Mount Kailash Ultimate Travel Guide: A Journey Across Faith and Nature at the Center of the World
Every step is a practice, every glance is paradise
Mount Kailash, located in Pulan County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, stands at 6,656 meters and is recognized as the "center of the world" by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism. The pyramid-shaped mountain is snow-capped year-round, shining with a metallic luster under the sun, inspiring awe and reverence.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to complete a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.
✨ Highlights
· Faith crossing at the world’s center: Circumambulate the sacred site recognized by four major religions and feel the shared power of faith across different cultures. Along the way, prayer flags flutter, mani stone piles stand tall, and the chanting of scriptures never ceases.
· Ultimate natural scenery: Overlook the "Lake of Compassion" formed by glacier meltwater from the 5,630-meter-high Dolma La Pass, its blue-green waters like the tears of the sacred mountain. The holy mountain and sacred lakes Manasarovar and Rakshastal complement each other, creating a magnificent panorama.
· Physical and spiritual challenge: The 52-kilometer high-altitude trek is not only a test of the body but also a purification of the soul. Feel the resilience of life in the thin air and meet your truest self.
📅 Best Travel Time
May to October is the best season to visit, with relatively mild weather suitable for circumambulation and trekking. July and August are peak months but also the rainy season, which may affect road conditions. Winter (November to April) is not recommended due to cold temperatures and possible road closures.
🧳 Preparation
Required Documents
Border Permit: Must be obtained in your place of residence or in Lhasa, specifying "Ngari Prefecture." It is recommended to apply at least one week in advance, or earlier during peak season.
Health Preparation
Altitude Sickness: Arrive in Lhasa 2-3 days early to acclimate, take Rhodiola or altitude sickness medication. Carry glucose oral liquid, headache powder, and a portable oxygen bottle just in case.
Physical Training: It is advisable to do some physical training before departure, such as hiking, running, or trekking, to improve endurance and adaptability.
Gear List
· Clothing: Windproof and waterproof jacket, fleece liner, down jacket, high-top hiking boots, warm hat and gloves (due to large temperature differences between day and night).
· Accessories: Trekking poles, sunglasses, headlamp, sunscreen (SPF50+), thermos.
· Supplies: High-energy snacks (chocolate, energy bars), glucose.
🚌 How to Get There
External Transport:
From Lhasa, travel via Shigatse and Saga to Darchen (starting point of the circumambulation), which takes about 2 days.
Alternatively, rent or charter a car from Lhasa or Ngari Gunsa Airport (allow 2 days for the drive).
Internal Transport:
Darchen Town is the starting point for the circumambulation, which must be done on foot or horseback (52 kilometers total, taking 2-3 days).
🏔️ Detailed Circumambulation Route
The full Mount Kailash circumambulation is about 52 kilometers and usually takes 2-3 days. The highest point is Dolma La Pass (5,650 meters).
Day 1: Darchen → Zutrulpuk Monastery (about 22 km)
Depart from Darchen, passing the prayer flag square and Chuku Monastery to reach Zutrulpuk Monastery. The altitude gain is gentle this day, mainly to adapt to high-altitude trekking. Accommodation at Zutrulpuk is decent with standard rooms, but bringing your own sleeping bag is recommended. The night sky offers stunning stars.
Day 2: Zutrulpuk → Dolma La Pass → Darchen (about 30 km)
The most challenging day: start early to tackle the 5,630-meter Dolma La Pass. The pass is windy and snowy, so wear windproof and waterproof clothing. On the descent, you will pass the Lake of Compassion (Togetsu), whose blue-green waters mirror the sacred mountain like a mirror. Finally, return to Darchen via Tsongzhul Monastery.
Helpful tip: If you are physically weak, consider taking a vehicle for part of the route or choose a slower 3-day plan.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
· Darchen Town: "Himalaya Mount Kailash Hotel" is one of the better hotels locally, with standard rooms priced 500-800 RMB; oxygen rooms require reservation. "Gangdise Hotel" and "Pilgrim’s Home" are more economical, with beds costing 50-150 RMB but with shared bathrooms.
