Mt.Kailash Trekking

Mt. Kailash is the most important pilgrim site in all of Tibet and Asia’s holiest mountain, this kora is a true test of the mind and spirit for both Tibetan pilgrims and Hindus. . Every year there are thousands of pilgrims here from every corner of Tibet and even from overseas.

Overview:

Tashi delek! Mystic Tibet Travel Tours is your trustworthy boutique travel agency based in Lhasa that offer bespoke guided tours across the Tibetan Plateau. Being a Tibetan owned business and with highly experienced Tibetan drivers and tour guides, we well know our traditions and mother land. We are confident that you would not be disappointed if you choose our services; safety and customer satisfaction is our priority. We have our own tourism license and one of the few authorized to receive foreign groups and apply for their Tibet Travel Permit without any intermediary.

Mount Kailash: The Sacred Summit

Spiritual Significance:

  • Buddhists: Believe it is the abode of Chakrasamvara (Demchok). Circumambulation (Kora) is a supreme act of merit, with 108 circuits said to lead to enlightenment. It is Kang Rinpoche, the "Precious Jewel of the Snows."
  • Hindus: Revere it as the abode of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration.
  • Jains: Worship it as Asthapada, the site where their first prophet, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation (moksha).
  • Bonpo: Consider it the nine-storied swastika mountain, the spiritual epicenter of their pre-Buddhist tradition.

 

Physical & Geographical Profile:

  • Height: 6,714 meters (22,028 feet).
  • Location: Remote Western Tibet (not Nepal or India), in the Ngari Prefecture, near the borders of Nepal and India. It is part of the Trans-Himalaya.
  • Feature: Often described as a natural pyramid, its isolated, symmetrical peak is the source of four great Asian rivers.

 

The Pilgrimage Journey (Kailash Kora)

A typical pilgrimage tour integrates cultural immersion with the arduous trek to the mountain.

  1. Cultural Preparation in Lhasa:
  • Visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Barkhor marketplace.
  • Experience monastic debate at Sera Monastery and explore Drepung Monastery and Norbulingka (the Dalai Lama's summer palace).

 

  1. The Overland Journey to Western Tibet:
  • Travel via Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse (home of the Tashilhunpo Monastery and giant Buddha).
  • Traverse high mountain passes and the vast Tibetan plateau en route to the remote Ngari region.

 

  1. The Sacred Circuit (Kora):
  • Base Town: Darchen.
  • Sacred Lake: Lake Manasarovar, a site for ritual bathing and meditation.
  • The Trek: A 3-4 day, high-altitude circuit (52km) around Mount Kailash. Highlights include dramatic cliffs, the Drolma La Pass (5,636m), and serene valleys. It is a journey undertaken for purification and spiritual merit.

 

Why Undertake This Journey?

For global travelers, a Mount Kailash tour is more than adventure; it is a unique spiritual and physical quest. The experience combines:

  • Inspirational beauty of stark, timeless landscapes.
  • Profound peace found in pilgrimage and ancient practice.
  • Cultural immersion with Tibetan people in quaint villages and vast plains.
  • A connection to crumbling history and living faith.

 

Important Note: As highlighted, undertaking this journey requires planning with a qualified and licensed Tibetan tour operator. Due to the remote location, high altitude, and political regulations, independent travel is not permitted. A reliable operator ensures necessary permits, logistics, guides, and support for a safe and meaningful experience.

In essence, your text beautifully conveys that Mount Kailash is not just a mountain but a living testament to human faith—a geological marvel that serves as a spiritual axis for millions, offering an unparalleled journey for those who seek it.

Mt.Kailash Trekking 

Day 1: Lhasa arrival [3650m]

Upon arrival in Lhasa you will be welcomed by your English-speaking Tibetan Guide and Tibetan Driver who will bring you to your hotel. Acclimatization to high altitude: please, drink lots of water and take plenty of rest in order to minimize altitude sickness.

