Mount Kailash measures 6,638 meters and stands in the remote region of Western Tibet, is one of the most sacred and mysterious mountains in the world. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpo religion, it is considered to be the spiritual epicenter.
It is known as Kangrinboqê in Tibetan, meaning "precious snow mountain," and supposedly has four sheer faces whose cardinal direction symbolism mirrors the aspect of their faces. Kailash, means crystal or shining in Sanskrit, for its purity and divinity.
The mountain is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva, principal god of Hindus. Of cosmological importance in Buddhism, the peak is taken to be the material representation of Mount Meru. Kailash is to Jains the site where their first spiritual leader Rishabhanatha attained liberation. The Kailash is also where Bonpo religion says their founder descended from the heavens.
This peak, far from civilization, in Ngari Prefecture, south of Lake Mansarovar and near the sources of the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali rivers. Although it is famous, no one has managed to climb Mount Kailash. Chinese authorities have ordered against climbing attempts, respecting its religious significance.
It definitely is and has been a pilgrimage of centuries. Kailash Kora or trek around the base of the Kailash is 52 kilometers. Some people believe that doing this circumambulation will delete their sins, and will grant spiritual cleansing. Their popularity stems from the sheer isolation and rough beauty of this region, and its profound spiritual significance, and the fact that they cover both adventure and enlightenment.
Highlights to Look Forward to
- Sacred Mount Kailash and its role in various religions as sacred.
- The pure waters of Lake Mansarovar.
- The pilgrimage trek around the mountain Kailash Kora.
- Dolma La Pass (5,630 meters) as a challenging ascent.
- Along the route, ancient Tibetan monasteries and shrines.
- The beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.
- Mount Gurla-Mandal and view of Rakshastal Lake.
- Living in the isolated villages of Tibet and getting a cultural experience.
- The entire trek has a very peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour
The months from late May to early September, or summer and early autumn tend to be the best times. The weather is more favorable in this period with daytime temperatures between 10°C to 20°C, good trekking conditions.
May to June is a particularly good early summer period when the skies are clear and temperatures mellow a bit. Besides, it's when festivals like Saga Dawa happen, which help create the spiritual atmosphere in the region.
The area is dry during July and August, although monsoon is active elsewhere. It's still manageable, but you have to prepare for sudden weather changes. It’s also a great time to visit September since the weather still stays stable and there’s usually less of a crowd.
Avoid traveling from October to April as the passes take on extreme cold and snow which makes it passable and makes for an extremely difficult trek.
Who Can Do the Trek to Kailash Mansarovar?
The tour to Kailash Mansarovar from Kathmandu is open for all but one needs to be physically and mentally prepared. Trekking at high altitudes (Dolma La Pass is over 5,600 meters) and very good health and a moderate level of fitness definitely are. The trek itself is not particularly technical, but at these kinds of elevations the thin air can be hard, and a little experience with hiking or trekking will go a long way too.
Traditionally, pilgrimage participants are the age range 20s to 60s with health conditions like asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure make this pilgrimage more challenging. But before you make a commitment, it’s also important to check in with your doctor if you currently suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions. The trek is well acclimatized with many stops like at Kerung and Saga giving your body time to zero in altitude.
In addition to physical preparation, you should spend a few months training with cardio, like jogging, swimming or cycling, to develop stamina and raise your chances of enjoying the trek.
It’s just as important for mental strength. Basic accommodations, trekking through isolated tough terrains and long hours of walking could wear you down more than even the best seasoned travelers. For the people who are deeply spiritual or love the experience, the trek is fulfilling and we get these moments where we connect to something bigger than just ourselves.
What Makes the Kailash Mansarovar Tour Nepal So Special?
Kailash Mansarovar from Kathmandu is not merely a location where you arrive; it is rather a spiritual pilgrimage, set into a culture and history. The tour begins in Kathmandu and includes the Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa among Nepal's most sacred religious sites, and enters Tibet. The inclusion of specific cultural crossover makes for a unique cultural cross over which makes it a spiritual tradition of Nepal and Tibet.
It’s also a popular choice because other tougher trekking options are harder to get to. By doing so you spend more time driving on the Tibetan plateau, with golden shots of the Himalayas and local Tibetan villages, rather than on foot.
The tour is also suitable for a wide audience who may not wish to face the requirements of a full trek, though still desire to enjoy the spiritual uplifting of visiting MAnt Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. These locations are beautiful both spiritually and naturally and the environment is so calm and isolated, the whole experience is once in a lifetime.
For a person on a spiritual path, the tour has deep meaning. In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion, Mount Kailash is sacred, and Lake Mansarovar is the water by which sins are washed away. Natural beauty is combined with religious significance, making it all a powerful combination leading pilgrims from all over the world.
What You Can Expect During the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour
A perfect combination of spiritual pilgrimage and stunning natural beauty, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is taken up by those travelers who want to divert from the beaten path to the far edge of the Silk Route. The tour begins in Kathmandu and arranges a scenic drive into Tibet through Nepal and the Rasuwagadhi border. The trip will take travelers through diverse lands, and into culturally rich villages and towns along the way.
After you have entered Tibet the travel continues on through parts of Tibetan villages with the sight of such landmarks as Saga and Manasarovar Lake. They also aid travelers in acclimatizing to the growing altitude of this area, which tends to have a challenging high altitude terrain.
Pilgrims have often taken a holy dip in its sacred waters at Lake Mansarovar that are supposed to cleanse sins and purify the soul. The gorgeous mountain ranges that surround the untouched and unspoiled blue waters of the lake, provide a nice and very spiritual atmosphere.
The trek to Mount Kailash starts from Darchen, the starting point of the trek, on a connecting visit to Lake Mansarovar. Crossing the Dolma La Pass on the second day with a height of 5,630 meters is especially challenging, especially on the second day. Gaurikund is a very sacred site and this is the most difficult section but the views of surrounding terrains are incredible.
Along the trek you will have the chance to meet Tibetan culture by seeing local rituals, practices, religious activities, etc. Its huge natural beauty along with the peaceful isolation of the region makes it both spiritually and physically rewarding.
