive, it's best to carry snacks, energy bars, dried fruits, and instant meals for extra sustenance.
