Mount Kailash in Tibet is one of the most mysterious mountains in the world. Standing at 6,638 metres, Kailash is deeply revered by followers of many major religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bonism. For them, Kailash is the centre of the universe, a sacred place that brings enlightenment and spiritual purification.
About Mount Kailash Tibet China
Mount Kailash, located in Tibet, China, is one of the most sacred and mysterious mountains in the world. With an altitude of about 6,638 meters, Kailash is not only famous for its terrain but also the center of major religious beliefs such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon and Jainism. Considered the residence of Shiva in Hinduism and a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism, this mountain has long attracted millions of pilgrims to seek spiritual peace.
Mount Kailash Tibet China. Photo: @cassidylarkai
Unlike many other famous mountains, Tibet’s Mount Kailash remains unconquered by humans. Due to its sacredness, climbing the mountain is strictly forbidden. Instead, thousands of pilgrims each year embark on a journey on foot around the mountain, called a “kora,” in the belief that this will purify their souls and free them from the cycle of reincarnation. The kora is about 52 km long, through rugged terrain but also an opportunity to feel the majesty and sacredness of the mountain.
Apart from its spiritual value, Mount Kailash also has a magical natural beauty with clear blue lakes, vast valleys and pristine landscapes. The nearby Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal also carry legends associated with religions. The pristine landscape and serene atmosphere of Kailash have made it a unique destination, attracting not only pilgrims but also explorers, scientists and tourists from all over the world.
This is one of the most sacred mountains in China. Photo: @angelsmarlinWhat time of year is best to visit Mount Kailash Tibet?
The ideal time to visit Mount Kailash is from May to September, when the weather in Tibet is milder and more pleasant than during the harsh winter months. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it quite suitable for sightseeing and undertaking the kora trek around the mountain. In addition, there is less rain and snow, making travelling on the Tibetan plateau roads safer and more convenient.
June is a particularly important time, as this is when Saga Dawa, one of the largest religious events in Tibetan Buddhism, takes place. This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world to Mount Kailash to participate in spiritual rituals and perform kora rituals. Participating in the festival not only provides a unique cultural experience but also helps visitors feel more deeply the sacredness of the mountain.
Although summer is the most favorable time, visitors should note that Tibet is very high altitude, so careful health preparation and adaptation to the thin air is extremely important. Those with health problems or unfamiliar with high altitude terrain should take time to acclimatize before starting the journey to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness.
You should plan to come here between May and September. Photo: @marchrain28
How to get to Mount Kailash
To travel to Mount Kailash Tibet , visitors usually have to start from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. From Lhasa, you can travel by road via highways or rent a car to Darchen town, which is located at the foot of the mountain. This route is about 1,200 km long, taking 3 to 4 days to travel through the Tibetan plateau with beautiful scenery. Currently, there is no direct airport to Kailash, so Lhasa is the main stop to continue the journey to this sacred mountain.
Another option is to travel through Nepal, starting from the capital Kathmandu. From there, visitors can travel by road or air to the Chinese border, then continue their journey to Kailash by car. Whichever route they choose, visitors need to be in good health, due to Tibet's high altitude and harsh climate.
Photo: @myrnakumaladewiReligious significance of Kailash - a sacred mountain
Meaning “sacred mountain” in Tibetan, Mount Kailash is considered the center of the world in four religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon. Each religion believes that their gods are associated with this sacred peak. For Buddhism, the mountain includes the four treasures – gold, silver, enamel and glass, just Mount Sumeru surrounded by 7 golden hills, 7 fragrant seas and 12 small islands; for Bon, this religion originated precisely in this area, it is the mountain inhabited by 360 gods; for Hinduism, it is the abode of Lord Shiva (one of the Three Gods with supernatural powers and the largest statue) and the place of eternal happiness. Therefore, the mountain is considered a holy land for pilgrims, thousands of whom come to pay their respects every year. Some of them even come from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, etc. after untold hardships. They prostrate and pray throughout their journey, then circle the mountain and worship to fulfill their long-cherished wish of reaching a successful religious matter. The sight is quite spectacular for most pilgrims and visitors, especially in the Year of the Horse (according to the Chinese zodiac), the year believed to be the birth year of Gautama Buddha.
Many people call this the sacred mountain. Photo: @marihuntberry
Things to do when visiting Mount Kailash
Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash (Kora)
Mount Kailash Tibet is not allowed to be climbed, so most people choose to do kora (walk around Kailash) to express their admiration for this sacred site.
In Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that a pilgrimage (yatra) can remove evil from their lives and ensure safety/blessings for their families. A Kailash pilgrimage is a part of their spiritual life.
Kailash kora is a 3-day trek. The distance around Mount Kailash is 56 km (35 mi) with a minimum elevation of 4,675 metres (15,338 feet) at Darchen and a maximum elevation of 5,648 metres (18,530 feet) at Dolma La pass.
Devout Tibetans prostrate themselves on the ground after every few steps when worshipping. They do this to gain religious merit, and it usually takes 15–20 days to complete the kora in this manner.
Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. Photo: @juliyaburkovskayaVisit Lake Manasarovar
Manasarovar is 32 km (20 mi) by road from Mount Kailash (Darchen) and has an elevation of 4,590 metres (15,059 feet). Manasarovar is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Tibet and has some of the clearest lakes in China.
Manasarovar is a sacred lake in Tibetan Buddhism and is therefore a pilgrimage site. Many pilgrims come there every year to bathe in the “holy water”, which is believed to prolong life.
Hiking the Manasarovar kora is also popular. Hiking around Manasarovar is easier than hiking around Kailash due to the lower elevation. The lake circuit is about 90 km (56 mi) long and usually takes 3 to 4 days to complete.
Lake Manasarovar. Photo: @alenaklishina
Visit the temples
There are five monasteries around Mount Kailash in Tibet and each monastery is filled with Buddhist legends with many carvings, statues and murals. They can provide basic accommodation for pilgrims and tourists on their journey.
Choku/Nyari Monastery is the first temple on the Kailash kora, where you can see the western face of Kailash.
Drirapuk Monastery is an ideal spot to view the north face of Mount Kailash.
Gyangzha Monastery is the oldest monastery in remote western Tibet, located in the inner kora circle.
Selung Monastery is the first monastery you will come to when entering the inner kora circle.
From Selung Monastery to the foot of the holy mountain, where you can see the natural "卍" symbol, formed by large ice cracks on the southern slope of Mount Kailash
Zutulpuk Monastery is located facing the eastern slope of Mount Kailash, making it an ideal place to watch the sunrise reflecting on Kailash. It is also the last monastery before returning to the start/finish point for a kora around Mount Kailash at Darchen.
Photo: @sanatanonlyMount Kailash in Tibet is not only a natural wonder of China but also a symbol of deep faith and reverence. For those who have been there, it is not only a physical experience but also a journey of spiritual exploration and harmony with the universe.
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