FAQs About Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour

Mount Kailash is one of Tibet's most sacred sites, drawing pilgrims and travelers worldwide. But planning a trip here comes with questions—from travel rules to on-the-ground tips. Below, we answer the most common FAQs to help you prepare for a safe, respectful, and unforgettable journey.

Q1: Am I allowed to travel to Mount Kailash alone?

No, foreign travelers cannot visit Mount Kailash independently. Tibet's regulations require all international visitors to join a licensed tour group (private or shared) organized by a registered Tibet travel agency. You'll need a dedicated guide, pre-arranged transportation, and official permits (like the Tibet Travel Permit and Ali Prefecture Border Pass) to enter the region. This rule ensures your safety and compliance with local policies—our agency will handle all group arrangements for you.

Q2: What languages are mainly spoken near Mount Kailash?

The local language is Tibetan—most herders, pilgrims, and small-town residents speak little to no English. Standard Chinese is used in tourist areas but not universally. Rest assured your tour guide offered by our travel agency will be fluent in both English and Tibetan, and can translate for you—whether you're ordering food, asking directions, or chatting with locals.

Q3: If I face an emergency during the pilgrimage, how can I get help?

First, remain calm—our tour guide is your immediate point of contact. Trained to handle unforeseen circumstances, they can promptly coordinate emergency resources such as evacuation vehicles or medical assistance. All guesthouses along the the pilgrimage circuit also have basic first-aid kits and can help coordinate help. Stay with your group at all times—never leave without explicit permission. If separated from your guide, immediately contact them. If unresponsive, dial 110 (police), 120 (medical), or 119 (fire). These numbers are toll-free nationwide.

Q4: Can I take photos during the Kora? Are there any photography tips?

You can take photos of Mount Kailash's stunning landscape in most open areas along the Kora, but there are important rules to follow. No drones—drone use in Tibet requires a rare special permit. Do not photograph pilgrims during religious rituals or monks without their permission—always ask with a smile first. Inside temples along the Kora, look for "No Photos" signs; violating this is considered disrespectful. Also, avoid photographing military facilities near the border.

Q5: Is it easy to buy water, snacks, and daily necessities along the Kora?

No, supplies are limited and scattered along the Kora. The best place to stock up is Darchen (the starting town of the Kora), which has small shops selling bottled water, energy bars, chocolate, and basic toiletries. Along the Kora, only a few guesthouses or supply stations sell small amounts of drinks and food, and prices are much higher. I strongly advise packing enough supplies from Darchen—this saves you money and avoids running out of essentials.

Q6: How do I get from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash? How far is it?

The journey from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash has two main parts. First, travel 120 km from Kathmandu to the Gyirong Border, the China-Nepal border crossing. You can take a public bus (6 hours, affordable but crowded). At the border, you'll need to show your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and Chinese group visa—our team will help you with the paperwork to cross smoothly. After crossing, our agency's tour vehicle will pick you up and take you to Gyirong Town for a rest to start acclimatizing to high altitude. From Gyirong Town to Darchen is approximately 600 km—I don't recommend heading straight there. Instead, we'll plan stops at low-altitude spots to help you adjust to the altitude, with side trips to small temples—this makes the journey safer and more enjoyable.

Q7: How can I stay safe during the Mount Kailash pilgrimage? What risks should I watch for?

Safety starts with preparation. The biggest risks are altitude sickness (the Kora's highest point is 5,630 meters at Dolma La Pass) and sudden weather changes (even summer can bring snowstorms). To avoid altitude sickness, spend 2–3 days acclimatizing in the low-altitude region before heading to Mount Kailash, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. For weather, pack a waterproof down jacket and non-slip hiking boots—paths can get muddy or icy. Also, keep your valuables in a secure bag—crowds in Darchen and along the Kora mean pickpocketing is a small risk. Stick with your guide, and you'll avoid most issues.

Q8: How can I make my Mount Kailash pilgrimage an eco-friendly trip?

Eco-tourism is key to protecting Mount Kailash's fragile environment. Here's how: Bring a reusable water bottle. Carry all trash with you—there are no trash cans along the Kora, so pack a small bag for wrappers or empty containers and dispose of them in Darchen. Avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife on the grassland. Use eco-friendly toiletries since guesthouses have limited waste treatment.

Q9: Are there age or health restrictions for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage?

There's no official age limit set by the official, but the pilgrimage involves high-altitude trekking, so we have practical guidelines. Our agency recommends the trip for adults under 70—older travelers may struggle with the altitude and physical demands of the 52 km Kora. For health, you should have no severe conditions: heart disease, severe asthma, recent strokes, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. A basic health check-up before your trip is a good idea—your doctor can confirm if you're fit for high-altitude travel.

Q10: How far in advance should I start applying for permits for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage?

Start early to avoid delays! First, apply for your Chinese Tourist Visa 1–2 months before your Tibet trip. Next, book your tour with us 1 month before departure so we can apply for your Tibet Travel Permit in advance. During peak season (May–October), permits take longer due to high demand. Rushing the permit process risks missing your trip, so plan ahead—we'll remind you of all deadlines to keep things on track.

Q11: Is there internet coverage near Mount Kailash? How can I stay in touch with family?

Internet coverage is limited. Darchen has 4G service from major Chinese providers, but it's slow and may drop. Along the Kora, most areas have no cell service—only guesthouses at key points  have weak Wi-Fi. To stay connected well, buy a Chinese SIM card in Lhasa. For important calls, you can prepare a satellite phone for emergencies.

Conclusion

I hope these FAQs have cleared up your questions! If you have more questions, or if you're ready to book, don’t hesitate anymore.