Can anybody Climb Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash, located in Tibet, is considered to be a sacred mountain in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion. It has never been climbed or summited, primarily because it is considered a sacred place, and climbing it is forbidden in local traditions.

“Mt. Kailash is not a destination; it is a journey within oneself.”

In addition to the cultural and religious significance of the mountain, the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions make it a challenging climb. The mountain is also located in a remote and politically sensitive region, which limits access and makes it difficult to obtain the necessary permits and permissions to attempt a climb.

Moreover, the Chinese government, which controls the region, has restricted access to the mountain for foreigners, which has made it even more challenging to attempt a climb. There have been some attempts by climbers to scale the mountain, but these have been met with strong opposition from local communities and religious leaders, who believe that climbing the mountain would be disrespectful to their religious beliefs and traditions.

What are the major attractions of Mount Kailash?

It is well-known fact that Mount Kailash, located in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, is considered a sacred mountain by several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion, It is also a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Here are some major attractions around Mt Kailash areas:

1. Mount Kailash itself, a stunning peak rising over 22,000 feet above sea level.
2. The nearby Lake Manasarovar is another sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists.
3. The annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage that attracts thousands of people every year.
4. The Gangdise mountain range, of which Kailash is a part.
5. The Tarboche flagpole, where prayer flags are hung and replaced each year during the Saga Dawa festival.
6. The Barkha plain is a beautiful grassland surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
7. The Darchen town is the starting point of the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) and a hub for pilgrims.
8. The Milarepa’s Cave, where the famous Tibetan Buddhist saint Milarepa is said to have meditated.
9. The Guge Kingdom ruins, an ancient Tibetan kingdom located in the Ngari region.
10. The Tholing Monastery, a 10th-century monastery located in the Guge Kingdom ruins.
11. The Tirthapuri hot springs, a natural hot springs located on the banks of the Sutlej River.
12. The Gyangtse town, an ancient town located on the trade route between India and Tibet.
13. The Yamdroke Lake, a beautiful turquoise lake located at an altitude of 14,000 feet.
14. The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
15. The Jokhang Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists located in the heart of Lhasa.
16. The Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa.
17. The Norbulingka Palace, a summer palace for the Dalai Lama located in Lhasa.
18. The Namtso Lake, a stunning lake located at an altitude of 15,500 feet.
19. The Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, located at the foot of Mount Everest.
20. The Everest Base Camp, a popular trekking destination located at the base of Mount Everest.
21. The Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
22. The Shigatse town, the second-largest city in Tibet.
23. The Gyantse Kumbum, a large chorten (stupa) located in the Gyantse town.
24. The Sakya Monastery, a major monastery of the Sakyapa (Red Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
25. The Pelkor Chode Monastery, a large monastery located in the Gyantse town.
26. The Kharta Valley, a scenic valley located on the eastern side of Mount Everest.
27. The Rongphu Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas located near Mount Everest.
28. The Zhangmu town, a border town between Nepal and Tibet.
29. The Mount Kailash South Face Trek, a challenging trek that takes you to the south face of Mount Kailash etc.

Which is the best time to visit Mount Kailash?

The best time to visit Kailash depends on your travel preferences and the purpose of your visit.

The peak season for Kailash is from May to September, as this is when the weather is the warmest and the skies are generally clear. During this time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for trekking and other outdoor activities.

If you’re interested in witnessing one of the most important festivals in Tibet, you may want to visit during the Saga Dawa Festival, which takes place in late May or early June. During this festival, pilgrims from all over Tibet converge at Kailash to circumambulate the mountain and perform other religious rites.

However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and want a more peaceful experience, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October. The weather during these months is generally good, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season.

It’s worth noting that the Kailash region is remote and high in altitude, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Additionally, some parts of the region may be closed to visitors during certain times of the year, so it’s always best to check with a local travel agent before planning your trip.

“The beauty of Mt. Kailash is not just in its physical grandeur, but in the spiritual energy that it emanates.”

Guide for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Here is a guide for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

1. Eligibility: Only Indian citizens who are physically fit and aged between 18 to 70 years are eligible for the yatra.
2. Route: The yatra starts from either Kathmandu or Delhi and takes you to the Chinese border via road. From there, it is a 3-day trek to reach Mansarovar Lake and Kailash Mountain.
3. Time: The yatra usually takes 22 to 25 days, depending on the route and weather conditions.
4. Preparation: It is essential to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the yatra. You can start by doing regular exercise and yoga to increase your stamina and flexibility. It is also recommended to get a medical check-up before embarking on the yatra.
5. Visa: You need to obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy in Delhi before starting the yatra. It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance as it may take some time to process.
6. Travel insurance: It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation.
7. Clothing and equipment: You will need warm and comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. It is also advisable to carry a first aid kit, oxygen cylinder, and a sleeping bag.
8. Altitude sickness: The yatra involves traveling to high altitudes, and altitude sickness is a common problem. It is advisable to acclimatize yourself by spending a few days in high-altitude areas before starting the yatra. You can also take medication to prevent altitude sickness.
9. Guidelines: You need to follow the guidelines issued by the Indian government and the Chinese authorities during the yatra. It is also important to respect the local culture and customs.
10. Spiritual significance: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. It is advisable to take the time to reflect on the significance of the yatra and connect with your inner self.

Here is a suggested itinerary for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kyirong, Nepal:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. You will have a briefing about the Yatra, and you will have the rest of the day free to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing On this day, you will explore the cultural heritage of Kathmandu. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. In the evening, you will meet with the group and have a final briefing before the yatra.

Day 3: Drive to Kyirong After breakfast, you will begin the journey to Kyirong, which is the border town between Nepal and Tibet. The journey takes around 7-8 hours and you will pass through beautiful mountain landscapes.

Day 4: Rest day in Kyirong This day will be spent acclimatizing to the high altitude. You will have a gentle walk around Kyirong and visit a local monastery.

Day 5: Drive to Saga After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Saga. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, and you will pass through the small town of Peiku Tso and cross the Brahmaputra River.

Day 6: Drive to Mansarovar On this day, you will drive to Mansarovar Lake, which is considered one of the holiest lakes in the world. You will have darshan (holy view) of the lake and perform a puja (ritual) on the banks of the lake.

Day 7: Mansarovar to Darchen In the morning, you will perform a dip in the Mansarovar Lake and then drive to Darchen, which is the base camp for the Kailash trek. You will have a rest day in Darchen to prepare for the trek.

Day 8-10: Trek to Kailash The trek to Kailash takes three days, and you will stay in guesthouses along the way. On the first day, you will trek to Derapuk, on the second day, you will trek to Zuthulphuk, and on the third day, you will trek back to Darchen.

Day 11: Drive to Kyirong After completing the Kailash trek, you will drive back to Kyirong and spend the night there.

Day 12: Cross the border and drive to Kathmandu On this day, you will cross the border and drive back to Kathmandu. You will have the evening free to rest and relax.

Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

This itinerary can be adjusted to meet your specific requirements and preferences. It is important to note that the weather and road conditions can impact the itinerary, so some flexibility is required during the yatra.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a unique and challenging pilgrimage that requires physical and mental preparation. However, it is also a spiritually enriching experience that can change your life forever. Join Great Nepal Treks and feel the difference.

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