· Along the route: Zutrulpuk and Budongding offer simple dormitory-style accommodations with harsh conditions; bringing your own sleeping bag is advised.
🍜 Food Experience
· Tibetan Cuisine: Be sure to try butter tea, tsampa, and yak meat hotpot (recommended at "Mount Kailash Restaurant" or "Kailash Manor").
· Sichuan Cuisine: Common in the plateau area, suitable for adjusting taste buds (e.g., "Sichuan Restaurant").
· Sweet Tea House: Experience Tibetan-style afternoon tea, costing about 10-15 RMB per person, recommended "Guangming Sweet Tea House."
· Bring your own supplies: Food options are limited along the route, so bring chocolate, energy bars, and self-heating rice meals.
📸 Must-Photograph Spots
1. Zutrulpuk Monastery: Capture the "Golden Mountain" effect on Mount Kailash’s north face at dawn, with golden snow peaks reflecting on prayer flags—truly breathtaking.
2. Dolma La Pass: Photograph the dense prayer flags and colorful wind horse flags with the sacred mountain in the background, a powerful display of faith.
3. Sekong Prayer Flag Array: One of the most spectacular clusters of colorful prayer flags chanting in the wind along the circumambulation route.
4. Lakeside of Manasarovar: The sacred lake with Mount Namu Nani in the frame, reflecting the majestic mountain. Wearing a red jacket or long skirt makes for especially striking photos.
👣 Nearby Attractions
· Lake Manasarovar: One of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, with clear blue water. You can trek around the lake (about 90 km, 3-4 days) or drive to Jiwu Village viewing platform.
· Rakshastal (Ghost Lake): Adjacent to Manasarovar, with desolate and mysterious scenery. The blue-black lake water reflects Mount Kailash in a dreamlike scene.
· Guge Kingdom Ruins: Explore the mysterious lost ancient kingdom on the plateau, with exquisite murals still visible among the ruins. Sunrise lighting on the earth forest and ruins silhouette creates a cinematic effect.
· Zanda Earth Forest: A geological wonder millions of years old, shaped like castles and towers. Sunset is the best time for photography (soft light).
💡 Practical Tips
1. Respect local culture: Circumambulate clockwise (Bon religion goes counterclockwise), do not touch religious objects, and do not walk counterclockwise. Do not photograph pilgrims without permission.
2. Eco-friendly travel: Do not litter; there are garbage collection points along the route. Carry out all your trash.
3. Safety first: Descend immediately if altitude sickness is severe. You can hire porters (about 300 RMB/day). Rescue phone numbers are on the ticket; save local rescue contacts.
4. Communication: Some areas have no signal; download offline maps in advance and inform family of your itinerary.
💰 Budget
· Transport: Bus from Lhasa to Darchen about 350 RMB/person; car rental with driver 1,600-1,800 RMB/day (off-road vehicle).
· Accommodation: Budget beds 50-150 RMB/night; simple lodgings at transit points about 150 RMB/night.
· Food: Meals about 50-80 RMB/person.
· Guide/porter: About 300 RMB/day.
Total: For a 5-7 day trip, expect to spend about 1,500-4,000 RMB per person (depending on transport and accommodation choices).
🌟 Local Experiences
· Join Tibetan pilgrim groups and feel the power of faith
· Experience Tibetan medicine baths at Darchen Tibetan Hospital (relieves altitude sickness)
· Listen to the whispers of waves and prayer flags by sacred Lake Manasarovar
· Visit local herders’ homes and taste freshly made butter tea and tsampa
The Mount Kailash journey is both a physical and spiritual practice. Here, every breath of thin air carries millennia of faith, and every footprint may tread on the prayers of pilgrims.
This is not just a trip but a soulful journey of self-reconciliation. When the sunset gilds the sacred mountain and the waters of Manasarovar reflect the snowy peaks, you will understand: some places must be visited at least once in a lifetime.