2026 Mount Kailash Pilgrimage
2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Tibetan calendar. For pilgrims and travelers planning to visit Mount Kailash, this is a rare and spiritually significant moment. In both Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism traditions, completing a kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash during the Year of the Horse is said to accumulate thirteen times the merit of a normal year. It is also considered the birth year of Buddha Shakyamuni and a time when divine forces gather at the sacred mountain. Missing this opportunity means waiting another twelve years—until 2038.
For many, Mount Kailash is more than just a snow-capped peak—it is a path that must be walked at least once in a lifetime. Whether seeking blessings, gratitude, spiritual purification, or simply a connection to the world’s spiritual center, visiting during the Year of the Horse carries profound meaning.
Significance of the 2026 Pilgrimage
The year 2026 marks the Tibetan Year of the Horse and is also considered the birth year of Mount Kailash itself. In Tibetan tradition, completing a single Parikrama (circumambulation) during a normal year already accumulates profound merit, but during the Horse Year, the spiritual benefits are believed to equal thirteen times that of a regular year. Mount Kailash is regarded as a sacred mountain by multiple religious traditions and as the spiritual center of the world, where gods are said to gather. Rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, Sutlej, and Yarlung Tsangpo, are believed to originate from its surroundings. Completing the Parikrama in this auspicious year is considered to bring the mountain’s blessings and protection, cleanse the mind, accumulate good karma, and establish a deeper connection with the sacred traditions, making the pilgrimage a profound journey of spiritual purification and elevation.
Challenges of the 2026 Pilgrimage
While the Horse Year brings greater merit, it also comes with unique challenges. The number of pilgrims will multiply, creating pressure on infrastructure, accommodations, supplies, and safety.
Historic Crowd Levels
The number of pilgrims in 2026 is expected to reach 400,000–500,000. They will include Tibetans from the five major Tibetan regions (Gannan, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet), Tibetan Buddhists, and Hindu pilgrims from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and overseas. Although authorities limit daily entry to 2,000 people, the actual crowd will far exceed this. After mid-May, large groups from India will arrive, making the route extremely crowded.
Severely Limited Accommodation
Accommodation around Mount Kailash will be extremely scarce. Tarchen town has only 500–800 beds in total, with only 2–3 high-quality hotels, and a few under construction. The Dirapuk Monastery area has fewer than 100 beds, and even then, prices rise sharply in the Horse Year. Pilgrims may struggle to secure a bed, and even corridor floor spaces or tent sites will be limited.
Congestion at Drolma La Pass
Drolma La Pass, at 5,650 m, is the most critical section of the Parikrama. Crowds in the Horse Year may form long lines. Prolonged stays at high altitudes increase the risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and exhaustion. Proper equipment and adequate warmth are essential.
Potentially Completing the Full Route in One Day
Late registrants or those unable to secure accommodation may need to complete the 52 km pilgrimage in a single day—a significant test of endurance, high-altitude adaptation, and mental resilience.
Best Time for Kailash Pilgrimage
The ideal months for Mount Kailash are May–October, when the weather is stable, temperatures are moderate, snow has melted, and the route is accessible. Regardless of season, plan ahead and bring sun protection, warm clothing, and moisturizers to handle high-altitude conditions.
Spring (Apr–May)
Air is fresh, visibility excellent, ideal for photography and meditation. Fewer visitors allow a more peaceful experience. Daytime temperatures are generally 5°C–15°C (night 0°C to –7°C).
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The warmest season has more oxygen. Nighttime rain rarely affects travel. Peak time for the Horse Year; expect heavy crowds. Daytime temperatures are around 6°C–20°C (night 0°C to –5°C).
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Stable weather, clear skies, and spectacular scenery. Ideal for trekking and photography. Daytime temperatures range from 5°C–25°C (night 0°C to –5°C).
Tips:
Indian pilgrim groups begin arriving in mid-May. To avoid crowds, consider May, September, or October. The Saga Dawa Festival on May 31 is a highlight, but the surrounding 10–15 days are extremely crowded. Those less interested in festival activities may prefer off-peak travel for a more comfortable experience.
Overview of Pilgrimage Routes
Mount Kailash circumambulation is both a spiritual journey and a challenging trek. Several itineraries are available for international travelers, whether starting from Lhasa or Kathmandu. Independent groups can adjust based on fitness and high-altitude acclimatization, with flexible support from the travel agency.
12-Day Lhasa–Shigatse–Everest–Kailash–Kathmandu
Begin in Lhasa, visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and other cultural highlights. Drive to western Tibet’s Ngari region via Shigatse and Tingri, passing Yamdrok Lake and Mount Everest. The three-day Mount Kailash Pilgrimage begins from Darchen at ~4,700 m. After completion, continue to the Gyirong border for the return to Kathmandu.
√ 12D Lhasa EBC Kailash Kathmandu Group Tour
15-Day Lhasa–Shigatse–Everest–Kailash
For travelers with more time who plan to finish in Lhasa. Includes Everest and Kailash pilgrimages, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and cultural activities. Trekking the Parikrama allows close-up views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, and plateau landscapes.
