How To Get To Mount Kailash - Best Guide For 2024 And 2025

Mount Kailash is a beautiful mountain in far western Tibet, a spiritual hub. Pilgrims and travellers come for the spiritual significance and beauty. Going to this sacred place requires some planning and knowledge of travel options.

This guide will tell you how to get to Mount Kailash and what to expect. We’ll cover travel options, preparations and itineraries for 2024 and 2025. This guide will help you plan your Kailash Tibet trip, whether for spiritual or adventure.

What is Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash is not a mountain, it’s a spiritual hub. Its significance goes beyond its beauty. Let’s see why this sacred mountain is important to many cultures and religions.

A Sacred Mountain in 4 Religions

Mt. Kailash is spiritually significant across 4 major religions. Its significance is in different traditions.

In Hinduism, Mt. Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and creation. For Buddhists, it’s a spiritual place where the Buddha resides. For Jains, it’s the place where the 1st Tirthankara achieved enlightenment. For Bon followers, it’s a sacred place connected to ancient rituals.

The Spiritual Trip and Pilgrimage

Many visitors do a sacred Kailash Tour called the "Kora" around Mt. Kailash. This traditional pilgrimage is deeply connected with spiritual practices. Pilgrims walk around the mountain, covering a distance of about 52 km (32.3 miles).

Doing the Kora is believed to bring great spiritual benefits. Followers think that visiting Mount Kailash, Kora cleanses the soul and brings good luck. This trip is seen as an act of devotion and a way to connect with spiritual beliefs.

How to Get to Mount Kailash

Getting to Mount Kailash requires some planning as it’s a far-flung place. Different routes offer different experiences and challenges. Let’s see the main routes and how you can choose the best one for your trip.

From Nepal

Starting your Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu is the most popular overland route. This route offers a great adventure through beautiful landscapes.

You drive from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port, the Nepal-Tibet Border to visit Mount Kailash. From there the jeep journey continues for days. After a few days, Your Mount Kailash Trek starts. You can do Mount Kailash with easy access from Nepal route via road. This total Kailash Pilgrimage tour takes 10 days.

Driving through the valleys and villages of Nepal to the completely dry land of Western Tibet Autonomous Region, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a grand journey. Later you follow the same route back to Kathmandu and depart the country.

A total of 10 days in this route takes around 5 days to reach Mount Kailash itself.

Simikot-Hilsa Route: A Scenic Trip

For travellers, the Simikot-Hilsa route starts with a flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot. Then a helicopter takes you to Hilsa. From Hilsa you cross into Tibet on foot or by vehicle. This route offers great views and deep into Humla culture.

Travelers drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then fly to Simikot. You’ll see different scenery and local cultures. Get the necessary permits like the Tibet Travel Permit for a hassle-free trip.

The trip is high altitude so acclimatization is crucial. Spend time to adjust to the altitude to avoid health issues. Proper preparation ensures you enjoy the scenery and cultural experiences without any problem.

Flying Directly to Lhasa: A Quick Start

Flying directly to Lhasa from Kathmandu or major cities is convenient. But direct flights to Lhasa are not always available. In such cases fly to Chengdu, then Lhasa, which adds 4 days. This route is smoother and more time to acclimatize. You can start any day without worrying about the flight issue.

From Lhasa drive to Mt. Kailash with stops in Shigatse and Saga. These stops provide rest and scenery before you reach the final destination. This route is good for those who also want to enter Tibet to travel to Everest Base Camp.

The Journey: What to Expect

As you start your journey to Mt. Kailash it’s good to know what to expect. Knowing what to expect makes your trip more enjoyable. Let’s see the highlights and challenges of this trip.

Accommodation and Facilities

On the way to Mt. Kailash, accommodation varies from basic guesthouses to teahouses. Many former camps are now simple teahouses.

Be prepared for basic facilities as the trip is remote. Simple rooms, limited services and basic living conditions throughout the trip.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

On the way to Mt. Kailash, you’ll see great attractions. Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are the main features here. Lake Manasarovar has calm water and sacred significance. Visit ancient monasteries and the Tibetan plateau.

Experience Tibetan culture with its traditional practices and customs. See peaceful landscapes and rich cultural heritage and make your trip special.

You can also plan your Mount Kailash Tours during the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival.

Tips for Mt. Kailash Trip

Planning a trip to Mt. Kailash requires careful planning. Knowing what to consider makes the trip smoother. Here are some tips to help you plan better for this trip.

Best Time to Visit Mt. Kailash

When you plan to visit Mt. Kailash timing is crucial for a good trip. The best time to visit is between May to September when the weather is mild. This period also coincides with major festivals so richer cultural experience.

Plan ahead, especially during peak season. Booking early ensures you get accommodation and permits and avoid last-minute hassle. Proper timing and preparation make your trip to Mt. Kailash more enjoyable and smoother.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Physical preparation for the trip to Mt. Kailash is important. The Kora around the mountain is tough and requires good fitness. Do cardio and strength training regularly to manage the trek better.

Acclimatization is crucial due to the high altitude. Spend a few days in Lhasa before starting the trek to adjust. Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion to minimize altitude sickness. Proper preparation ensures a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Required Permits and Documents

When you plan to travel to Mount Kailash you need to get the right permits. You will need a Tibet Travel Permit which allows you to enter Tibet. Also, you may need an Alien’s Travel Permit which is required to visit Kailash and Mt. Everest.

For travellers from Nepal, the passport processing for Tibet and Chinese Group Visa takes around 4-5 days. Also, note that a private tour requires a minimum of 4 people; otherwise, you need to join the group Mt. Kailash Tours.

Booking with a reliable Mount Kailash tour operator like Himalayan Scenery Treks makes it easier. We will handle all the paperwork and make your trip smooth and hassle-free.

Mt. Kailash Sightseeing by Flight

For those with limited time or physical constraints, a flight tour is best. It’s quick and comfortable to see Mt. Kailash. From Nepalgunj, you’ll see the holy Mount Kailash and its surroundings from above.

The flight gives you a unique aerial view of Mt. Kailash. It’s perfect for travellers who want to see the mountain without a long trek.

Conclusion

This article explains how to get to Mt. Kailash. Each route of Tibet Kailash Tours is different. You can choose overland from Nepal. Or you can take a direct flight to Lhasa or a scenic flight tour. Each option gives you spiritual and scenic views.

Book with Himalayan Scenery Treks and have a trip to remember.