What to Know Before Traveling to Mount Kailash
For billions, it's the spiritual center of the universe. Tibetan Buddhists see it as the home of Chakrasamvara, believing one kora, or circular pilgrimage, cleanses a lifetime of sins. For Hindus, it's the abode of Lord Shiva. This sacred status transforms a trek into a pilgrimage. You'll share the path with devout pilgrims from across Asia, their chants and prostrations creating a powerful, humbling atmosphere. Approaching Mount Kailash with this respect, whether you're spiritual or not, turns the trip from a physical challenge into a profound journey of introspection.
Mount Kailash Kora: Your Pilgrimage Path
The primary way to experience Mount Kailash is by undertaking the kora, the sacred circuit around the mountain. The main route is the outer kora, a multi-day trek that covers about 52 kilometers. There's also an inner kora, but this is reserved for those who have completed the outer circuit 13 times. For most travelers, the outer kora is the popular choice. It's not a wilderness hike but a well-trodden spiritual path, dotted with prayer flags and monasteries, leading you through one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.
Confronting the Altitude: Your Biggest Challenge
The Kailash trek is tough, primarily because of the extreme altitude. The journey starts already high at around 4,700 meters and climbs over the Drolma La Pass at a breathtaking 5,630 meters. At these heights, the air is thin, and altitude sickness is a real possibility for everyone, regardless of fitness. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The key to success is proper acclimatization. Do not rush from the airport to the trailhead. Spend several days in Lhasa or other high-altitude towns to let your body adjust. Rushing this process is the most common reason trips get cut short.
For foreign travelers, a trip to Mount Kailash comes with essential regulations. You cannot travel independently. All foreign visitors must be part of an organized tour operated by a licensed Tibet travel agency. This rule exists for your safety and to manage travel in this sensitive border region. The crucial documents your agency will secure are your Tibet Travel Permit and other essential permits for the remote Ngari Prefecture. Navigating this bureaucracy alone is impossible, which makes choosing a reliable agency your first and most critical step.
Conclusion
Finally, prepare your mindset. This trek will test your limits. There will be tough moments, especially on the climb to the pass. But embrace the challenge with the heart of a pilgrim, not a conqueror. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and absorb the immense beauty and spirituality of the landscape. The sense of accomplishment and inner peace you feel upon completing the kora is worthwhile.
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35 Comment ON "What to Know Before Traveling to Mount Kailash"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash