10 Things to Know Before Go to Mount Kailash Trekking

For most travelers, the journey to Mount Kailash begins in Lhasa and ends in Lhasa, with a typical tour taking around 15 days to complete. Along the way, travelers can enjoy stops at various points of interest, such as Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest, before embarking on the physically demanding Kora trek around Mount Kailash, which usually takes around three days to complete.

However, there are also other tour options available for visiting Mount Kailash, such as starting in Lhasa and exiting Tibet from the Gyirong Border to Nepal, or entering Tibet from Nepal and ending the tour in Lhasa, with visits to Mount Kailash and Mount Everest along the way.

No matter which option you choose, the duration of your Mount Kailash trip can be fully customized to meet your individual preferences and requirements. 

To experience the beauty and spirituality of  Mount Kailash, it's best to plan your visit between April to June and September to October. During these months, you can avoid the rainy season and muddy roads, which can make travel difficult and uncomfortable.

It's important to note that at other times of the year, such as during winter months, the entire region is often covered in thick snow, making it unsuitable for sightseeing or undertaking the Kora trek.

The most common way to reach Mount Kailash is by road from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The journey takes around three to four days, with stops at some spots along the way, such as Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest. From Lhasa, you can go with a private tour or join a guided tour to reach Mount Kailash. Another option is to travel to Mount Kailash from Nepal. You can cross the border at the Gyirong Port and then join a guided tour to reach Mount Kailash.

The Mount Kailash trek covers a distance of about 52 kilometers, and involves crossing several high passes and steep ascents and descents.

(1) On the first day of the trek, you'll start from Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash, and hike for around six to seven hours to reach the first campsite at Dirapuk Monastery. Along the way, you'll pass through stunning landscapes, including the Lha Chu Valley and the rocky cliffs of Drolma Chu.

(2) On the second day, you'll continue the trek and cross the highest point of the Kora, the Drolma La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). From here, you'll descend to the second campsite at Zutul-Puk Monastery, which is located in a picturesque valley with stunning views of Mount Kailash.

(3) On the final day of the trek, you'll hike for around three to four hours to reach the end of the Kora at Darchen. Along the way, you'll pass through the beautiful countryside and small villages, before finally arriving back at the base camp.

In order to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, you need to apply for a Chinese visa in the Chinese embassy or consulates in your country first. If you book a tour with us, we will send an invitation letter to you to help you apply for a Chinese visa.

Once you get a Chinese visa, please send the photocopies of the visa and your passport to us, and we will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for you. Please note that international tourists must book a tour with a local travel agency in Tibet if they want to travel to Tibet.

After the permit is issued, we will send it to your hotel or the places you stay in China. You need to show the permit while boarding on a train or flight to Tibet. The government do not allow travel agencies to send the permit overseas.

Yes, it is absolutely safe to do Tibet Trekking Tour. The crime rates in Tibet are notably low and the Tibet Trekking Route we organize are classic and mature. Although the trekking altitudes can range between 3,650m and 5,300m, you will always have enough time to acclimate to the altitude before starting your Tibet Trekking Tour. Your guide and the staff are experienced in trekking tours in Tibet, knowledgeable in dealing with altitude sickness, and always willing to help during the trekking days.

Before starting your Tibet Trekking Tour, you should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition. It is advisable to follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition. It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well. You will usually have enough time to stay in Lhasa to adjust to the altitude before starting your trekking tour.

Here are some additional notes to keep in mind for your Tibet Trekking Tour:

1. Due to the high altitude, it is advisable to undergo a physical examination before traveling to Tibet.

2. Be sure to inform your guide or the hotel staff if you feel unwell or need help. They are always willing to assist and are experienced in dealing with altitude sickness.

3. When trekking in Tibet, it is essential to stay within sight of your tour guide as getting lost in remote areas with altitudes ranging between 3,650m and 5,300m can be dangerous.

4. There is a significant temperature difference between day and night in Tibet, and the ultraviolet rays can be very strong. Therefore, it is important to bring warm clothes and sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh weather conditions.

5. Normally, ordinary trekking equipment is sufficient for the trek, with trekking shoes being the most important. Other warm clothing should be prepared according to your needs. Our team in Tibet would provide the camping gears according to your trekking route.

The best seasons to trek to Tibet are April, May, June, September, and October, as they have better weather with less rain and minimal impact from clouds and fog. It is best to avoid the rainy season in Tibet, which runs from the end of June to the end of August.