The ultimate guide to the Kailash mountain circumambulation is here

A 56-kilometer pilgrimage trek! The ultimate guide to the Kailash mountain circumambulation is here 🙏🏻

This most unforgettable circumambulation journey made me realize: the body descends to hell, the eyes ascend to heaven, and the soul returns home. As the most sacred circumambulation path in Tibetan Buddhism, you must prepare carefully!

✨Best time:
May to September is best (late April just opens with unstable weather, October may have sudden heavy snow)

🗺️Complete circumambulation route:
D1👉Taqin (elevation 4675m) → Prayer Flag Square → Qugu Monastery → Zhire Monastery (overnight stay)
🚶‍♀️Hiking 20km ⏱️about 6-7 hours

D2👉Zhire Monastery → Sky Burial Platform → Zhuomala Pass (elevation 5630m) → Zuchu Monastery → Taqin
🚶‍♀️Hiking 36km ⏱️about 12-15 hours

⚠️Key tips:
1️⃣Zhire Monastery accommodation is basic (80-100 RMB per person), bring your own sleeping bag
2️⃣Zhuomala Pass is windy and cold, must prepare fleece + windbreaker + wool hat
3️⃣You can hire a porter (300 RMB/day) or rent a horse (600 RMB/day), but horses only go as far as the Sky Burial Platform

🎒Essential items checklist:
▫️Border pass (apply in advance at your registered residence)
▫️Glucose oral solution + ibuprofen (to prevent altitude sickness)
▫️Trekking poles + headlamp (essential for early morning start)
▫️Thermos (hot water available along the way)

🍜Supply suggestions:
👉Buy in advance at Taqin supermarket:
• Compressed biscuits + Snickers
• Red Bull + chocolate
• Carry some cash (Zuchu Monastery sells instant noodles for 10 RMB/bowl)

📸Must-see photo spots:
• Sunrise golden mountain view at Zhire Monastery
• Colorful prayer flags when crossing Zhuomala Pass
• Reflection at Compassion Lake

🚗How to get there:
✈️Fly from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport (then carpool 2 hours to Taqin)
🚙Charter car from Lhasa via G219 (3 days drive about 1800 RMB/person)

🛏️Accommodation recommendations:
• Stay at "Kailash Hotel" in Taqin before/after circumambulation
• Book in advance! Often fully booked in peak season

🌟Pilgrimage tips:
1. Quietly avoid devotees doing full-body prostrations
2. Circumambulate clockwise
3. Do not climb or knock down mani stone piles

All the hardships along the way are worth it the moment you see the true face of Kailash! May every pilgrim complete their journey safely and successfully 🙏