Mount Kailash Tour Begins in Late April Every Year: Why & What's lt Really Like?

The Mt. Kailash Tour, the ultimate pilgrimage route in Tibet, draws pilgrims and trekkers from around the world. In particular, the Kailash Kora, a 52-kilometer circuit that typically takes three days to complete - offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and deep spiritual experience.

Each year, the Kailash tour begins in late April, after the harsh winter has passed. In this article, we highlight why it starts at this time of year, the best season to undertake the Kailash Kora, and what essentials to pack for the journey during this period.

With plenty of vivid photos from our guests who visited Mt. Kailash in late April 2025, we’re confident that this review will help you feel the magic of the Kailash Kora and inspire your own adventure to the holiest mountain in the world.

Why Does the Mt. Kailash Tour Begin in Late April Each Year?

The main reasons are weather, road conditions, and the lack of available accommodation and food during the winter months.

While you can visit Tibet in winter and explore many regions during this season, the Ngari region - home to Mt. Kailash - experiences extremely harsh winters and is generally not accessible. Temperatures often stay near freezing during the day and can drop to as low as -20°C at night in January. Even local Tibetans rarely venture into the area during this time.

Heavy snowfall and icy roads make travel difficult and sometimes impossible. Authorities may restrict access due to safety concerns, and tourist services in the region are nearly nonexistent. Limited daylight hours further reduce the feasibility of a winter tour.

During winter, all hotels and restaurants near Mt. Kailash and Darchen shut down. Camping is also not an option due to the extreme cold, leaving no viable choices for shelter or meals.

When spring arrives and temperatures rise in late April, conditions improve significantly. From then until the end of October, the Kailash Kora becomes accessible again for both pilgrims and trekkers.

Weather Information of Mt.Kailash During Winter from November to March

Group photo taken during the kora, with Mt. Kailash in the background.

A cherished photo of our beloved customer with Mt. Kailash and our Tibetan guide

Light snow is possible during the kora around Mt. Kailash in late April.

Local pilgrims perform the kora around Mt. Kailash.

Best Time to Take Mount Kailash Tour Every Year: Late April to October

The ideal time to embark on a Mount Kailash tour is between late April and October, when weather conditions are most favorable. Among these months, spring and autumn stand out as the best seasons for both comfort and scenic beauty.

Spring (April to June) offers clear skies and rising temperatures. Although it can still be a little chilly in late April, and occasional snow may occur, the roads are well-maintained and accessible. By May and June, the warmer weather makes travel easier and the experience more enjoyable.

One of the most remarkable events during this season is the Saga Dawa Festival, held on the 15th day of the fourth Tibetan month (June 11, 2025), marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Sakyamuni Buddha. Reaching its spiritual peak at Mount Kailash, this sacred event adds deep cultural and spiritual meaning to your Mt.Kailash tour.

Autumn (September to October) is another excellent time to visit Mount Kailash and the wider Ngari region. After the summer monsoon, the skies clear quickly, and the weather remains mild through September.

The landscapes, especially the plains and meadows, are lush and green, providing spectacular views. While a brief shower is still possible in early September, by October the weather is dry, crisp, and cool - ideal for trekking and outdoor exploration.

Summer (July and August) is also a great time for visiting. Rainfall in western Tibet is usually light and sporadic. The moisture in the air helps increase oxygen levels, and the occasional mist surrounding Mount Kailash adds a mysterious, almost otherworldly charm.

Weather Information of Lake Manasarovar from April to October

Group photo taken during the kora, with Mt. Kailash in the background.

Captured a moment with Tibetan monks on the Kailash kora.

For believers, completing the kora around Kailash is seen as a profound blessing.

Face to Face with Mt.Kailash during the Kora.

What to Pack for a Mt.Kailash Tour in Late April and Early May?

Since late April and early May in Ngari can still be quite cold, warm clothing is essential when visiting Mount Kailash. Pack layered clothing to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.

Start with thermal base layers and add up to five thinner layers, as laundry facilities are unavailable during the trek. A warm fleece or down jacket is crucial, along with a waterproof jacket - ideally a windproof, waterproof combination to reduce bulk.

Good hiking boots are essential for trekking through the Mt.Kailash, with the highest points reaching up to 5,600 meters. They should offer strong ankle support, excellent grip on rocky paths, and be waterproof. Poor footwear can lead to slips or injuries.

A durable, comfortable backpack is essential for carrying daily essentials with padded straps for support. Additionally, good sleeping bag is also recommended to keep you warm during the night, since Mount Kailash offers no luxury hotels, only basic conditions like the beds in the guesthouse.

Food options become very limited during the Kora around Mountain Kailash. Pack instant meals, and carry snacks like chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, and biscuits for quick energy, as the high altitude drains stamina faster than at sea level.

Staying hydrated is vital to prevent altitude sickness. Bring a sturdy water bottle to ensure you can drink regularly while hiking. Also, the high-altitude wind can dry your skin and lips, so include lip balm, sunscreen, and moisturizer in your pack for protection and comfort.

Toiletries are essential, as guesthouses along the trekking route offer only basic facilities and may not provide toilet paper. Bring your own or wet wipes, especially where water is scarce. Also, pack a washcloth, antibacterial soap, and a dental kit, as showers are rare.

Group photo taken during the kora, with Mt. Kailash in the background.

A close encounter with Mt. Kailash.

Trekking poles can be a great help during your kora around Mt. Kailash.

A sacred moment of our dear customer doing rituals on the Kailash kora.

Check How Our Clients Enjoying their Mt.Kailash Tour in Late April, 2025

Just this late April, we were thrilled to welcome hundreds of travelers from around the world to experience the sacred journey to Mount Kailash.

Some began their adventure in Lhasa, taking the classic overland route through Tibet from Lhasa to Mt.Kailash, while others reach Kailash from Kathmandu via the Gyirong border. Despite the different starting points, each group shared a common spirit of exploration and devotion.

Whether it was witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Kailash or trekking the kora, all our guests enjoyed a meaningful and memorable journey. Check out the photos below to see some of the unforgettable highlights from their incredible Kailash adventure.

Our guests at the foot of Mt. Kailash.

Mt. Kailash also makes a great destination for a photography tour

Guests from Croatia hanging prayer flags during the kora around Mt. Kailash.

Late April to early May offers incredible views of Mt. Kailash.

Conclusion

Mt. Kailash offers a rare combination of stunning natural scenery and profound spiritual significance, best experienced between late April and October. As spring unfolds, the region opens up, attracting pilgrims and adventurers from across the globe.

With proper timing and preparation, every journey—whether starting in Lhasa or Kathmandu - becomes truly unforgettable. Let the stories and photos from April 2025 spark your own pilgrimage to this sacred mountain. Contact us today to begin your Kailash tour.