Mount Kailash Manasarovar Tour, Tibet

• Accommodation for 9 nights: Twin -sharing basis in guesthouse, and group-sharing basis at Dirapuk and Zuthalpuk
• Pure vegetarian meals served 3 times a day, and a cup of tea or coffee provided with each meal
• All necessary permits for Lake Manasarovar visit and Kailash Kora (Parikrama)
• Ground transportation with a jeep on the Nepal side and a comfortable van within Tibet, vehicle type based on group size
• Kailash Entry Permit
• Tibet (Chinese) visa fee
• Tibetan guide approved by the Tibet Tourism Board (TTB) and all the related costs.

• Charges for yaks or ponies during the Kora
• Personal expenses for shopping, phone usage, extra beverages, laundry, yak, etc.
• Unforeseen costs due to natural disasters, political unrest, flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, landslides, accidents, etc.
• Gratuities for drivers and hotel staff
• Additional transportation or porter fees resulting from landslides, snowfall or other emergencies
• Services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Extra nights’ stay in Kathmandu or elsewhere
• Nepal Entry Visa Fees

Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture within the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is the western part of the Tibetan Plateau.

Its altitude is 6,638m. The mountain stands close to the western tri-country junction of Nepal, China and India. Therefore, it is located at a strategic spot on the border.

The sources of the four rivers Karnali, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Indus lie near this mountain. Also, the Manasarovar Lake and Rakshastal are close to Mount Kailash.

Interestingly, there have been no successful ascents of the mountain as of now. At present, the Chinese authorities have prohibited any climbing activities on Mount Kailash.

One of the reasons for doing so is the religious and cultural significance of this peak. People of different religions revere this mountain, associating it with their respective deity or spiritual leader.

Hindus regard Mount Kailash as the abode of Lord Shiva. Tibetan Buddhists call it Kangri Rinpoche as they believe it is where their Guru Rinpoche won over evil. Jains regard it as a place of the enlightenment of their first leader. And Bon followers consider Mount Kailash as the home of the sky goddess Sipaimen.

This sacredness of the place is the reason people, every year, undertake a pilgrimage to the mountain. For that, they go to Lake Manasarovar and circumambulate Mt Kailash.

The circumambulation is known as Kora. It is believed that doing the Kora of Mount Kailash cleanses a person of their sins. And completion of a kora means fulfilling a cycle of life and death.

Many people perform kora on foot or even opt for full-body prostrations.

Our Mount Kailash tour package includes this kora in its itinerary, making it a spiritual and adventurous expedition.

The best time to undertake the Mount Kailash tour is from May to October as the weather is stable with clear skies, mild temperatures and dry conditions. This ultimately ensures a successful Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour, including the kora trek.

There might be some glitches in the Nepal side during some of these months, but the Tibetan side is safe and favorable for the tour.

Below is a month-wise overview and reflection on the best time for the Mount Kailash Tour. These months offer the best value while reducing your Mount Kailash tour cost.

Best Time: May-June
The late Spring and early summer months of May and June are regarded as the best time for the Mount Kailash Tour. The temperatures during this time are mild and range between 5°C and 20°C. The weather is pleasant and stable.

The wide open skies of May and June offer great mountain views. Also, the snow starts melting during this time. The lesser snow on the trekking trail makes the kora more accessible, especially the Dolma La Pass.

One of the highlights of this time of the year is the Saga Dawa Festival. It is an important Buddhist festival that is usually celebrated in May or early June. And the festival is observed at Tarboche, near Mount Kailash. Going there at this time of year means being able to be a part of these festive celebrations, too.

Meanwhile, the accommodations as well as shops in Darchen and along the trekking route are open during this time of the year. It eases your tour by allowing easy accessibility to the basics you need throughout the journey.

Challenging Yet Possible: July-August
July and August are the monsoon months in Nepal. They bring rain to this part of the world. Therefore, travelling through Nepal during these two months can be challenging due to the risk of landslides and slippery trails. Even the lower areas of Tibet might get affected.

However, the monsoon does not affect the Tibetan Plateau as it sees minimal rainfall. It is mostly dry, offering favorable weather for the Kora trek. Therefore, the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour is challenging yet possible in July and August.

These months see temperatures ranging between 0°C and 16°C. The dry Tibetan Plateau is trek-friendly, yet the occasional rain might make the trail slippery. Yet you can pass through them.

Nonetheless, the Nepal side is filled with greenery during this time. This adds to your travelling experience. Also, there are fewer crowds on the trail, letting you enjoy the journey amidst solitude.