√ 15D Lhasa EBC Kailash Lhasa Group Tour
14-Day Kathmandu–Kailash–Kathmandu
Best for those focused solely on Mount Kailash. Depart Kathmandu, cross the Gyirong border into Tibet’s Saga region, passing Lake Peiku and the Himalayas. Complete the three-day Parikrama at Kailash and Lake Manasarovar before returning to Kathmandu. This route is particularly for Indian pilgrims.
√ 14D Kathmandu Kailash Kathmandu Group Tour
Travel Permits and Border Requirements
Traveling to Mount Kailash requires securing the necessary Tibet permits. And the related Tibet permits usually are processed with your China visa, according to your entry to Tibet.
Travel Permits
Foreign travelers must use qualified local travel agencies to handle all permits and ensure smooth entry and completion of the Parikrama. Required permits include:
These are checked before boarding flights or trains, and at hotels or major attractions. Submit passport and Chinese visa scans to the travel agency at least 20 days before departure.
- For land entry from Kathmandu, a copy of your permit is sufficient.
- For trains from mainland China to Lhasa, a copy of your permit is sufficient.
- For flights: original permit required. If you fly from mainland China to Lhasa, please take your original Tibet permit before boarding the flight. If you depart from Kathmandu for Lhasa, your guide will hold your original permit at Lhasa Gonggar Airport to assist you in getting through customs.
Note: Indian pilgrims typically need 45+ days to obtain permits and group visas—plan well in advance.
Chinese Visa or Group Visa
If you are getting to Mount Kailash via mainland China, you need to apply for a Chinese visa in advance. A valid Chinese visa requires 3–4 weeks to process. Some countries qualify for a China visa exemption, so only a passport scan is needed for the Tibet Permit. >> Check more about China visa exemption
If you are getting to Mount Kailash via Nepal, you need to apply for a China group visa. A group visa requires at least five people and an invitation from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Processing may exceed three working days in 2026. Early application is strongly recommended to avoid delays in Nepal.
Note: For tourists who enjoy visa-free entry to China, they can also be exempt from the China group visa.
Budget and Expense Guide
With the arrival of the Year of the Horse in 2026, the cost of a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is expected to rise significantly, especially for accommodation and transportation. Understanding the expenses in advance can help you plan your budget and make informed travel decisions.
- Accommodation Costs: Hotels in the Ngari region usually see prices increase 2–3 times during peak season. Guesthouses along the Parikrama route often operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may not accept reservations. It is recommended to bring your own sleeping bag or choose a travel agency that provides sleeping bags, such as Great Tibet Tour, to ensure comfortable lodging.
- Guide Fees: Due to high demand, guide fees for the Kailash Parikrama are expected to be at least twice the normal rate, and guides will be especially scarce during the Horse Year peak season.
- Vehicle Costs: Vehicle rental fees are expected to rise by 20–30% due to increased demand. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your transport and avoid last-minute shortages or price hikes.
- Yak, Horse, and Porter Services: For light travel, you can keep your luggage in the vehicle and carry only essential items, saving on yak, horse, or porter fees. Reference prices: horse $80/day, horseman $60/day; yak $60/day, porter $50/day. Prices in 2026 are expected to rise significantly.
- Joining a Group vs. Private Tour: Small groups (5 people or fewer) can save costs by joining a shared tour. For larger groups, organizing a private tour allows expenses to be split more reasonably.
Preparation and Travel Advice
- Once your budget is clear, the next step is to prepare thoroughly for this sacred and challenging journey. Proper preparation ensures a safer, smoother, and more comfortable Kailash Parikrama experience.
- Advance Booking and Securing Resources: The Horse Year of 2026 will be the busiest pilgrimage season at Mount Kailash, with accommodation, vehicles, border checkpoints, and guides in high demand. Booking 6–10 months in advance is strongly recommended to secure your itinerary.
- Choosing a Reliable Travel Agency: Routes in Tibet and Ali are long, high-altitude, and subject to unpredictable weather, requiring multiple permits. Experienced agencies can handle all permits, plan proper acclimatization schedules, arrange contingency plans, and ensure resources are available during peak season.
- Physical Preparation and Altitude Adaptation: Upon arrival in Lhasa, take it easy, avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of water, and rest adequately. Common altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, mild nausea, or chest discomfort. In severe cases, descend at least 300 meters immediately. Pre-trip fitness training, such as hiking or jogging, can strengthen cardiovascular endurance and improve high-altitude tolerance.
- Medication and Gear Preparation: For medication preparation, it is recommended to bring altitude-sickness prevention such as Rhodiola, along with painkillers, gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, bandages, basic disinfectants, and portable oxygen (which can be purchased in Lhasa). For clothing and equipment, pack a fleece jacket, down jacket, shell jacket, hiking boots, gloves, warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, water bottle, light backpack, and trekking poles if needed. High-altitude temperatures fluctuate widely, and nights can approach freezing even in summer, making warm clothing essential.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Kailash Trip
As a local Tibet travel agency recommended by Lonely Planet and honored with the Tripadvisor 2025 Travelers’ Choice Award, Great Tibet Tour provides professional and reliable support for your Kailash pilgrimage. Our travel consultants will tailor your itinerary and arrangements according to your needs, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey. Feel free to contact us anytime!