Mount Kailash Tour FAQs
-
Do I Need a Permit to Visit Mount Kailash?
Yes, travel permits are required to visit Mount Kailash due to its remote and restricted location in Ngari, western Tibet. The combination of permits depends on how you are traveling to Tibet and Mount Kailash.
For international tourists entering Tibet from mainland China, a Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory. Apart from that, you will need three more permits exclusively for visiting Mount Kailash - Alien’s Travel Permit, Foreign Affairs Permit, and Military Permit.
However, if you intend to visit Mount Kailash from Nepal, you must get a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Additionally, you need to obtain the same documents mentioned above.
-
Taking Flights to Ngari - Ngari Gunsa Airport is the only airport in Ngari Prefecture. It is about 45km from Shiquanhe Town and 220km from Mount Kailash. Travelers can take flights to Ngari Gunsa Airport from Lhasa, Kashgar and Urumqi. Lhasa usually has a daily flight to Ngari in tourist peak seasons. It takes about 2 hours to get to Ngari. Urumqi in Xinjiang also operates flights to Ngari on Tuesdays and Fridays, with stopover at Kashgar, which takes about 4 hours to get to Ngari.
Driving to Ngari - There are two driving routes from Lhasa to Ngari – southern route and northern route. Usually, the southern route, about 1250km in distance, is most chosen because it has better road condition and more attractions to see along the road. It starts from Lhasa, via Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse and Sagar. The northern route is only taken by Chinese self-driving travelers.
-
When is the best time to visit Mount Kailash?
Ngari Prefecture has a harsh climate. Compared with Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, Ngari is colder and windier, and has fewer rainfalls. The lowest temperature can be low to - 20.3°C. More than 149 days of a year have winds which reach least level 8. There are hug temperature gabs between day and night. So you’d better wear and pack accordingly. Considering weather and road conditions, you should avoid to visit Ngari area during January, February, March, November and December when the temperatures are very low, and there are usually strong snows. Trails are usually covered by snows, and not available for walking. April to October is the trekking seasons as well as the pilgrimage seasons at Mount Kailash area. The best month would be May, June, September and October. July and August are yearly rainy seasons.
-
How do I get to Mount Kailash from Tibet?
The most common way to reach Mount Kailash is by road from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The journey takes around three to four days, with stops at some spots along the way, such as Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest. From Lhasa, you can go with a private tour or join a guided tour to reach Mount Kailash. Another option is to travel to Mount Kailash from Nepal. You can cross the border at the Gyirong Port and then join a guided tour to reach Mount Kailash.
-
What can you expect on a 3-day Mount Kailash trekking tour?
The Mount Kailash trek covers a distance of about 52 kilometers, and involves crossing several high passes and steep ascents and descents.
(1) On the first day of the trek, you'll start from Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash, and hike for around six to seven hours to reach the first campsite at Dirapuk Monastery. Along the way, you'll pass through stunning landscapes, including the Lha Chu Valley and the rocky cliffs of Drolma Chu.
(2) On the second day, you'll continue the trek and cross the highest point of the Kora, the Drolma La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). From here, you'll descend to the second campsite at Zutul-Puk Monastery, which is located in a picturesque valley with stunning views of Mount Kailash.
(3) On the final day of the trek, you'll hike for around three to four hours to reach the end of the Kora at Darchen. Along the way, you'll pass through the beautiful countryside and small villages, before finally arriving back at the base camp.
Useful Tibet Ngari Travel Notes
1. How to Plan Ngari Travel
Mount Kailash Kora and sightseeing the beautiful Manasarovar Lake is the most popular things to do in Ngari. To have a Tibet tour which includes Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake, you usually have to start their tours from the capital city Lhasa where you will spend one or two days for acclimation, then travel to Shigatse, and visit Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse City on route. From Shigatse, you can decide to visit Mount Everest or not. If you want to include Mount Everest, just add one day to your itinerary. If you want to ignore Mount Everest, directly drive from Shigatse to Saga Town where you will spend a night. Keep driving a full day from Saga to Darchen. Then the 3 days Mount Kailash Kora can start. The Manasarovar Lake can be visited after the Kora. After the tour, drive back to Lhasa along the way coming. If you don’t want to spend much time on driving, you can directly take a flight to Ngari Gunsa Airport first, then transfer from the airport to Darchen to start the tour. After the tour, fly back to Lhasa.
2. High Altitude Sickness Tips
The average elevation of Ngari Prefecture is about 4500 meters, which may cause High Altitude Sickness to some travelers. But according to our years’ experience, travelers can adapt the altitudes well if preparation is made well. Firstly, take a physical examination before traveling to Tibet and pack necessary medicines; secondly, spend some days in Lhasa for acclimatization, then travel to Ngari at a moderate pace; thirdly, keep yourself warm all the time and prevent from catching a cold; fourthly, keep a relaxing mind. Your tour operator will also prepare oxygen supply for emergency use.
3. Wearing and Packing Tips
Wear warm and comfortable for the harsh weather. The temperatures are much low in Ngari Prefecture, especially in Mount Kailash region. What’s worse, the weather changes frequently. The temperature gap between day and night is much different. Basic warm, comfortable and firm clothing are required. You are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). A pair of strong, well-fitting boots is necessary. Also bring a pair of gloves for possible snow. You should also bring rain gears if you travel in July and August.
4. Necessary Permits for Visiting Ngari
To take a tour to Mount Kailash and other areas in Ngari, travelers need to obtain several necessary permits. Firstly you will need a Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. This permit is the most important permit because you will need to take flight/train to Tibet. And it will also be checked in Tibet. Secondly you have to obtain an Alien Travel Permit which allows you to visit Ngari prefectures, including Mount Kailash, Manasarovar Lake, Guge, etc. Thirdly you will have to apply for a Border Pass because Mount Kailash area is located near the border between China, India and Nepal. Fourthly, you will need the Military Permit which Issued by the Military office in Lhasa. Tibet Travel Permit must be obtained before your trip while the Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass and Military Permit will only be checked when you are already in Tibet.