Mount Kailash in remote western Tibet is a deeply sacred mountain and a trekker's dream destination. Getting there is part of the adventure, but it doesn't have to be a stressful part. With a little preparation, you can focus on discovering the natural beauty along the journey, sure you've made the right choice. To help you have the best trip, here's a guide on how to get to Mount Kailash.

Where is Mount Kailash? Can I Get There by Flight, Road or Train?

Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture, in the far west of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. It's a 1,211 km overland journey from Lhasa across the Tibetan Plateau to the Gangdise Mountains. The sacred mountain is surrounded by history and stark natural beauty, with the Holy Lake Manasarovar just to the south, 20-30 kilometers away.

To get to the mountain, you can travel by flight or overland, while train services are currently unavailable. If you choose to fly, you can take a flight to the nearest airport to Mount Kailash, Ngari Gunsa Airport, and then drive for about 5 hours to the mountain. This airport currently receives flights from Lhasa.

Alternatively, you can travel overland by driving from Lhasa or Kathmandu. Though it takes longer, the 4-day drive to Mount Kailash from Lhasa is the more recommended route. The scenery is beautiful, and the gradual ascent is better for acclimatization. For tourists visiting Tibet from Nepal, you can also travel overland from Kathmandu to Kailash across the border.

Get to Mount Kailash from Lhasa by Road: The Most Popular Route via EBC

To get to Mount Kailash, taking the overland journey from Lhasa is the most sought-after route among tourists. Since Lhasa is an unforgettable city on its own, and the road route to Mount Kailash adds iconic destinations like Everest Base Camp and Peiku Tso Lake to the journey.

Starting from Lhasa, this route firstly passes over Gambala Pass (4,790m) to stop at Yamdrok Lake, one of the holiest in Tibet. Then, you'll see the ancient city of Gyantse before reaching Tibet's second-largest city, Shigatse.

Following that, Mount Everest can be seen from Gyatsola Pass (5,280m) and then again from Gawula Pass (5,198m) in a breathtaking panorama of the five highest peaks of the Himalayas. Spend a night at EBC and see the beautiful sunset and sunrise at the mountain.

After Everest, the route turns west to the vast Ngari Plateau. You'll pass by Mount Shishabangma (8,027m) and see the golden Peiku Tso Lake. The grasslands mark your arrival in Saga County, the last stop before Darchen, where the Mount Kailash trek begins. Then you can try the holy three-day Mount Kailash trek before turning back.

Before this epic journey, it is recommended to spend 2 days in Lhasa for sightseeing and acclimatizing to the altitude at the same time. Great landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are must-sees you won’t want to miss in Tibet.

Get to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu by Road: The Time-Saving Route via Gyirong

If you are traveling from Nepal, you can experience an overland journey to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu via the Gyirong border. This route offers a slightly shorter path compared to the one from Lhasa, and it showcases some of the most stunning scenery along the way.

From Kathmandu, it's a seven-hour drive to reach the Nepal-China border at Rasuwa Gadi. Although the road may be a bit bumpy, the breathtaking scenery more than compensates for any discomfort. You'll catch glimpses of snow-capped mountains along the southern foothills of the Himalayas and pass through the scenic Langtang National Park.

Once you've crossed the Gyirong border, your journey will ascend from the lush Gyirong Valley to the high plateaus of Saga. The landscape will transform from forests and waterfalls to rugged mountain terrain as you traverse the Kong Tang Lamu Mountain Pass (5,236m), with stunning views of Mount Shishabangma and Peiku Tso Lake.

Continuing on from Saga to Lake Manasarovar and then to Darchen, you'll follow the same route as the overland journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash. The entire round trip from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash and back, including the kora, typically takes about 10 days.

Get to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu by Flight: The Combined Route via Lhasa

Some tourists may wonder if there is a flight from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash, but the answer is no. However, you can first fly to Lhasa and then head to Mount Kailash by overland. For tourists who are not in a rush, taking this route can offer a more comprehensive discovery experience.

The only international flight to Tibet departs from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and lands at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Operated by Himalayan Airlines, the flight departs three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arriving in Lhasa 1 hour and 20 minutes later. Tickets cost around 600 USD.

This flight passes directly over Mount Everest, providing passengers with a unique bird's-eye view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you can continue your journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash following the popular overland route, exploring the highlights of the plateau along the way.

Get to Mount Kailash from Kashgar by Overland: The Adventurous Way

Kashgar, the ancient hub of the Silk Road, also serves as the starting point for an overland trip to Mount Kailash. Compared to routes from Lhasa and Kathmandu, the journey from Kashgar to the mountain may be more adventurous, offering a different landscape and sights.

Following the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, this route begins in the oasis city of Kashgar and travels along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert to Yecheng city. It's a smooth and modern route that passes through landscapes of grey-black rock and sand dunes.

Next, it crosses the Kunlun and Karakorum Mountain ranges before reaching Dahong Liutan. Then, it ascends over the Tialongtan-la Pass (above 5,000m) and makes a stop at the mysterious Pangong Tso Lake.

The final leg to Mount Kailash takes two days through Zanda County, once home to the Guge Kingdom. This ancient kingdom thrived for 700 years but disappeared 400 years ago. Along the way, you'll encounter ruins of ancient forts adorned with intricate carvings, as well as gold and silver statues of Buddha.

Upon arrival in Darchen, you'll have a chance to rest before embarking on the 3-day Mount Kailash trek the following morning. After exploring Mount Kailash, you can follow the reverse route to Lhasa, further discovering more of Tibet’s attractions.

What Permits are Needed to Visit Mount Kailash in Tibet?

1. Chinese Visa or Chinese Group Visa

Firstly, you will need to obtain either the Chinese Visa or the Chinese Group Visa. The Chinese Visa is necessary if you are traveling to Mount Kailash from Lhasa or Kashgar and can be obtained from the nearest Chinese Embassy on your own.

The Chinese Group Visa is necessary if you are entering Tibet from Nepal. It can only be applied for in Kathmandu by a local tour agency on your behalf. The process may take 3-4 days, thus it is recommended to arrive in Kathmandu in advance for the application.

2. Tibet Travel Permit

To visit Mount Kailash, you need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit beforehand. The Tibet Travel Permit can only be applied for by a registered local Tibet travel agency after booking a tour.

Once you have obtained your Chinese visa, please email us a photo of your visa and passport, and we will apply for the permit on your behalf. The process usually takes 7-8 business days, but we recommend starting 20 days in advance to ensure timely processing.

3. Alien's Travel Permit and Military Permit

The Tibet Travel Permit covers entering Tibet and touring the region around Lhasa. Additional permits are needed to visit other areas of Tibet, such as Mount Everest and Mount Kailash. These permits include the Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. Applying for these permits can be done after you have arrived in Tibet, and your guide will take care of all the details.

Conclusion

Whether you're reaching Mount Kailash by overland journey or flight, from Lhasa, Kathmandu, or Kashgar, it promises to be an epic and unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags now! Get ready to soak in some of the world's most unique landscapes. If you're still wondering which route to take or have more questions about planning your Mount Kailash tour, feel free to contact us for inquiries.