The Mount Kailash trek, or Kailash Kora, has always been one of the most difficult treks in Asia. Pilgrims and tourists come from all around the world, defying hardships to do the 52km circuit trek around Mt. Kailash.

With over 30 years of experience, we offer the top 20 essential tips for you to learn before trekking to Mount Kailash. From tour arrangements to travel documents application, and from what to pack to what to expect, we share our comprehensive knowledge about Mount Kailash to ensure a safe and successful trek of a lifetime.

1. Mount Kailash can be reached either from Lhasa or Kathmandu

Located in the remote southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Mount Kailash can actually be reached from both Lhasa and Kathmandu.

The general road travel from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes 15 days, with a visit to the Everest Base Camp on the northern side of Mount Everest, while the land journey from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash takes 10 days via the Gyirong border.

Though it is possible to take a flight from Lhasa to Ngari Kunsa Airport and then drive to Mount Kailash, it is not recommended for tourists due to the rapid increase in altitude from 3,650 meters in Lhasa to 4,250 meters in Ngari, which may cause high altitude sickness.

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2. No Age Limit, but Fitness is Required for the Mount Kailash Trek

Officially, there is no age limit for Kailash Trek and Kora. However, as one of the most difficult treks in Tibet, it requires a high level of physical fitness. To complete the 3-day Kailash Kora at an average altitude of more than 4,500 meters, you need to be in good health and able to cope with high-altitude trekking.

The trekking trails around Mount Kailash are all dirt and gravel roads, and you need to cross a mountain pass at 5,630 meters. It is a prerequisite to have no cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and heart disease, and you also need to be able to adapt to long-term trekking. If you have knee or leg problems, it’s advisable not to take the Kailash trek due to the challenging terrain.

We have successfully arranged the Mount Kailash tour for our senior tourist in his 80s.

3. The Highest Point of Mount Kailash Trek is 5630m (Average 5000m)

The Kailash Kora has an average elevation of about 5,000 meters above sea level and the highest point is as high as 5,630 meters at Dromala Pass.

It is common to get high altitude sickness at such high altitudes. You can buy oxygen bottles from Darchen before your trekking starts. If you suffer from altitude sickness during the Kailash trek, please consider stopping ascending, otherwise more serious problems may occur. The only remedy for altitude sickness is to walk to a lower altitude.

4. The Total Distance of the Kailash Trek is 52 km (Typically Completed in 3 days)

The Kailash trek covers a total distance of 52 kilometers, typically completed over three days.

On trekking day 1, the journey begins from Darchen, heading towards Dirapuk Monastery. It spans 6 hours covering 13 kilometers with a moderate ascent of 200 meters.

Day 2 brings a longer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery, lasting 7-8 hours over 24 kilometers. This is the most difficult day as you need to cross the Dromala Pass, and complete a challenging ascent of 550 meters and a descent of 600 meters.

Finally, Day 3 concludes with a 3-4 hour easy trek back to Darchen, covering 12 kilometers with a gentle descent of 150 meters.

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5. Vehicle Transfer Available Only on the First and Last Days of Kailash Trek

Vehicles are permitted on the initial section starting from Darchen, offering an option to return if you feel unwell and unable to continue trekking on the first day. Likewise, after completing the trek on day three, a vehicle can transport you the final 5 kilometers back to Darchen if needed due to exhaustion.

However, once you start trekking on the second day, there's no turning back. You must proceed over the mountain pass to Zutulpuk Monastery. It's crucial to assess your physical condition carefully on the first day. If you experience altitude sickness and doubt your ability to continue, return to Darchen promptly. Once you embark on the second day's journey, retreat isn't possible, and in emergencies, there are no vehicles for descending to lower altitudes.

6. Get a Close-up View of Mt.Kailash from the Western Slope (An Extra Trekking Day)

From Dirapuk Monastery, there is a short trek available to the western slope of Mount Kailash. You can reach up to the glacier at 5,800 meters to get a close view of Mount Kailash. If conditions permit, you have the opportunity to touch Mount Kailash.

Also, you can take a meditation there for an in-depth purify at the center of the world. After the extraordinary experience, you’ll return to Dirapuk Monastery along the same route.

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7. Arrange 10 to 16 days for a Mount Kailash Trek Tour

Generally, a Mount Kailash tour spans 10 to 16 days, depending on your starting points and itinerary.

The Kailash kora itself takes 3 days. Including travel to Mount Kailash, the overland trip to Mount Kailash usually takes 10 days from Kathmandu and 15 days from Lhasa.

For an in-depth trek on the western slope of Mount Kailash, you need to add an extra day to the standard schedule.

If you plan to travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Mount Kailash, the trip can be completed in 13 days.

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8. Best Time for Mount Kailash Trek: Late April, May, Early June, September, and Early October

The best time to visit Mount Kailash is spring (late April to early June) and autumn (September to early October), which offer mild weather conditions with minimal rainfall. You can get clear views of the majestic mountain peak of Kailash while trekking in these months.

Summer is also a good time for trekking Mount Kailash. Just be aware that although the rainfall here is not as much as in other areas, clouds and fog may obscure the mountain peak.

Winter is too cold for a Kailash trek, and the road to Mount Kailash may be closed due to heavy snow. So, from late October to early April, visiting Mount Kailash is usually not feasible.

You can get the most spiritual experience by visiting Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival.

9. Trek Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival for the Best Cultural Experience

Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism, is the best place to experience the Saga Dawa Festival, which commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

While visiting Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival, you will get a profound spiritual experience. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture and spirituality.

The Saga Dawa Festival falls on the full moon day of the fourth Tibetan lunar month. In 2025, it falls on June 11th, and in 2026, on May 31st. If you plan to visit Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival, please make your tour reservation as early as possible.

