How to Reach Mount Kailash from Kathmandu?

Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain for believers of all religions, such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package includes Lake Mansarovar, bathing in the pristine water of Lake Mansarovar, meditating and praying, and doing the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The majority of the pilgrims start the trip to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu

A trip to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu is a difficult, remote, arid, cold journey to the high altitude of Dolma la. Many visitors arrive in Nepal for Mount Kailash from Kathmandu as a spiritual yatra.

For Hindus, mount Kailash is connected with Lord Shiva. Hindus consider Mount Kailash as an abode to Lord Shiva. For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is home to Chakrasamvara and a place to attain Nirvana. The holy books of Buddhists have described Mount Kailash as the center of the cosmic universe and named it Mount Meru.

What is Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash is a holy mountain and home to Lord Shiva, where he resides with his wife, Parvati. Many pilgrims from Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon religions come to do kora (circle around the mountain), bathe in lake Mansarovar etc. Very remote, very cold, many passes, spiritual journey.

Where is Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash lies in the administrative region in Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, China. The mountain is 6,638 meters high and lies at the coordinates of 31.0675° N, 81.3119° E.

How Far Is Mount Kailash from Kathmandu?

The distance between Kailash and Kathmandu depends on the route. The road distance from Kathmandu via the Rasuwa-Gyirong route is around 1,200-1,500 km. from Kerung, it’s a 700+ km long drive to Kailash and Mansarovar yatra. If you are visiting Kailash using the air route via Hilsa, then you will travel 120 to 170 km by bus.

How to reach Mount Kailash from Kathmandu?

Mount Kailash from Kathmandu generally follows two routes.

Route 1

Kathmandu → Syabrubesi → Kerung → Saga → Mansarovar Lake → Mount Kailash

Many pilgrims want to travel to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu because entry from the Nepal side is easy and the road route is open. Traveling by jeep or bus for the Mount Kailash tour package from Nepal is bumpy and dusty.

During rain, the road is muddy and sometimes blocked by landslides. You can expect an amazing natural view of the rivers, hills, and mountain range on the northern horizon. From Kathmandu, you will reach Syabrubesi and stay there for a night. Next day, after a regular checkup of your visa and permits, you will enter the Chinese border and head to Saga.

Travelling from Kerung to Saga is a long drive through high plateaus and an overnight in Saga. The next day, after rituals and bathing while enjoying the views of Lake Mansarovar, the trek starts from Yamadwar in Darchen. Darchen is the base from where the Kailash kora (Parikrama) starts and you will walk continuously for three days.

The complete kora for the next three days goes like this:

Darchen → Yamadwar →Dirapuk → Dolma La Pass → Zuthulphuk → