Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is situated in the remote southwestern corner of Tibet Autonomous Region, China, near the sources of some of Asia’s longest rivers – the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges).
It stands at an awe-inspiring altitude of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) and is considered one of the most sacred mountains in the world.

Mythological Importance and Story

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is said that Lord Shiva resides here in eternal meditation atop the mountain, making it the spiritual center of the universe.

According to Hindu scriptures like the Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana, circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a sacred ritual that erases the sins of a lifetime and brings salvation (Moksha). The mountain is also revered in Jainism (as Mount Ashtapada) and Buddhism (as Kang Rinpoche).

Mythologically, it is described as Axis Mundi – the cosmic axis, the point where heaven meets earth.

HOW TO REACH BADRINATH

Mythologically, it is described as Axis Mundi – the cosmic axis, the point where heaven meets earth.

History and Spiritual Legacy

Although there is no constructed temple atop Mount Kailash (and it is forbidden to climb it), the surrounding monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags reflect its deep spiritual significance. Over thousands of years, sages, monks, pilgrims, and adventurers have revered this mountain as sacred.
The traditional Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) is a core part of spiritual practice here.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash

Best Season: May to mid-September.
Ideal Months: June to August.
Avoid winter and late autumn due to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and inaccessible routes.

How to Visit Mount Kailash

Travel Routes for Mount Kailash Yatra:

Via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand, India): Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, India (MEA) under the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra program.

Route: Delhi ➔ Almora ➔ Dharchula ➔ Lipulekh Pass ➔ Tibet ➔ Mount Kailash.

Via Nathu La Pass (Sikkim, India): Another route operated by MEA for easier access via vehicles up to certain points.

Route: Delhi ➔ Gangtok ➔ Nathu La ➔ Tibet ➔ Mount Kailash.

Via Kathmandu, Nepal (Most Popular Private Tour Option): Organized by many private travel agencies.

Route: Delhi ➔ Kathmandu ➔ Nepalgunj ➔ Simikot ➔ Hilsa ➔ Tibet (Taklakot) ➔ Mount Kailash.

Necessary Permits

Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit are mandatory.
Special permits for Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar regions.
Indians traveling via MEA’s official Yatra need registration and medical fitness clearance.

Mount Kailash Yatra

Base Point

Darchen village (Tibet) is the base for the Mount Kailash Parikrama.
Altitude: ~4,670 meters (15,321 feet).

How to Reach the Base Point

If traveling via Nepal: Kathmandu ➔ Simikot (flight) ➔ Hilsa (by helicopter) ➔ Taklakot (by drive) ➔ Darchen.
If via India (official route): Delhi ➔ Uttarakhand ➔ Lipulekh Pass ➔ Tibet ➔ Darchen.

Trek Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult.
Challenges: High altitude, cold winds, rocky terrain.
Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Guide Options and Agencies

For MEA route: Guides and officials are provided by the Indian government.
For private trips via Nepal: Local Tibetan guides are mandatory.
Numerous reputed agencies offer full Yatra packages including logistics, accommodation, meals, guides, and permits.

Start Time for Trek

Usually starts early morning (6–7 AM) from Darchen.
The Parikrama spans 3 days.

Time Required

Kailash Parikrama Trek (approx. 52 km total):

Day 1: Darchen ➔ Dirapuk Monastery (~20 km) – 6–7 hours.
Day 2: Dirapuk ➔ Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) ➔ Zutulpuk Monastery (~22 km) – 9–11 hours (most challenging).
Day 3: Zutulpuk ➔ Darchen (~10 km) – 3–4 hours.

(Option for Kailash Inner Kora is available but highly demanding and only for very experienced trekkers.)

Eateries Availability

Basic Tibetan tea houses and tents serve instant noodles, rice, bread, and hot beverages along the trail.
Carry enough packed food, dry fruits, and energy snacks for the trek.

Temple/Monastery Timings

Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries are generally open during day hours (sunrise to sunset).
No temples on the summit — climbing Mount Kailash is forbidden.

Where to Stay

Budget Dharamshalas and Guesthouses

Simple Dharamshalas at Taklakot, Darchen, and Saga.
Pilgrims’ guesthouses near Lake Mansarovar and along Parikrama route (Dirapuk and Zutulpuk Monasteries).

Mid-Range Accommodation

Hotels at Taklakot and Darchen offering basic modern amenities.
Best available lodges at Paryang and Saga.

Luxury Options

Limited luxury options available only till Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu for pre- and post-yatra relaxation.

Note: Once inside Tibet, expect basic and functional accommodation. Carry your own sleeping bag for additional comfort.

Important Itmes to Carry

Passport, visa, permits.
Warm clothing (thermals, woollens, windproof jackets).
Raincoat.
High-altitude trekking shoes.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, cap.
Walking stick/trekking pole.
Sleeping bag.
High-energy snacks and dry fruits.
Personal medicines including Diamox (for AMS).
First aid kit.
Torch, water bottles, and water purification tablets.
Small backpack for daily essentials.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Lake Mansarovar: One of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, revered for its purity.
Rakshastal Lake: A saline lake associated with demon king Ravana.
Chiu Monastery: Overlooking Mansarovar.
Tirthapuri Hot Springs: Pilgrimage site associated with Goddess Parvati.
Guge Kingdom Ruins: Ancient ruins in western Tibet.

OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS

Thorough physical fitness is necessary.
Spend a minimum of 2–3 days for acclimatization at Taklakot or Darchen.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent AMS.
Respect the local Tibetan customs and religious traditions.
Prepare for unpredictable weather conditions.
Mobile networks are weak to non-existent; satellite phones may work.