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10. Join a Group to Reduce Your Kailash Trek Costs

Due to the long travel distance, the trip to Mount Kailash is one of the most expensive tours in Tibet. The long driving distance and travel duration cost more than other tours.

To cut down the tour price, the best way is to join a Tibet small group tour to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, especially if you are traveling alone. You can share transfers, hotels, guide services, and driver services with fellow group members and exchange travel stories with those like-minded travelers from around the world.

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11. Both a China Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit Required for the Mount Kailash Trek

The required travel documents for Mount Kailash Trek and Kora include a China Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, as well as some other local travel permits. The Chinese Visa should be applied by yourself. You can consult your local Chinese embassy for detailed information on visa applications.

The Tibet Travel Permit can be only applied through the local travel agency that offers you the Mount Kailash tour service. To make your trip hassle-free, we take care of all necessary local travel documents for your Mount Kailash tour in Tibet. Once you book your Mount Kailash tour with us, simply provide the scanned copies of your Chinese Visa and valid passport, and we will handle the rest for you.

Insider Tips:
1.If you travel to Tibet with a passport from a country that enjoys visa-free travel to China, you can visit Mount Kailash with the Tibet Permit only. A China Visa is not required.
2.If you travel to Mount Kailash from Nepal, you need to apply for the Group Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Take a worry-free Kailash trek with Tibet Vista

12. Plan Your Kailash Trek at Least One Month in Advance

In fact, besides the Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit, you also need the Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit to visit Mount Kailash. All these documents take time to be issued.

Therefore, it is suggested to book your Kailash trek at least one month in advance to allow enough time for processing the necessary travel documents and to ensure a smooth trip.

13. The Local Guesthouses en route Offer Basic Accommodation Conditions

Generally, there is no need to camp during a Kailash trek. There are guesthouses for every day of your stay. For the first night stay, you will live in the local guesthouse around Dirapuk Monastery. And for the second night, you will stay in the guesthouse near Zutulpuk Monastery.

The local guesthouses offer quite basic accommodations. Compared to standard hotel rooms, guesthouses typically provide more beds per room but do not always include private bathrooms or showers.

The price of a bed ranges from 80 RMB to over 100 RMB. During the peak season, especially during the Saga Dawa Festivals, it may be as high as 200 RMB or even higher.

Book a bed in the guesthouse for the Mount Kailash Trek.

14. Get Simple Food from Several Supply Points along the Kailash Trekking Route

You may see tent houses along the trekking path around Mount Kailash. You can take a rest in the tent restaurants and order simple food and drinks, like traditional Tibetan butter tea, instant noodles, fried rice, and soft drinks.

It is also suggested to bring some snacks like chocolate or energy bars for a quick energy boost during your Kailash trek. Furthermore, carrying a portable water bottle allows you to stay hydrated whenever needed.

15. Wear Sturdy and Well-fitted Hiking Boots for Kailash Trek

For the Kailash trek, it is important to wear sturdy and well-fitted hiking boots. The trekking trail around Mount Kailash is rugged, with dirt and stones, and requires navigating long distances by climbing up and down. Opting for proper footwear ensures comfort and support, making your Kailash trekking experience safe and enjoyable.

The rugged gravel road to Mount Kailash.

16. Packing Wisely for the 3-day Kailash Trek

When packing for the 3-day trek around Kailash, remember you don't need to carry everything with you; your luggage can stay at the hotel in Darchen. Pack only the essentials for the trek to keep your load light and manageable throughout the journey.

The following is a list of some must-have gears.
1) A small backpack and trekking poles;
2) Sun cream and sunglasses;
3) Insulated jacket, outdoor or fleece jacket, pants, down or fleece sleeping bag, warm gloves, and hat;
4) Some energy-boosting snacks and insulated bottles;
5) Personal hygiene kits and personal medicine.

17. Book a Porter Service in Darchen before Starting the Kailash Trek

You can easily arrange for porter services upon arrival in Darchen. Typically, one porter handles two yaks to carry luggage for trekkers and tourists. You can split the rental cost among group members who are also using the service. This fee is paid on-site based on your requirements and is not included in the tour package. If you need a porter service, feel free to ask your tour guide to arrange it for you.

Packing wisely for your Mount Kailash trek, or you can take a porter service to carrying luggage for you with extra fee.

18. Mobile Coverage is Available in Mt. Kailash, but Signal Strength Varies along the Trail

Throughout the Kailash trek, there is network coverage, but signal strength and stability may vary. Generally, you'll find network coverage at tent houses that offer food and drinks along the route, where Alipay or WeChat Pay are accepted. It's advisable to carry cash in case of signal loss. Guesthouses where you stay overnight also have network coverage.

19. Respect Local Culture and Ask for Permission Before Taking Photos of Local Pilgrims

The Kailash trek, also known as the Kailash Kora for pilgrims, is a sacred route around Mount Kailash. You will witness many local pilgrims prostrating along the way. It’s important to ask for permission before taking photos with or of them, as it shows respect for their traditions and privacy.

20. Travel with Tibet Vista for Better Local Support

Known for its challenges, the Kailash trek demands professional arrangements and local support. As the leading Tibetan local travel agency, we, at Tibet Vista, have made countless dreams come true with well-organized Mount Kailash tour itineraries with experienced local tour guides who know the sacred mountain better than any others do. Whether from Kathmandu or Lhasa, we ensure an unforgettable journey to Mount Kailash and beyond.

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Conclusion

Arranging a Kailash trek is not as complicated as you might think. Reserving about two weeks and booking at least one month in advance can make your Mount Kailash trek much easier. From itinerary planning and vehicle preparation to accommodation arrangements, we handle everything. Just feel free to share your travel ideas with us, and we'll tailor our high-quality local tour services to ensure you have an exceptional Kailash trekking experience.