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Mount Kailash, commonly referred to as Mount Kailash, stands tall in Purang County, Ngari, Tibet. It is recognized worldwide as a sacred mountain and considered the center of the world by the Bon religion of Tibet, Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and ancient Jainism. Along with the Meili Snow Mountain, the Amnye Machen Mountains, and Gaduo Jowo in Yushu, Qinghai, it is considered one of the four sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism.
Its shape is like an olive, reaching into the sky, its peak is like a colorful crown, and it is surrounded by eight-petal lotus flowers on all sides. The mountain body is like crystal.
There are more than 250 glaciers around the sacred mountain, which bring a large amount of water. It is the source of major rivers such as the Ganges, Indus and Yarlung Zangbo, and is deeply worshipped by believers.
It is said that pilgrims who circumambulate the mountain once can wash away their lifelong sins; circumambulate the mountain ten times to avoid the suffering of hell in five hundred reincarnations; circumambulate the mountain a hundred times to achieve Buddhahood and ascend to heaven in this lifetime; and circumambulate the mountain once in the Year of the Horse, the year of Sakyamuni's birth, to increase merit twelvefold, equivalent to thirteen circumambulations per year.
Spring and autumn are the best times to circumambulate the mountain, and there is an endless stream of pilgrims coming here.
Generally, people with good physical strength and local Tibetans can complete the outer circumambulation in one day, while people with average physical strength need 2-3 days. The outer circumambulation is a large loop around Mount Kailash, covering a distance of about 56 kilometers.
150 yuan/person
All day
Mount Kailash is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition, and a spiritual center where pilgrims gain merit through circumambulation.
Located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Travelers typically fly to Lhasa, then take a combination of road transport (bus or private vehicle) to the base at Darchen, the starting point for the Kailash Kora trek.
The region is accessible from May to September, when weather is more favorable. Winter months are extremely harsh and generally inaccessible.
Travelers require a Tibet Travel Permit for entry, typically arranged through authorized travel agencies. There is no separate ticket for Mount Kailash itself.
Yes, permits and guided tours should be booked at least 1–2 months in advance due to logistical and regulatory requirements.
The Kailash Kora trek typically requires 3–4 days, plus 1–2 days for acclimatization at Darchen or nearby areas.
Guided tours are available through travel agencies, usually in English, Chinese, and sometimes Hindi. Audio guides are generally not available due to the remote setting.
Day 1–2: Acclimatize at Darchen, visit Lake Manasarovar. Day 3–6: Complete the 52 km Kora trek around Mount Kailash, overnighting at designated stops. Day 7: Return to Darchen and onward travel.
No night visits or light shows are available due to the sacred nature of the site and remote location. Special spiritual ceremonies may be observed if aligned with local customs.
Peak pilgrimage season is June–August. Early May or September are less crowded, offering quieter trekking and accommodation conditions.
Facilities are basic. Small teahouses and guesthouses provide meals; portable toilets are available along the trek. Carry sufficient water and snacks.
High-altitude and rugged terrain make it challenging. Elderly, very young, or disabled travelers may find the trek physically demanding.
Cash (Chinese Yuan) is essential. Card and mobile payments are limited in remote areas.
Basic guesthouses and teahouses near Darchen offer Tibetan, Chinese, and simple Western meals.
Vegetarian options are commonly available. Halal food may be limited and should be pre-arranged if needed.
Guesthouses and small hotels in Darchen, and limited lodges along the Kora route, provide basic accommodation.
Souvenir options are limited to prayer flags, small religious artifacts, and local handicrafts in Darchen.
Return to Lhasa by road via tour vehicle, or continue to Nepal via the Lipulekh or Nyalam border crossings with organized travel groups.
