The 13 day Mount Kailash Tour (pilgrimage), your journey to one of the world’s most sacred peaks, situated at 6,638 meters in Tibet’s remote western plateau. For over a billion people across different faiths – Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers – this is their sacred destination. Mount Kailash is literally the center of their spiritual universe. Its perfect pyramid shape with four faces pointing exactly north, south, east, and west makes it special. It stands alone in the landscape like nature carved it specifically to be worshipped.
The heart of this pilgrimage is the three-day walk around the mountain – it’s called the kora. The Mount Kailash journey starts with a drive from Kathmandu, taking acclimatization in between at Kerung and continue via Saga and Mansarovar. You’ll cover 52 kilometers starting from Darchen village, climbing up to the grueling Drölma-La pass at 5,650 meters. Along the Mount Kailash way, you’ll sleep in ancient monasteries like Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk, sharing meals and stories with pilgrims from around the world.
The scenery is absolutely incredible – dramatic valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and views of Mount Kailash that will leave you speechless. You’re walking the same paths that pilgrims have used for centuries, experiencing Tibetan culture in its purest form. After the completion of your journey to Mount Kailash return to Kathmandu via Saga to Kerung and then through Syabrubesi for your departure flight.
Best Time to go Mount Kailash Tour
Spring (May-June)
This is the best time to begin Mount Kailash journey. During this season, the trails are accessible for all pilgrims and travelers. At this time the temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C during the day, around 10°C at night. The snow has melted, Days are longer with clear skies getting you comfortable temperature. This is when the sacred Saga Dawa Festival occurs, celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. It’s considered the most auspicious time for pilgrimage as positive acts are believed to be multiplied 100,000 times.
Autumn(September-October)
This is the alternatively best season for Mount Kailash Pilgrimage journey. As the temperature ranging about 20°C during the day and 10°C at night, the mountains are clear, weather is stable and the crowds are fewer. Although, this season is perfect for those seeking more peaceful pilgrimage experience.
Summer (July to August)
At this time the heavy rainfall can make rugged paths difficult to navigate. Even if the temperature ranges around 15°C the slippery path can make the journey challenging. Those who don’t mind occasional rain can visit during this season too.
Winter (November to April)
This is not recommended season for all pilgrims. The temperature ranges from -10°C to 10°C, the extreme cold and harsh weather can bring difficulty. Also the trail conditions are dangerous. So, we don’t suggest this season, avoid going to Mount Kailash in this time.
Important Closure Period:
Tibet closes to all international tourists from mid-February to end of March annually (about 5-6 weeks) for political events and meetings.
What to Expect on the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour
This is rather the tour of purpose than any entertainment type. That’s why the less you expect, the more you will enjoy. What one should have to expect is daily walking distance of 15-20 kilometer in rocky uneven terrain and steep during both ascents and descent. Which is around 8-10 hours of walking per day for 3 days. Due to the gaining in altitude, the symptoms of altitude sickness may be seen.
For the accommodation and facilities basic guest houses and monastery lodges are found with sharing rooms with simple bedding facility. There may be limited heating facilities or heating facilities may not be provided. Also, basic toilets (often outdoor) are provided. You won’t be able to shower during the kora days.
The weather is not stable so don’t expect it to stay the same and prepare your best. Sudden weather changes with strong winds can be faced with significant temperature drops at night. The rain/snow may occur even in good season.
With all challenges and difficulty, you will get the best experiences of your life. There are a lot a Mount Kailash Tour can give you in return of it’s visit. First of all you will get a chance to meet the pilgrims from different countries and with different faiths – share meals with travelers in the way. You will witness the traditional Tibetan rituals and experience firsthand monastery life. You have the chance to transform yourself with profound silence and meditation opportunities. The breathtaking sunrise/sunset view of Kailash, the reflections of sacred lake Mansarovar with waving of prayer flags all over.
To be honest – this Mount Kailash trek will test you. The altitude hits hard, the weather can turn dramatically without any warning, and some days you’ll be walking for 8-10 hours straight. But here’s the thing: people don’t come here for an easy vacation. They come for something that changes them forever. Regardless of your faith – completing the kora is believed to wash away lifetimes of negative karma. And for your safety we, Epic Trek Nepal, organize the trip to Mount Kailash for you. Our local guides know every stone on this path, we’ll make sure you’re properly acclimatized, and we handle all the complicated permits and logistics. You just focus on the experience – we’ll take care of everything else.
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