Mount Kailash Tour Guide, Mount Kailash Travel

Mount Kailash - Center of the World

As the main peak of the Gandise Mountains, Mount Kailash is the most famous holy mountain (Bonri Mountain and Himalayas are also holy mountains in Tibet) in Asian history. With 4 distinct sides, the gigantic pyramid has a round cap covered in eternal snow and ice.

At an elevation of 6,656 meters above the sea level, Mt. Kailash gives life to 4 grand rivers: Shiquan River, known as Indus River in the lower reaches; Maquan River, the origin of Yarlung Tsangpo River; Xiangquan River, known as Sutlej in the lower reaches; Kongqu River, the origin of the Ganges River.

Mount Kailash gained the status of holy mountain well over 2,000 years ago. It still commands great reverence from Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon religion and Jainism. Circling the mountain is the way most pilgrims show their utmost respect to the mountain. Every year, pilgrims from India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Chinese regions where the Tibetan people live will form a continuous line around the mountain.

It is said that 1 trip around the holy mountain will wipe away all the sins of one’s current lifetime; 108 revolutions will remove the sins of all one's lifetimes and bring salvation from reincarnation. Alternatively, pilgrims who complete one circulation of Kailash and bath in the frigid waters of Lake Manasarovar will also bring salvation.

No pilgrims climb Mt. Kailash. All 4 religions believe that it would be a serious act of sacrilege to set foot on its slopes. Legend has it that the only person to have reached the summit is the Buddhist champion Milarepa and that all others who have ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.

Recommended Tour Itineraries including Mount Kailash

Regarded as the holiest mountain in Tibet, Mount Kailash attracts a number of pilgrims and tourists to visit. Tibet Vista provides classic tour packages including Mount Kailash at the best price.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Lake Manasarova - Kailash Trek - Saga - Shigatse - Lhasa

from USD2026

11 Days Tibet Kailash Pilgrimage Tour by Helicopter from Nepal

Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Hilsa - Purang - Manasarovar - Darchen - Kailash - Purang - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

from USD2800

15 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu (fly in and out via Lhasa)

Kathmandu - Lhasa - Shigatse - Saga - Lake Manasarover - Mt. Kailash trek - Darchen- Drirapuk - Saga -Shigatse- Lhasa - Kathmandu

from USD3480

17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration

Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Kora (3 days) - Guge Kingdom - Manasarovar - Saga - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa

from USD2,190

More Tibet Tour Packages

Know More about How to Visit Mount Kailash

How to plan a photography tour to Mount Kailash?

Generally, you can travel overland to Kailash from Lhasa and this route costs you at least four days.

Day 1: Start from Lhasa and stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 2: Shoot Mount Everest and stay overnight in Tingri.
Day 3: Drive to Saga county. Appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way.
Day 4: After shooting the sunrise and sunset of Lake Manasarovar, you can shoot the magnificent Mt. Kailash along National Highway 219.

As you stand far above surrounding mountains, Mount Kailash is just like a majestic ruler of Nature. With the reputation of “source of water” and “World Center”, the mountain has an extraordinary personality and you will never be disappointed from any angle of the Holy Mountain.

Actually, we have a package of Mt. Kailash tour, which is never short of surprise for you.

Where are the best places to shoot Mount Kailash?

There are some sites to shoot Mount Kailash, including the road near the holy mountain along National Highway 219, prayer flag square, Drolma la pass, Baga grassland, La Qu river valley and so on. The prime time of shooting is before and after sunrise or sunset within an hour for the reason of direction of sunlight.

If you stay in Darchen, you need to trek to find an appropriate shoot sites. For example, trek to Lha-chu river valley (8 kilometers away from Tharchin village) to take some stunning photos.

Use Nikon digital SLR camera D200 with 80mm to 200mm lens will be much better. And in the path of kora, some majestic photos can be captured by your camera.

How about the restaurant and accommodation at Mount Kailash?

Simple accommodation and food are available in Darchen (an elevation of 4586m), just at the foot of Mount Kailash. There are some chophouses mainly provide Sichuan cuisine. Among them, the so-called “Lhasa Hotel” is most famous, which is just a tent restaurant. They only provide some simple food, so you can carry some fruit and food by yourself.

The Gangdise hotel is the most famous lodge, equal to guesthouse. The normal price is 60RMB each (provide boiled water and public toilet). Standard Room is 150RMB per room (with private toilet). Some temples also provide simple accommodation with 30RMB each. You can bring your own sleeping bag or sheet.

Insider tips for touring Mount Kailash

1. Prepare your travel permits in advance, like the Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit as well as Military Permit. These documents will be checked along the way. Luckily, our travel guide will help to handle them on your behalf.

2. It is said that Skyamuni was born in the Year of Horse, so pilgrims believe that taking a kora at that year is much better than any other years. If you happen to come to Kailash at these years, you may probably meet more local pilgrims.

3. Before the kora, you can leave the unnecessary baggage at your hotel, or you’ll be extremely exhausted during the circle. But do pack essential trekking gears like trekking pole. Also bring some cans, instant noodle and chocolate with you.