But do not forget to carry along waterproof gear and be prepared for unexpected delays due to weather conditions.

The off-peak period can reduce the Mount Kailash tour cost to an extent.

Highly Recommended: September-October
If you are looking for a peaceful, less crowded as well and safe trail for the Mount Kailash tour, then the autumn months of September and October are highly recommended.

Unlike the summer months, the number of pilgrims is significantly less in these months. The trails, therefore, have fewer travellers, allowing for a trek in solitude and peace.

Likewise, unlike the monsoon months, the trails are not slippery, and thus the challenge to travel is reduced. It makes the entire tour a safer experience.

Overall, the weather in September and October is favorable for trekking and traveling. The temperatures are between 5°C and 15°C, which is ideal for trekking the Kora.

You can feel the post-monsoon freshness in the air, skies are clear and thus the enhanced views of the surroundings.

Not Recommended: November-April
The winter and early Spring months are not recommended for the Mount Kailash tour. The harsh weather is the main reason behind this. The temperatures even reach as low as -15°C during the winter season.

As such, the region experiences extremely cold weather. There is a high chance of snowfall during the winter months. The winds are also strong. These aspects are responsible for road blockages. Even the guesthouses in places like Darchen remain closed during this time.

The Kora becomes difficult to complete due to the weather extremes, making your journey hazardous and impossible to complete. So, it is better to choose the months with favorable weather conditions and embark on this tour for safety and comfort.

The trip grade of the Mount Kailash Tour can be defined based on different factors. But one thing is sure that it is not an easy feat. Here is an overview of this tour’s difficulty level, considering the overall journey and the Kailash Kora.

Challenge of altitude
Based on elevation challenges, the difficulty level of the Mount Kailash Tour can be moderate to high. One needs to reach as high as 5,639 m, the Dolma La Pass, as part of the Kailash Kora.

As we go to high altitudes, there are chances we may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. The symptoms can be experienced by even those who are physically fit.

To deal with the altitude challenge, one must ensure the Mount Kailash Tour itinerary has enough days for acclimatization. Stay hydrated and maintain a slow pace while ascending.

Trekking Difficulty
We will drive through most of the routes during the Mount Kailash Tour. This may make one believe that the journey is easier. But that is not true. Though you drive through most of the truth, the Kailash Kora requires you to trek about 53 km in three days.

This is the difficult part of the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour. The ascent is steep and long on the second day. This experience can be strenuous for many. The rocky and uneven ascents and descents add to the difficulty.

One can talk help of horses and yaks for luggage as well as for personal use. We can also get porters who can help us carry our luggage.

Weather Conditions
The harsh weather conditions of high altitude add to the difficulty level. The temperatures can drop below freezing at night. It is extremely cold at high passes. The weather in high altitudes can change suddenly. And even during the peak seasons, you can expect snow, wind or rain. Such unpredictable weather conditions can add to the difficulty level of the Mount Kailash Tour.

One requires both physical and mental preparation before choosing the Mount Kailash tour package. Consider the following preparations to be a part of this trip:

Physical training: You should begin physical training at least 6-8 weeks before your journey. The trainings can include regular exercises that focus on strength and stamina like walking, hiking, stair climbing, and cardio.

Proper acclimatization: You should practice acclimatization to help your body adjust to high altitude. It helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. This can comprise living at a high altitude for a few days before the Kora.

Walks with daypack: One of the best ways of preparation for the Mount Kailash tour is the simulation of trek conditions back home. For that, you can carry a backpack (similar to the weight you will carry during the Kora) and walk for several hours. This will add strength to the legs and shoulders.

Mental resilience: The Mount Kailash tour requires you to travel for long hours every day. It gets tiring, but at night, you need to sleep in rooms with basic facilities. The food options are limited. Discomfort becomes your friend for 10 days. Being mentally prepared is the only way to battle the discomfort and make the tour an enjoyable experience.

Mount Kailash tour is a journey to Tibet and travellers must obtain the required permits in advance to be a part of it. Our Mount Kailash tour package helps you with the arrangements of documents and permits. You will need a Chinese Visa along with four different permits to be a part of this tour.

Nepal Visa: Before heading to Tibet, you have to enter Nepal and you may need a visa for that, depending on your nationality. Indian citizens do not require a visa for Nepal, but others should obtain a Nepal visa, according to the requirements of their nations. If you are eligible for an on-arrival visa, you should fill out the application form and apply within 15 days of the arrival date.

Group Visa: This visa is issued for groups and is mandatory when entering Tibet from Nepal. Your tour operator arranges this visa that is required at the Nepal-Tibet border.

Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is mandatory for you to enter Tibet. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You cannot obtain this permit individually. A licensed travel agency is required to handle this process for you.

Aliens’ Travel Permit: You need this permit as you will travel outside of Lhasa to the restricted area of Mount Kailash. It is issued by local authorities in Tibet. And your tour operator arranges this for you once you are in Tibet.

Military Permit: Mount Kailash is located in a military-sensitive area of Ngari Prefecture. Thus, this permit has been made mandatory. It is issued by the military authority in Lhasa. Your agency arranges this permit.

Passport: Travellers must carry a valid passport with them. It must have a minimum validity of six months.

Travel Insurance: Before starting this journey, get yourself a travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, among others. This will save your large amount of money in case of emergencies..

Note: It takes around 20 days for us to obtain all visas and permits for your Mount Kailash tour. So, you should provide us with all the necessary documents at least 20 days before the departure day. It does not include Saturdays and Sundays because they are not working days.

Meanwhile, all foreign travelers should arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 working days before the trip.

Accommodation
The Mount Kailash tour offers accommodations in simple guest houses or basic lodges. They might also be monastery shelters. Along the route, you should expect shared rooms with minimal bedding. Therefore, bringing your sleeping bag is recommended to deal with cold temperatures in higher altitudes.

But you might not get a space in these accommodations during the peak season. We prepare tents for you in such cases.

Likewise, hot showers are not easily available along the route. You might find it difficult to take a bath. You can carry wet wipes to avoid baths whenever possible.

The toilets in the area are basic. Expect pit toilets or basic squat-style shared toilets.

You will be able to charge your electronics in Saga and Darchen. But it is almost rare during the Kora. So, the advice is to carry a power bank and flashlight to deal with the situation.

Food
The meals are mostly vegetarian during the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour. You can expect basic rice, noodles, soup and vegetables.

While you will have plenty of options to choose from in Kathmandu, the menu gets limited as you arrive in remote areas of Saga and Darchen. So, you can bring snacks like dry fruits or energy bars, or other instant foods for quick bites.

Meanwhile, tea and hot water for drinking are easily available. You mostly get butter tea and black tea.

Packing List for Mount Kailash Tour
In this 10-day journey, you will require different things to keep yourself warm, hydrated and fit on the trail. Below is a list of items you need to pack if you join our Mount Kailash tour package:

Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers for the top and bottom
Insulated down jacket
Fleece of wool mid-layer
Trekking pants
Waterproof shell or rain jacket
Thermal underwear
Woolen hat/beanie and sun hat
Buff or neck gaiter
Trekking gloves
Warm socks
Light inner clothes

Footwear
Sturdy trekking boots (broken in)
Camp shoes or sandals

Bags and carriers
Duffel bag or backpack (60–80L)
Daypack (25–30L)
Dry bags or ziplock pouches

Health and Hygiene
Personal medications
Medical kit
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Tissue packs and toilet paper
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Water purification tablets or a filter
Reusable water bottle

Electronics and accessories
Headlamp or flashlight
Spare batteries
Power bank
Camera or phone with extra memory
Universal travel adapter

Other must-haves
Energy snacks
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Passport and permits
Small towel and toiletries
Garbage bag

Mount Kailash is sacred to people of different religions. Therefore, you must be respectful of them, along with adhering to local cultures and norms. The main point is to approach the journey with humility and respect.

Be mindful of not disrupting the direction and pace of the pilgrims’ Kora. The Hindu, Buddhists and Jain pilgrims walk the Kora clockwise, while the Bon followers walk it anti-clockwise. Respect that.

When at monasteries and sacred rocks, show reverence. Walk quietly and do not have loud conversations. It is regarded as inauspicious to point feet at sacred objects and shrines.

If you are unaware of which direction to walk in an area, follow the prayer wheels. They should be spun clockwise and you can walk around them in the same direction.

You will also meet lots of pilgrims performing full-body prostrations along the route. Do not photograph them without permission. Do not disturb or mimic them.

Mani stones and prayer flags are the offerings made by people to deities. So, refrain from touching or stepping over them. Also, avoid taking them from the sacred site as souvenirs.

You are advised to dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and other religious areas. You should wear long pants and cover your shoulders during such cases.

Do not mimic any ritual without understanding its meaning, and do not criticize local beliefs. Try avoiding meat around Kalilash and Lake Manasarovar as they are regarded as sacred sites and pilgrims here go fully vegetarian during the tour.

Ask for permission before taking photos, and avoid using flash indoors and during ceremonies. Never take photos of military checkpoints and security personnel unless you want to face penalties.