Overnight at Shambhala Palace or House of Shambhala Hotel, which is a Tibetan style hotel located in Lhasa city center (Barkhor)

Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
We begin visiting Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet. It was founded in the 7th century by the first great Buddhist king Songtsen Gampo. Later you can explore the surrounding Barkhor old quarter and spend time walking around Jokhang Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau. In the afternoon we go to Sera Monastery, one of three great universities of Gelugpa Sect. We will attend the debating session of the monks.

Overnight at Shambhala Palace or House of Shambhala Hotel

Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing

Today we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Potala winter palace was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama. It’s tradition to do picnic in its beatiful garden and perform opera dances during Shoton Festival (August-September).

Overnight at Shambhala Palace or House of Shambhala Hotel

Day 4: Lhasa – Shigatse [354Km, 3840m]
Adventure starts: we drive West to reach second largest city in Tibet. First we cross Kampa-la Pass [4797m] and then Karo-la Pass [5050m], where Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] glacier lies near the road. In the middle, we enjoy the unreal turquoise waters of holy lake Yamdrok-Tso. Then we stop in Gyantse town, where we visit the considered best tibetan art paintings in Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery. Also, we admire the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) overlooking the valley. Finally, we reach Shigatse before dinner.

Overnight at Gesar Hotel

 Day 05 Shigatse- Lhatse- Sangsang- Saga, (4490m)450km 8-9hrs.

Morning drive from Shigatse to Saga, enjoying the stunning landscape along the way. Drive through typical Tibetan villages where you can see how normal Tibetans live surviving.. Saga’s altitude is 4,640m above sea level. Saga is the last stop for pilgrims and travelers on their way to Mt. Kailash

Over sigt at local Guest house dorm bed without bathroom

Day 06 Saga- Drongpa- Paryang- -Lake manasarova- Chiu monastery (4556m) 485km 9-10 hrs. 

Another day’s driving will take you to Paryang (15,700 feet or 4,750m) in the heart of western Tibet, where the four great rivers of South Asia diverge from their glacial sources around Mount Kailash. En route you will pass through the village of Dongba.  Start driving again on rugged roads to Darchen (15,150 feet or 4,620 m) enjoy the views of Mount Kalaish, lake of manasarovar and an uninterrupted views of the Himalayas bordering Nepal en route.

Over night local  Guest house dorm bed without bathroom

Day 07 -Chiu Monastery drive to Darchen prepare Trek (4670m)35km,

Morning drive to Dachen. The windblown settlement of Darchen is the Pilgrim’s gate way to Mount Kailash.   Here you will prepare for next day’s trekking.

Over night at local  Guest house dorm bed without bathroom

Day 08 Trek to Dria-Puck Monastery 5-6hrs (20km)(5050m). This Kailash circuit covers 53 kms and can be done in 3 days. We head west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4730 m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. En route visit Tarboche where annual flagpole raising ceremony takes place during Saga Dawa.

Overnight in Diraphuk local uest house dorm bed without bathroom

Day 09  Trek to Zutul puk Monastery 6-8hrs (18km) (4820m).

Today we cross Drolma la pass (5630 M) and Gauri Kund Lake (5608 m) where Hindus worship and immerse themselves in the icy waters of the lake.

Overnight in Zultrukphu  local  Guste house dorm bed without bathroom.

Day 10 Trek to Darchen 3-4hrs (14km) and drive back same road to Saga…

The final end of the parikrama is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. We complete the 3 day circuit trek of Mt. Kailash and drive back to Saga with same route.

Over night at Lcoal Guest house dorm bed without bathroom

Day 11 Drive back to Saga same road.

Over night at local Guest house dorm bed without bathroom,

Day 12 drive back to Shigatse same road.

Over night at local Gesar hotel

Day 13: Shigatse – Lhasa [272Km]

We visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama. Nowadays seat of the Panchen Lama. We recommend to do Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery. Also, you can walk around local market. After we finish visits go back to Lhasa.

Overnight at Shambhala Palace or House of Shambhala Hotel

Day 14 Tibet departure

Enjoy your last hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa by your own until your guide and driver meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport.

Map coming soon...