A Kailash Mansarovar tour or Yatra is the experience of a lifetime. It involves trekking around the sacred mountain, offering a deeply spiritual experience amidst breathtaking landscapes. However, it's important to note that this journey is both challenging and potentially hazardous.

Mount Kailash faces harsh weather conditions, isolation from modern facilities, and rugged terrain that demands careful attention to avoid accidents. Moreover, being at a high altitude increases the risk of altitude sickness.

Despite the challenges, thousands of people undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year without serious problems. You can be safe while making this incredible journey with the right knowledge and preparation.

Here are six tips to keep you safe during your Mount Kailash tour.

1. Consult with a Professional Doctor for a Pre-Travel Health Check before your Kailash Kora

Before traveling to Tibet for a Mount Kailash tour, see a doctor for a pre-travel health check and to consult about potential problems. Here are some specific considerations to discuss:

Altitude-Related Health Assessment

The Tibetan Plateau is a high-altitude region. Darchen, from where you'll set out to trek Mount Kailash, sits at 4,670 meters above sea level, and during the trek, you'll ascend to 5,630 meters at Dolma La Pass. The decreased oxygen levels at these altitudes create health challenges. A pre-travel health check should include an assessment of your cardiovascular and respiratory health to identify any potential problems.

Altitude Sickness, Prevention and Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the symptoms of altitude sickness and what to look out for. A professional doctor can recommend medication to prepare for your trip in case you begin to experience any problems. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a common prescription medication that helps with acclimatization. Also, learn how to avoid altitude sickness in Tibet is necessary.

Medical History Review

Discuss any pre-existing conditions and medications you are currently taking with your doctor. This information will help to evaluate any potential risks.

Fitness Assessment

Even low-intensity physical activity can be tiring in a high-altitude environment. Assessing your fitness level with your doctor will help to make sure you are in good physical shape and able to undertake the three-day trek around the mountain.

Medication and First Aid Kit

Your doctor can advise you on what to prepare for a personalized first aid kit. You will need an adequate supply of any regular medications and should prepare some essentials such as bandages, pain relievers, and any other items specific to your health needs.

While trekking around Mount Kailash presents a challenge, with proper preparation, you can complete it safely.

2. Engage in Necessary Physical Fitness Exercises to Prepare for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Kora route is around 54km of trekking over 3-4 days, ascending and descending over 1000 meters through rough terrain. Being in good physical shape will help you stay safe during the Yatra. Here are a few things that can help you prepare:

Get ready for your high-altitude trek with a mix of exercises. Do cardio like jogging or brisk walking to boost stamina. Stretch regularly for flexibility and do squats and planks for strength in the legs and back. Improve balance with simple exercises like standing on one leg. This will help you navigate the challenging terrain around Mount Kailash safely.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2059 p.p

3. Pack Essential Clothing and Gear for the 3 to 4 Days Kailash Yatra

There are no shopping malls on Mount Kailash, so you have to bring everything you need with you. Although there are porters and yaks that you can rent for carrying luggage, it’s best to pack as light as possible for the trek. Here is a packing list:

Clothing

Down jacket and thermal trousers, base layer top and bottom, woolen trekking socks, good-quality hiking boots or shoes, wind and rainproof overlayer jacket and pants, gloves, scarf or bandana

Sun Protection

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hiking hat

First-Aid Supplies

Assorted bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, medical tape, blister treatment, pain-relief medication, altitude-sickness medication, eye drops, tweezers, hemostatic gauze, first-aid manual

Snacks and Drinks

Aluminum water bottles, instant coffee or tea, high-calorie snacks such as energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit

Personal Items

Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, camera, portable battery,

You can hire a porter with a yak to carry the luggage for you during the Kailash Kora.

You won't need to sleep outside during the trek, but a warm, lightweight sleeping bag is needed for the guesthouses. You can borrow one from us, along with trekking poles to help you with the terrain. For responsible travel, also bring some plastic bags to collect any of your garbage along the way.

4. Plan Your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary, Ensuring Gradual Acclimatization to High Altitudes

A well-planned itinerary for a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour will not only make sure you see the best of the region but also make sure you have a chance to acclimatize to the high altitude gradually.

Our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tours begin with two or three days in Lhasa for this reason. During this time, you can visit iconic attractions like the Potala Palace, and the Jokhang Temple and explore the daily life of the locals while safely adjusting to the altitude.

The overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse follows, with the altitude rising from 3,650 meters to 3,850 meters in Shigatse, passing through the Gampala Pass at 4,790 meters.

Continue the journey to Everest Base Camp, you'll stay overnight at 5,200 meters with stunning views of the towering mountain.

Moving on to the trek itself, you'll arrive in Darchen and stay overnight at 4,670 meters. The first day of trekking involves a relatively easy climb to 5,210 meters to stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery. On day 2, the trek reaches the highest elevation of 5,630 at Dolma La Pass before descending to Zutulpuk Monastery at 4,790 meters.

Each stage of the itinerary has been carefully considered and tried and tested to ensure visitors have safe opportunities to acclimatize.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2059 p.p

5. Choose Reliable Local Travel Agency to Handle Your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Choosing a reliable Tibet local travel agency for a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will ensure you have a great and safe experience. Having been in operation since 1984, we are the best-known Tibet travel agency.

Our professional travel guides have comprehensive expertise with the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They will take you through the challenging trek safely while drawing on their deep knowledge to provide cultural insights on the journey.

You can rely on our guarantee for the Tibet Travel Permit and any other necessary travel documents to make your tour happen. Our extensive and reliable local support network includes drivers, vehicles, guides, and intimate local knowledge of where to stay and what to do. We are dedicated to providing the best possible experience of Tibet.

13 Day Lhasa Mt. Everest Mt. Kailash Lake Manasarovar and Kathmandu Adventure Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2059 p.p

6. Maintain Cultural and Religious Respect throughout the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

It is important to be respectful of local culture and religion through the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as Mount Kailash is the most sacred mountain for four religions.

Local Tibetans and pilgrims are welcoming to anyone doing the Yatra, but visitors should be aware of the area's deep spiritual significance. Always interact with local residents and pilgrims with respect and kindness. Avoid disruptive behaviors, especially during religious ceremonies and rituals.

Show respect for the environment. Travelers to Mount Kailash should follow the 'Leave No Trace' idea and minimize their impact on the natural surroundings. Collect all of your trash and dispose of it properly.

There are many sacred sites around Mount Kailash. Be sure to follow any specific rules or guidelines, and ask if anything is uncertain. Respect individual privacy, and seek permission before taking photographs of people.

17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Zanda - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2290 p.p

Conclusion

You should be aware of the challenges and risks of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, but it is absolutely possible to complete it safely. Following these tips will help ensure that you are mentally and physically prepared for the tour's demands. The lifelong memories and sense of satisfaction you'll gain are worth all the effort of getting ready. Contact us to get started planning your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.