Mount Kailash, often referred to as the “World’s Most Sacred Mountain,” is a pilgrimage destination like no other. Situated in the far west of Tibet, the mountain holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure that blends natural beauty with deep spirituality, a Mount Kailash trip is the ultimate journey. Whether you’re taking part in Kailash trekking tours, seeking to understand the rich cultural history, or simply exploring one of the world’s most pristine landscapes, this journey promises the experience of a lifetime.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the history, importance, and practical aspects of taking a Mount Kailash tour, from how to prepare for this epic trek to what to expect during your Tibet trip. We’ll guide you through all the essential information you need, including the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash, the best time to travel, and tips for Kailash trekking tours.
Let’s dive into the mystical allure of Mount Kailash.
Understanding Mount Kailash: The Holiest Peak
Mount Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism, while in Buddhism, it is considered the home of the Buddha Demchok, representing supreme bliss. For Jainism, it is the site where Lord Rishabhdev attained liberation, and for the Bon religion, Kailash is the spiritual center of the universe. This convergence of religious significance has made Mount Kailash one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world.
Located in Tibet, at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), Mount Kailash towers over the surrounding plains like a sentinel watching over the land. The shape of the mountain is distinctly pyramidal, and it remains covered with snow year-round. Despite its spiritual importance, it has never been climbed, as it is considered sacred, and the Tibetans believe that no human should attempt to conquer it.
Why is Mount Kailash Important?
• A Sacred Destination for Multiple Religions: As mentioned, the mountain is considered sacred by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. The religious significance of Kailash is unparalleled. Pilgrims from these diverse faiths have been trekking to the mountain for centuries, seeking spiritual enlightenment, purification, and divine blessings.
• A Spiritual Quest: For the devout, completing the Kailash Kora, a ritual circumambulation around the base of the mountain, is believed to wash away a lifetime of sins. Many devotees undertake the 52-kilometer trek to the base of Kailash as part of their pilgrimage. It is said that completing the Kora once is the equivalent of achieving spiritual merit that could take a lifetime of devotion to accrue.
• Unimaginable Natural Beauty: The journey to Kailash is not only a religious pilgrimage but also a venture through some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. From pristine mountain vistas to clear lakes, valleys, and high-altitude desert plateaus, Mount Kailash tours offer breathtaking views at every turn.
Mount Kailash Trek: The Kailash Kora Pilgrimage
The Kailash Kora, also known as the circumambulation, is an ancient pilgrimage tradition where devotees walk around the base of Mount Kailash. This 52-kilometer trek is one of the most challenging and spiritually rewarding experiences in the world. For most visitors, completing the Kora is the main objective of their Kailash trekking tours.
The Kailash Kora: A Spiritual Journey
The trek around Mount Kailash is performed in a clockwise direction by Buddhists and Hindus, while followers of Bon walk counterclockwise. This circumambulation is a symbolic act of devotion and purification. The Kailash Kora usually takes three days to complete and involves challenging high-altitude terrain, including steep ascents, rugged trails, and unpredictable weather.
At a minimum, the trek takes travelers to the Dirapuk Monastery, located approximately 18 kilometers from the base of Kailash, which offers beautiful views of the mountain. The second day of the Kora is the most difficult, where trekkers ascend to Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters (18,470 feet). The pass is considered the highest point on the trek, and it is said that reaching the summit represents the ultimate spiritual purification.
After crossing Dolma La Pass, trekkers descend toward the final leg of the Kora, passing sacred sites such as Lake Manasarovar, a high-altitude freshwater lake that holds deep religious significance.
The Kora trek can be physically demanding, with travelers experiencing the challenges of high-altitude trekking. For this reason, it’s essential to prepare yourself both physically and mentally before embarking on the journey.
Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash
Given its high altitude, the weather around Mount Kailash can be unpredictable, making it important to plan your trip carefully. The best time to embark on a Tibet trip to Kailash is during the warmer months, between May and October. During this period, the weather is relatively stable, and temperatures are not as harsh as in winter.
Optimal Time for Kailash Trekking Tours
• May to June: Early summer offers relatively mild temperatures and good trekking conditions. The high-altitude terrain, while still challenging, is more manageable during these months.
• September to October: Fall is also a popular time for Mount Kailash tours. By this time, the monsoon season has passed, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
It’s essential to avoid the winter months, from November to March, as the temperatures can drop drastically, and the weather becomes more unpredictable. Many trekking routes, including the Kailash Kora, are closed due to snow and dangerous conditions.
Preparing for a Mount Kailash Trek: Tips and Recommendations
Before embarking on a Kailash trekking tour, it’s essential to properly prepare for the challenges of trekking at high altitudes. Here are some tips for preparing for this adventure:
Physical Fitness
While the Kailash Kora does not require technical mountaineering skills, it does demand physical endurance. The trek involves long days of walking at high altitudes, often above 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), which can be exhausting for those not accustomed to the thin air. Regular cardio exercises, strength training, and hiking practice will help condition your body for the demands of the trek.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a common concern when trekking in Tibet. It’s crucial to spend several days in Lhasa before attempting the Kailash Kora to acclimatize to the altitude. Most Tibet tours will offer time in Lhasa for travelers to adjust before heading to Kailash.
Essential Gear
• Good-quality trekking boots: Ensure your boots are comfortable and have been broken in before the trek.
• Layered clothing: The weather in Tibet can fluctuate dramatically, so bring warm clothing, including a down jacket, fleece layers, and moisture-wicking base layers.
• High-quality sleeping bag: Nights at high altitudes can get very cold, so a four-season sleeping bag is recommended.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun at high altitudes can be intense, so protect your eyes and skin.
• Water purification tablets: It’s crucial to carry clean drinking water during the trek.
Tibet Travel: How to Reach Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is located in the far west of Tibet, near the borders of India and Nepal. Getting to Kailash can be a bit challenging due to the remote location and limited infrastructure, but it’s well worth the effort.
Most travelers will fly into Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, and then continue their journey via a combination of vehicle transport and trekking. You can join Tibet tours that include transportation to Mount Kailash from Lhasa, often via Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. From Shigatse, the journey continues along the Sakya and Darchen regions, which serve as the starting point for the Kailash Kora.
For international travelers, Nepal to Tibet overland tours are an option, which allows you to enter Tibet through the Rasuwagadhi Border in Nepal. Most tours will guide you through the necessary paperwork, including permits for traveling in Tibet, and provide you with a professional guide to navigate the complex logistics.
Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash
For millions of people, a Mount Kailash trip is not just about adventure; it’s a deeply spiritual journey. Pilgrims come from all over the world to undertake the Kailash Kora and seek spiritual renewal. Completing the trek is believed to erase negative karma, and many see it as an essential part of their spiritual journey. The belief in Kailash’s mystical energy continues to attract people who are drawn to the mountain’s sacred power.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Mount Kailash Trip
A Mount Kailash tour is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and spiritually enriching experiences a traveler can undertake. Whether you’re completing the Kailash Kora, soaking in the sacredness of the mountain, or simply enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Tibet, the journey will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. For those seeking adventure, cultural insight, and spiritual growth, Mount Kailash trekking tours offer the opportunity to explore one of the most sacred and remote places on Earth.
Plan your Tibet trip carefully, prepare for the challenges of high-altitude trekking, and take time to understand the spiritual significance of this incredible place. The journey to Mount Kailash may be physically demanding, but it’s also one of the most transformative and fulfilling experiences you can have.
So, are you ready to take the journey to the “Roof of the World”? A life-changing adventure awaits you at the feet of Mount Kailash.