Mount Kailash Tours: Embark on a Journey of a Lifetime
Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet with our carefully curated tours to Mount Kailash. Experience the majesty of sacred landscapes, immerse yourself in authentic cultural encounters, and challenge yourself with one of the world’s most revered treks.
Majestic Mount Kailash
Altitude: 6,714 meters / 22,030 ft
Location: Southwest Tibet, Ngari Province
Notable Feature: Due to its religious significance, Mount Kailash has never been climbed.
Mount Kailash, an awe-inspiring peak in remote Western Tibet, holds spiritual significance for four major religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. Known as one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Asia, Kailash’s allure lies not only in its towering beauty but also in the legends that surround it. Trekking the sacred 52 km path around the mountain, known as the “Kora”, is said to remove a lifetime of sins and bring spiritual enlightenment. Pilgrims from around the world, whether walking clockwise (as per Buddhist and Hindu traditions) or counterclockwise (following Bon), embark on this profound journey of devotion.
What to Expect on Your Mount Kailash Trek
The journey around Mount Kailash is as physically challenging as it is spiritually enriching. With altitudes consistently over 4,500 meters (14,755 ft) and the highest point reaching 5,640 meters (18,500 ft), acclimatization is key. Our expert guides ensure a smooth and safe trek, with ample time for rest and preparation in Lhasa and along the route. You’ll also encounter Tibetan pilgrims, mystical landscapes, and sacred shrines along the way.
“I travelled with Wonders of Tibet on the 15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour. Every member of the team that I met delivers high standards of service as mentioned by other clients in their reviews.”
Review on TripAdvisor
“The trip was enjoyable and interesting. It was a pilgrimage for me. I met with many interesting characters along the way. All of us in the group were above 70 years old. The journey was based on trust.”
Review on TripAdvisor
“I joined Wonders of Tibet for a 15-day Mt. Kailash tour in August 2023 and am very impressed with the high standard of organization. Very clear and prompt communication long before our arrival in Tibet and well designed itinerary to ensure we are fully acclimatised”
Review on TripAdvisor
15 DAYS GROUP TOUR TO MOUNT KAILASH
Contact Us to Plan Your Kailash Adventure
Ready to experience the magic of Mount Kailash in Tibet?
Our expert local guides will take you beyond the tourist path to experience authentic Tibet. With over 10 years of experience organizing tours throughout the region, Wonders of Tibet specializes in creating meaningful connections with Tibetan culture.
17 DAYS WESTERN TIBET TOUR: KAILASH AND GUGE KINGDOM
This seventeen-day tour will take you from Lhasa – the heart of Tibet, to the most remote areas of Western Tibet. You will travel to Gyantse and Shigatse via the Yamdrok Lake and Karola glaciers, spend a night by Everest, and trek for three days around Mount Kailash. It is a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Gyantse: Pelkor Chode, Yamdrok Lake
Shigatse: Tashilhunpo Monastery
Everest: Base Camp, Rongbuk
Mount Kailash
Manasarovar lake
Guge: Tholing, Tsaparang
12 DAYS LHASA TO MOUNT KAILASH WITHOUT TREKKING
This tour takes you through Central Tibet, via Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Mount Everest to the sacred mountain Kailash. We pay a visit to Mount Kailash and return to Lhasa. The tour is suited for those who don’t want to trek around the mountain. It is also a good option for the out-of-season time of the year when heavy snowfall can block the path and most guesthouses are not operating.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Gyantse: Pelkor Chode, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaciers
Shigatse: Tashilhunpo
Everest: Rongbuk
Mount Kailash
Manasarovar Lake: Chiu Monastery
21 DAYS ULTIMATE WESTERN AND NORTHERN TIBET TOUR
We will visit all the highlights of Lhasa and Central Tibet, spend a night by Everest, and complete three days trekking around Mount Kailash. After that, we will head towards Ngari, the Western part of Tibet to visit the ancient Guge Kingdom. We will return to Lhasa via the scenic Northern route, traveling through vast grasslands, and dozens of lakes, including the Namtso lake and nomad’s settlements.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Gyantse: Pelkor Chode, Yamdrok Lake
Shigatse: Tashilhunpo Monastery
Everest: Base Camp, Rongbuk
Mount Kailash
Manasarovar lake
Guge: Tholing, Tsaparang, Clay Forest, Sutlej River
Northern Tibet: lakes, grasslands, nomadic villages, Namtso Lake
14 DAYS TOUR FROM LHASA TO EVEREST, MOUNT KAILASH, AND NEPAL BORDER
The fourteen-day tour starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. From there we drive towards Everest through Gyantse and Shigatse, making stops along the way. We spend a night by the Everest before heading further West to the Mount Kailash. After three days of trekking around Kailash, we drive to the Tibet-Nepal border. From there you will continue your journey to Nepal.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Gyantse: Pelkor Chode, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaciers
Shigatse: Tashilhunpo
Everest: Rongbuk
Mount Kailash
Manasarovar Lake: Chiu Monastery
14-DAY TOUR FROM THE NEPAL BORDER TO KAILASH AND LHASA
The fourteen-day tour starts at the Nepal-Tibet border, where our guide will greet you as you go through immigration and enter Tibet. We will spend a day near the border allowing you time to acclimatize and relax in the beauty of this stunning Himalayan region. After that, we will make our way to Mount Kailash region to embark on the 3-day trek around the sacred mountain. After you complete the trek, we will drive East towards Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Enjoy magnificent views along the way, as we visit viewpoints of Everest and other 8,000-meter-high peaks, glaciers, Yamdrok Lake, Brahmaputra River, and historical and religious sites along the way. In Lhasa, we will visit the most revered historical, cultural, and religious sites.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Gyantse: Pelkor Chode, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaciers
Shigatse: Tashilhunpo
Everest: Rongbuk
Mount Kailash
Manasarovar Lake: Chiu Monastery
20 DAYS TOUR: THE BEAUTY AND THE WILDERNESS OF WESTERN TIBET
This tour offers the ultimate adventure in Western and Northern Tibet. We start, as most of our other tours, in Lhasa and travel through Central Tibet towards Mount Everest. From there, we continue our journey driving to the West. We spend three days trekking the sacred kora around Mount Kailash. After leaving Kailash, we head West to the Guge Kingdom. After that, we return to Lhasa via the Northern Route.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Gyantse: Pelkor Chode, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaciers
Everest: Rongbuk
Mount Kailash
Manasarovar Lake
Guge: Tholing, Tsaparang, Clay Forest, Sutlej River, Pangong Lake
Northern Tibet: lakes, grasslands, nomadic villages, Namtso Lake
Contact Us to Plan Your Kailash Adventure
COMPLETE GUIDE: PREPARE FOR THE MOUNT KAILASH TOUR
All you need to know to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Information about required documents, ways to travel, the best season, what to wear and pack, how to prepare physically, and what to expect on your journey.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
MOUNT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE ROUTE
First Day: 20 km/ 12.4 miles. Ascent 335 meters.
Highlights: South and West sides of Kailash, Tarboche flagpole and stupa, Dira Phuk monastery
Second Day: 22 km/ 13.6 miles. Ascent 730 meters. Descent 850 meters.
Highlights: North and East side of Kailash, Drolma La Pass (5,640 m), Buddha footprint
Third Day: 14 km/ 8.7 miles. Descent 215 meters.
Highlights: South side of Kailash, Zutul Phuk
ALTITUDE ON MOUNT KAILASH TOUR
We start this tour to Kailash in Lhasa at an elevation of 3,650 meters. At this altitude, some travelers can experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We spend the first two days in Lhasa to acclimatize and continue the journey to higher areas. Along the way, we will be traveling through various high passes.
By the time we reach Mount Kailash, most travelers will acclimatize to trek around it. The highest point of the trek is 5,640 meters. We reach this high pass on the second day of trekking. If you want additional help while trekking, you can hire porters, horses, or yaks in Darchen before departure.
Please consult your doctor about traveling to high-altitude areas if you have any concerns. Your physician might prescribe some medication if it is needed. Always tell your guide if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness. All our guides are trained to respond and we always have an oxygen supply if you need it.
More information on how to deal with altitude sickness: 7 Tips for Altitude Sickness Prevention
ABOUT MOUNT KAILASH TOURS IN TIBET
WEATHER IN KAILASH REGION
Kailash region in Tibet is located at an average altitude of over 4,500 meters / 14,750ft and can be a lot colder than lower altitude areas.
In summer, daytime temperatures average at 10°C / 51°F on average, reaching 14°C / 57°F on the warmest days. Even in summer nights are quite cold with temperatures around +2°C / 36°F on average.
CARS IN TIBET
For our group tours, we use a variety of cars depending on group size and weather conditions. On some days, we will be driving long hours and we are trying to arrange the most comfortable car for your journey.
Here you will find photos and descriptions of cars:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO TIBET
TOUR RESERVATION AND CANCELLATION
It is best to start planning your trip in advance. Most travelers will need to apply for a Chinese visa first. After that, we need to apply for all necessary permits in Tibet, and it usually takes about 15 days to receive them.
That means processing all these documents can take about one month. That’s why it is best to plan your tour no later than 30 days before the tour starting date unless you already have a Chinese visa or hold a passport that allows visa-free travel.
We ask for a 10% deposit to secure your tour with us. This deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days before the tour starting date, minus any possible payment transfer charges from the bank or other services. If you cancel your tour with less than 30 days’ notice, the cancellation fee is 10% of the tour cost that we use to cover all expenses of arranging your tour.
