Best Time to Trek around Mount Kailash

Late May to early October is the optimal period to visit Mount Kailas. By then, the plateau has shaken off winter's bitter cold and spring's erratic conditions, slipping into a "trek-friendly mode" of mild temperatures and minimal rain.

At lower elevations like Lake Manasarovar (4,590m), daytime temperatures hover between 12°C and 18°C, dropping to -2°C to 8°C at night. For high-altitude passes such as Drolma La (5,630m), days range from -5°C to 5°C, with occasional nighttime dips near -10°C. Rain mostly comes as short afternoon showers (peaking in July-August). The snowline retreats above 5,000m, leaving regular trekking routes mostly snow-free. Stable weather means fewer itinerary delays, longer daylight hours (up to 14 hours in June), and greater safety—solid ice surfaces and low avalanche risk make every step more reassuring.

Culture at Its Peak: June (Saga Dawa Festival)

If you crave an immersive cultural experience, June (Tibetan lunar April, usually corresponding to Gregorian June) often brings Saga Dawa Festival. This sacred month honors the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, wrapping Mount Kailash in an electrifying atmosphere of pilgrimage.

Tens of thousands of Tibetans, Nepali devotees, and Indian ascetics fill the kora route. Many clutch prayer wheels, murmuring the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," while some prostrate every step, their foreheads brushing the dust. Temples host grand ceremonies, and some monasteries let visitors join simple blessings, but always ask permission first and stay quiet.

Nature at Its Most Vibrant: July and August 

For nature lovers, July and August turn Mount Kailash into a living "plateau ecosystem painting." Summer's warm, moist air breathes life into this zone, as wildflowers, wildlife, and lakes dance in perfect harmony.

The kora path bursts with colorful wide flowers, and wildlife thrives too—Tibetan antelopes)drink at lake shallows, their spiral horns glinting in the sun; pikas peek from rock crevices, their round eyes curious yet alert; black-necked cranes glide over Lake Manasarovar, their long legs trailing ripples; and marmots chirp on grassy slopes, their plump bodies like fuzzy, moving balls.

Lakes shine brightest now: Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal stand in striking contrast. Manasarovar's water level rises, its deep blue surface mirroring Mount Kailash's snow-capped peak, while Rakshastal's darker waters ripple against rocky shores.

Winter Closure: November to April

From November to April, Mount Kailash enters a "winter closure period," and trekking largely pauses. This isn't a "ban"—it's the plateau's way of protecting life.

Extreme cold hits hard: nighttime temperatures plummet below -30°C, and daytime highs barely reach -10°C, risking frostbite even with brief skin exposure. Key passes like Drolma La (5,630m) get buried under meters of snow, making regular trekking gear useless. Rescue becomes a challenge too with only a handful of guesthouses open, and first-aid stations shut down. Any emergency could leave you waiting hours for help.

Conclusion

Our team of experienced guides knows every corner of the kora, and we're ready to craft a safe, unforgettable journey just for you.