Snowy Mount Kailash (Kangrinboqe Peak) is one of the most photogenic and sacred sites in Tibet. Believed to be the abode of Shiva, one of the biggest Hindu deities, the pyramidal holy mountain has never been climbed.

Due to its fame, the mountain is one of the most significant Asian pilgrimage sites. But it's not all because you can visit a few other attractions in its vicinity. So, read on to find out where Mount Kailash is, how to get there, and what to do.

Where Is Mount Kailash? The Location Map of Mount Kailash

The sacred mountain lies in the western part of the Land of Snows, as Tibet is also called. It's part of the Gangdisê Mountains, also known as the Kailash Range, in the Ngari prefecture. Mount Kailash is 6,638 meters high, and according to Google Maps, it's the Axis Mundi or the point where heaven and earth meet.

The Stairway to Heaven, another name for the imposing mountain, is around 1200 kilometers distant from Lhasa, the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. It's about 950 kilometers from Shigatse, the second-largest Tibetan city.

As the highest peak in the area, the mountain dominates the surroundings. Located in one of the coldest Tibetan regions, it features sub-zero temperatures during the winter months, with daily lows and highs alternating in spring and autumn. Only in summer do the temperatures remain consistently above the freezing point.

In general, April to June and September to October are considered the best months for a visit. July and August are also good, but these summer months are the wettest in the region. But the average rainfall doesn't exceed 30 or so millimeters (roughly 1.2 inches) in August, so rain shouldn't be an issue if you decide to visit the holy mountain this time of year.

How is the Route of Mount Kailash Kora? Mount Kailash Kora Map

There are two kora routes around the mountain, inner and outer. And most travelers come to Mount Kailash to take the outer kora.

The outer Mount Kailash kora trek starts and ends at the Darchen village facing the mountain. The route passes by Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries, where travelers usually stay overnight. Devout Tibetans typically complete the pilgrimage in one or two day. There are teahouses along the way where you can refresh yourself with tea, beer, or coke.

Day one: The first day's trek from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery is a moderate uphill trek. You should complete this 20-kilometer/12-mile leg in around seven hours. If you complete this route earlier, we still strongly recommend that you stay overnight at the monastery, as the next stage is the toughest.

Day two: You'll have to overcome a steep climb and descent on your way from Dirapuk to Dzultripuk (18 km/11 mi). Start your journey early to make it to Dzultripuk before it gets dark. Drolma La Pass, which is the kora's highest point, is at an altitude of 5,630 meters/18,471 feet. You'll enjoy the view of the imposing mountain next to you, but don't do it for too long because of the strong winds and tiny air.

Day three: The final leg of the Mount Kailash Kora is an easy one. You may even cover its 14 km/8.5 mi distance in as little as three or four hours, five tops. The descent is easy and you won't have any trouble overcoming it.

How to Get to Mount Kailash from Lhasa? Travel Map from Lhasa to Mt Kailash

The way from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes you via Shigatse, home to the historical Tashilhunpo Monastery, sacred Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Mount Everest, and a few mountain passes. You'll also visit Gyantse, whose Old Town with whitewashed houses and narrow streets is the city's main attraction.

On your way from Shigatse to Tibetan Everest Base Camp, you'll pass through the Gawula Pass. There, you'll see some of the world's highest peaks. Once you arrive at the base camp, you'll relish views of the world's highest peak, likely at dusk. You may also visit Rongbuk, the world’s highest monastery.

Golden-hued Peiku Tso Lake and green Lake Manasarovar are some among natural attractions you'll visit on your way from Mount Everest Base Camp to Darchen.

How to Get to Mt Kailash from Kathmandu? Travel Map from Kathmandu to Mt Kailash

You'll travel from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port, a border crossing, via Rasuwa Gadi where you can see the remains of a historic fort. You'll also enjoy views of imposing mountains and peaks.

As you enter the Tibet Autonomous Region, you'll stop in Gyirong Town to adjust to the altitude and explore the Gyirong Valley, the Back Garden of the Himalayas, and its forests, flora, and quaint villages.

On your way to Mount Kailash, you'll traverse valleys and plateaus, all dominated by the mighty Himalayas. On route, you'll see gorges, waterfalls, herds of yaks (native cattle) and sheep, etc. But Shishapangma Peak (8027 meters), Lake Paiku Tso, and Gongzhuo Lake, Lake Manasarovar will be some of the highlights of your journey from Gyriong via Saga to Darchen.

The road distance from the Nepali capital to Mount Kailash is approximately 800 km/500 mi.

What are the Attractions around Mount Kailash?

Lake Manasarovar is another top attraction in the Ngari Prefecture. Known as the highest freshwater lake in the world, it boasts some of the purest waters you'll ever see.

The Guge Kingdom was a thriving realm that suddenly disappeared. Today, you can see the remains of palaces and houses, soil forests, caves with paintings, and wild animals roaming about.

To visit these attractions together, you can join our 17 Days Kailash Manasarovar & Guge Kingdom Exploration tour.

Conclusion

Mount Kailash is a unique place and a travel destination in many ways. Like Tibet, rightfully called the roof of the world since it boasts the world's highest capital, monastery, lakes, etc. Thus, visiting Mount Kailash and other places in Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires thorough preparation. With years of experience in the business and having welcomed countless travelers, we can help you enjoy a fulfilling and memorable trip to Mount Kailash and Tibet.