How to Get to Mount Kailash from Lhasa, Kathmandu and Simikot

Mount Kailash translates to Precious Jewel of Snow, which matches the description of the beautiful mountain perfectly. It is not just beautiful but attracts thousands of Buddhists and Hindus as it is the most sacred peak in Tibet. The best part of Mount Kailash is it’s not too high to get altitude sickness and not too low with a dull scenic view. Instead, it has the perfect height of 22,027 feet which makes it for a fantastic experience and view. There are four of the most important rivers flowing near Mount Kailash which makes it a wonder by itself, namely, the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej and the Karnali.

Mount Kailash always appeals to thousands of people to do kora

Mount Kailash is famous for the 52-kilometer pilgrimage circuit around the mountain. Where in the Buddhists and Hindus believe that the sight of the peak will wash away sins of a lifetime. According to mythology, Kailash is the home of Shiva, which is the strongest and the most principle of deities in Hinduism.

How to Travel to Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is an extraordinary part of Tibet which is worthwhile paying a visit. The only way to visit Mount Kailash is by being part of an organized tour. This organized tour will ensure your travel permits will be organized appropriately to travel freely around Tibet’s wondrous Mount Kailash. The package of the planned trip also includes a tour guide to show you around Mount Kailash and explaining the significance of such a holy peak, along with a driver that will take you to new spots which you will never be able to find. A private vehicle is included in the organized tour package which will help in moving around freely around the numerous places in Mount Kailash. Don’t be fooled into travelling without an organized tour, as it’s impossible in Tibet without the required documents and facilities.

Get to Kailash from Lhasa

This is the most popular, most comfortable and safest route to Mount Kailash. Many foreign travelers prefer this route, excluding the Indian travelers. It is a well-paved road which is from the west of Lhasa straight to Kailash, via the striking towns of Shigatse, Lhatse, Saga, and Paryang. The route from Lhasa to Kailash is the most preferred as it increases with altitude gradually. It is recommended to spend 3 nights in Lhasa, 1 night in Gyantse, 1 night in Shigatse and a further 4 nights between Shigatse and Darchen before heading to the highlands of Kailash. This will inhibit the complications of high altitude which could end up being very severe and mess up your amazing adventure.

The road to Kailash from Lhasa is generally well-paved

Get to Kailash from Kathmandu

This is the most frequent route taken by Hindu pilgrims from India. Other foreign passport holders can also use this route due to Gyirong Port, the new Sino-Nepal border, has reopened to international tourists by the end of Aug. 2017. It is a bit dangerous to take this route as it suddenly increases to higher levels of altitude. The route follows Kathmandu which is already 1350 meters above, to the Nepal-Tibet border which is 2300 meters, following on to the town of Saga or Paryang which is at a height 4600 meters. This happens in a short span of 3 days, which is too short a time when trying to get the body adjusted to high altitudes.

Thus, we recommend you to join our 22 Days Travel to western Tibet from Nepal. In this classic travel route, we would get to Lhasa from Kathmandu first for a few days’ acclimatization and then head towards to Lake Namtso, Guge Kingdom, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Peiku-tso Lake and finally depart from Tibet for your next destination.

Get to Kailash from Simikot

This route is an adventure by itself as it has options of flying from Simikot, Nepal on a helicopter to a village called Hilsa or trekking in the Limi Valley. First hop on to the village of Simikot in the far northwest of Nepal in the Human District. The best way to reach Simikot is by flying from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and taking another flight to the high elevated village of Simikot. Simikot is at an elevation of 2985 meters.

If you opt for flying on a helicopter, you will need to take it from Simikot to Hilsa which is at the height of 2985 meters. However flying on a helicopter from Nepal to Kailash means drastic altitude change in a quick span of time, so if you have not gone so high in the mountains before a helicopter ride is not advisable.

If you love trekking, take the Limi Valley Trek towards Hilsa. Trekking will not only make you experience the heavenly settings in the mountains but also help acclimatize to high elevation. Your organized tour will start in Hilsa once you cross the bridge to Tibet and approach the China Customs Building. The driver will take the group to Purang, where you will stay a night or two, and then go on to the blue Lake Manasarovar and Darchen. These two options from Simikot to Kailash are pricey but well worth the money spent!

Best Time to Visit Mt.Kailash

Mount Kailash can be very dangerous if not visited during the right months, as it can become freezing and in case of emergencies will not be able to be accessed. According to the climate throughout the year, Mount Kailash is best visited from early May through late October.

Saga Dawa festival is a royal Tibetan festival

If you want to witness high crowds of pilgrims, visit Mount Kailash during the main Saga Dawa festival which will occur on May 29th of 2018 in Tarpoche where the whole valley can be viewed. You can join the pilgrims in the religious tradition of lighting up butter lamps and giving Dana which is a form of giving donations to the temple and monks during this time.

The ideal time to do the trek is May or October if you prefer lesser crowds than usual. If you want to enjoy the crowds, the months July through mid-September will make you meet thousands of other pilgrims and trekkers as the weather is the warmest during this period.

Top Things to Do in Mt.Kailash Area

Mount Kailash is an extravagant delight to any adventure lover, with the added sacredness for the religious pilgrims around the world. Mount Kailash even does wonders for those looking for inner peace, and so it is a place for everyone!

Mount Kailash Kora

The kora is a significant walk around the sacred site which is challenging. Pilgrims and tourists both join in the walk even though it is challenging as it is proven to be spiritual along with blessings. It is a 52km trek that starts at 15,000 feet above. Challenging at first, but when it’s done, you will feel your inner self-being more satisfied.

Lake Manasarovar Yatra

Once you visit Mount Kailash, head on to Lake Manasarovar Yatra. It is the highest body of the freshwater lake in the world, lying at the height of 15,060 Feet above sea level. Do a parikrama and take a holy dip into the lake to relieve sins and bring salvation upon you.

Tirthapuri Hot Springs

Once done with the Kailash pilgrimage, take a nice warm bath in the Tirthapuri Hot Springs. It is steaming warm which will soothe your bodies after the long pilgrimage and trek. After a bath in the Tirthapuri Hot Springs, you can munch on some food and sip on warm beverages with your friends and family on the pink and white limestone terraces.

Tibet Kailash Tour Packing List

Travelling to Mount Kailash means cold temperatures and long treks. Therefore it is crucial to carry clothing and trekking equipment.

Clothing for Mount Kailash Tour

• Comfortable Hiking Boots to Trek at ease
• A Pair of Wind and Water Proof Hiking Pants to protect from the Cold
• 2 or more pairs of the best quality of woolen trekking socks
• 2 or more pair select comfortable trekking underwear
• A Pair of Warm Thermal Tops and Bottoms
• Two Moisture Wicking T-shirts
• A heavyweight winter coat with hood
• Waterproof Rain Shell
• A thick Fleece
• Warm Gloves
• Your favorite Hat to protect your ears from the Cold
• Polarized Sunglasses to protect from the Sunshine when walking

Mount Kailash Trekking Gears

When in Mount Kailash extra essentials will help you throughout-
• Trekking Poles
• 50 to 80-liter backpack
• Sleeping Bag which keeps you warm at temperatures of -10°C
• Headlamp to see in the Dark
• Keep refreshed with two 1 liter Water Bottles
• First Aid Kit in case of Injuries
• Two Towels which can dry quickly

Mount Kailash is an amazing location, which you should not miss when in Tibet. With the right planning on how to get to Mount Kailash and the right time to visit you are sure to experience heaven on earth.

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