How to Get to Mount Kailash？

Mount Kailash, with an altitude of 6,638 meters, is located in Ngari, Tibet, China, in the western section of the Himalayas, among the Gangdis Mountains. This majestic snow-capped peak is not only the birthplace of the Indus, but also a sacred mountain admired by the four religions of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bön Buddhism and Jainism. It is known as the “center of the world”.

Despite the remoteness of the area, traveling to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is not as difficult as it used to be. Pilgrims can go to Mount Kailash via China or Nepal. The different routes and starting points add a unique experience and meaning to this pilgrimage.

Get to Kailash via China

China is an important entry point for travelers from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa to Mt. Kailash due to more flight options and better prices. North American travelers can fly to Beijing/Shanghai from Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver for about 13-14 hours; European travelers can fly to Beijing from London, Frankfurt for about 10 hours; Asian travelers can fly to Shanghai from Tokyo for about 3 hours, to Chengdu from Singapore for about 5 hours, or to Beijing from Moscow for about 8-9 hours; and Australian travelers can fly to Shanghai/Guangzhou from Sydney for about 10 hours.

Once you arrive in China, you can fly to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, about 5-8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa. Due to the busy traffic during the peak season from June to October every year, it is recommended that you book your flight or train ticket in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

Reach Kailash from Lhasa by Land

The overland journey from Lhasa to Darchen, the base camp to start Kailash kora, is about 1,200 kilometers. If you go to Kailash via Everest Base Camp, it is about 1,500 kilometers. Usually it takes 3 days by car. Along the way, the altitude rises from 3,650 meters to 4,670 meters, which helps the body to adapt to the plateau and reduces the risk of high-altitude sickness. The route passes through Shigatse and Everest base camp, and you can enjoy the famous attractions such as Yamdrok, Mount Everest and Manasarovar. Snowy mountains, lakes, and grasslands are intertwined, and the scenery is magnificent.

This line is not only beautiful natural scenery, but also contains a wealth of humanities and religious experience, suitable for those who like in-depth cultural exploration or the pursuit of the shocking beauty of the traveler.

Route: Lhasa → Shigatse → Everest Base Camp → Saga → Mansarovar Lake → Darchen → Mount Kailash

√ 14 Days Lhasa Kailash Kora with Everest Base Camp

Tips: You cannot take a bus to Mt.Kailash.

Reach Kailash from Lhasa by Flight

You can also take a flight from Lhasa to Shiquanhe Town (Ngari Gunsha Airport) and it takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, there's a distance of 220 kilometers to the town of Darchen, taking around 3 hours. It is worth noting that the altitude of this route rises rapidly, so it is recommended to prepare for altitude sickness in advance to ensure the safety and comfort of the journey.

Route: Lhasa (fly to) → Shiquanhe Town (Ngari Gunsha Airport) → Darchen (NGQ) → Mount Kailash

Reach Kailash from Kashgar by Flight

If you plan to travel to Kashgar in Xinjiang first, you can take a direct flight to Ngari Gunsha Airport. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. This route is just a backup route and is not suitable for most travelers.

Route: Kashgar (fly to) → Shiquanhe (Ngari Gunsha Airport) → Darchen (NGQ) → Mount Kailash

Reach Kailash from Kashgar by Land

From Kashgar, you can travel along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway to Kailash, which is about 1,500 kilometers and takes at least 3 days, with breathtaking scenery along the way. The route is currently closed to foreign tourists, please check the policy and documents before travelin

Route: Kashgar → Yecheng → Dahongliutan → Rutog → Gar → Darchen → Mount Kailash

Get to Kailash via Nepal

Nepal is an important gateway for pilgrims from Europe, the Middle East and South Asia traveling to Kailash. European travelers can fly to Kathmandu from major cities like London or Frankfurt for about 12-16 hours, with a layover in Istanbul. Middle Eastern travelers can fly directly to Kathmandu from Dubai or Doha, which takes about 4 hours. Indian travelers can fly directly from Delhi or Varanasi to Kathmandu for about 1.5 hours.

