Mount Kailash
Discover Mount Kailash
This mountain is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. In ancient texts, it is referred to as the center of the world. The reason can be understood from the geographical significance of its place: within a 30 mi (48 km) radius are the sources of mighty rivers Indus (to the north, called "Sindhu" in India), Sutlej (to the west), Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsang-po, to the east), and Karnali (the largest tributary to the Ganges, to the south). Hindus regard the peak as Shiva's symbolic 'Lingam' and worship Mt. Kailash, which is the Sanskrit name for the mountain. Bonpos believe the sacred mountain to be the place where the founder of the Bon religion landed when he descended from the sky. Tibetan Buddhists believe Kang Rinpoche, which means Precious Snow Mountain, is a natural mandala representing the Buddhist cosmology on the earth and the Jains believe this is the place where their religion's founder was spiritually awakened.
What to Experience in Mount Kailash
Taste of Mount Kailash...
Water that flows from springs is very refreshing as it has mineral content. Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst. It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath and less energy than you are used to, as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here. However, altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give yourself a rest day if needed.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Mount Kailash into what it is today.
Hindus regard the peak as Shiva's symbolic 'Lingam' and worship Mt. Kailash, which is the Sanskrit name for the mountain. Bonpos believe the sacred mountain to be the place where the founder of the Bon religion landed when he descended from the sky. Tibetan Buddhists believe Kang Rinpoche, which means Precious Snow Mountain, is a natural mandala representing the Buddhist cosmology on the earth and the Jains believe this is the place where their religion's founder was spiritually awakened. There are many myths and legends that have encouraged the enigma surrounding Kailash Mountain. Standing out in an indescribably beautiful landscape, where no other relief rises above it, Mount Kailash is believed by Hindus to be the seat of Shiva in his eternal meditation. There are only four land routes to reach Mt. Kailash. The entry point for Mt. Kailash is Darchen. Located right in front of Mt Kailash, this is the starting point for pilgrims going on the Khora. Since Mount Kailash is in Chinese-controlled Tibet, onerous Tibet travel permit policies apply and you must join a guided tour to visit. In addition, since Kailash is a border region, you must also additionally obtain an Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. See Tibet#Get in for details, or consult a travel agency specializing in Tibet....
Climate
There are only four land routes to reach Mt. Kailash. The entry point for Mt. Kailash is Darchen. Located right in front of Mt Kailash, this is the starting point for pilgrims going on the Khora. Since Mount Kailash is in Chinese-controlled Tibet, onerous Tibet travel permit policies apply and you must join a guided tour to visit. In addition, since Kailash is a border region, you must also additionally obtain an Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. See Tibet#Get in for details, or consult a travel agency specializing in Tibet. Once you've jumped through all the bureaucratic hoops, actually visiting Kailash will cost ¥50 per person no matter how many times they circumambulate the mountain on one visit. Porters or yaks will cost about ¥65 per day. The main attraction of the mountain is the pilgrimage circuit around the mountain. It normally takes 3 days and should only be undertaken by the well-prepared and fit.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are only four land routes to reach Mt. Kailash. The entry point for Mt. Kailash is Darchen. Located right in front of Mt Kailash, this is the starting point for pilgrims going on the Khora. Since Mount Kailash is in Chinese-controlled Tibet, onerous Tibet travel permit policies apply and you must join a guided tour to visit. In addition, since Kailash is a border region, you must also additionally obtain an Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. See Tibet#Get in for details, or consult a travel agency specializing in Tibet. Once you've jumped through all the bureaucratic hoops, actually visiting Kailash will cost ¥50 per person no matter how many times they circumambulate the mountain on one visit. Porters or yaks will cost about ¥65 per day. The main attraction of the mountain is the pilgrimage circuit around the mountain. It normally takes 3 days and should only be undertaken by the well-prepared and fit....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The main attraction of the mountain is the pilgrimage circuit around the mountain. It normally takes 3 days and should only be undertaken by the well-prepared and fit. Water that flows from springs is very refreshing as it has mineral content. Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst. It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath and less energy than you are used to, as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here. However, altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give yourself a rest day if needed.
Where to Stay
Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst. It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath and less energy than you are used to, as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here. However, altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give yourself a rest day if needed.
Money & Budget
Water that flows from springs is very refreshing as it has mineral content. Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst. It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath and less energy than you are used to, as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here. However, altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give yourself a rest day if needed.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst. It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath and less energy than you are used to, as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here. However, altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give yourself a rest day if needed.
Glimpses of Mount Kailash
Kailash Yatra travel to TIBET China Kailas - the holiest mountain of Tibet. Object of pilgrimage of buddhist, hindu, jains and adepts of bon religion. Home of the Lord Shiva.
Mount Kailash Himalayas range Tibet
Alpen glow on magical Mount Cook, Aoraki, New Zealand. Visit my website: https://nilsleonhardt.com/sunset-over-mt-cook-new-zealand/
Kailash - the holiest mountain of Tibet. Object of pilgrimage of buddhist, hindu, jains and adepts of bon religion. Home of the Lord Shiva.
Mount Kailash Himalayas range Tibet
aerial view of Mount Fuji, Japan during daytime
snow covered mountain during daytime
blue lake in the middle of rocky mountains
Kailash - the holiest mountain of Tibet. Object of pilgrimage of buddhist, hindu, jains and adepts of bon religion. Home of the Lord Shiva.
Mount Kailash at night Himalayas range Tibet Kailas yatra
Kailash Yatra travel to TIBET China Kailas - the holiest mountain of Tibet. Object of pilgrimage of buddhist, hindu, jains and adepts of bon religion. Home of the Lord Shiva.
Mount Kailash Himalayas range Tibet
Alpen glow on magical Mount Cook, Aoraki, New Zealand. Visit my website: https://nilsleonhardt.com/sunset-over-mt-cook-new-zealand/