Reach Kailash from Kathmandu by Land/Helicopter via Gyirong

Travelers departing from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash can take a jeep or helicopter to the Gyirong Port. The road from Kathmandu to Gyirong is bumpy, taking 8-10 hours for 160 kilometers. It can be blocked by landslides or mudslides during the rainy season. Those concerned can opt for a helicopter, which takes only 20 minutes, though it is expensive and greatly affected by the weather.

After entering Gyirong, head 160 kilometers north to Saga, you will pass by Peikutso and Shishapangma Peak. After that, continue moving forward west 500 kilometers, on the way to enjoy the countless snow-capped mountains and lakes in western Tibet, then the holy lake Manasarovar, and finally arrive at Darchen. The road conditions are generally good. This route not only allows travelers to gradually adapt to the plateau environment, but also allow you to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way. Just to be prepared for the psychological preparation for the long-distance ride.

Route: Kathmandu → Gyirong → Saga → Darchen → Mount Kailash

√ 9 Days Kathmandu Kailash Kathmandu Overland Tour

Reach Kailash from Kathmandu by Plane

You can fly directly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which is about 600 kilometers and takes 2 hours. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you can either take a car to Ngari or transfer a domestic flight to Ngari Gunsha Airport (NGQ), which takes about 1.5 hours. After arriving, it takes another 3 hours to come to Darchen, a small town at the foot of Mt. Kailash.

Special attention should be paid to:

1. The weather in Ngari is very changeable, so it is recommended to reserve 1-2 days for maneuvering in case of flight delays or cancellations;
2. The airway saves time but is much more expensive;
3. Due to the lack of sufficient altitude acclimatization, this route may have a higher risk of altitude sickness.

Route: Kathmandu (fly to) → Lhasa(fly to) → Shiquanhe Town (Ngari Gunsha Airport) → Darchen → Mount Kailash

Reach Kailash from Kathmandu by Land/Helicopter via Purang

You can fly to Hilsa from Kathmandu either by connecting flight via Nepalgunj, and the flight time is about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a 12-15 hour bus ride to Dhangadhi, the western border city of Nepal, and then transfer to Purang port to enter Tibet. After entering Tibet, you can follow the G219 National Highway through the holy lake Manasarovar, about 115 kilometers to Darchen. This route is preferred by pilgrims of Indian origin.

Route: Kathmandu (fly to) → Nepalgunj (fly to) → Hilsa → Darchen → Mount Kailash

√ 10 Days Kailash Tour by Helicopter from Lucknow

Required Travel Documents

International travelers need to prepare the following documents to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It's better to entrust a Tibet travel agency to apply for the documents to Kailash 30 days in advance. Indian tourists need to entrust agencies to apply for your permits to Kailash at least 45 days in advance.

1. Tibet Travel Permit. The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is a mandatory document for entering the Tibet Autonomous Region. This document must be obtained through a registered travel agency in Tibet, and cannot be applied for by individuals.
2. To travel to Mt. Kailash, in addition to the TTP, additional permits are required. These permits include Alien's Travel Permit, Border Permit, and Military Permit, which can also be obtained through local travel agencies.
3. China Visa and China Group Visa. Tourists entering from China need a China Visa. Tourists entering from Nepal and going to Tibet must apply for a group tourist visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Note that group visas are more restrictive, requiring a group of 4 people to enter Tibet together and it takes 3 working days. You also need an invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau, handled through a designated travel agency, and individuals cannot apply for it themselves.

Conclusion

Although remote, Mt.Kailash is now relatively easy to access through China or Nepal. We recommend you go to Mt.Kailash from Lhasa or Kathmandu, either by land or by air, depending on personal preference. Please apply in advance for a Tibet Travel Permit and other permits, and be aware of visa requirements.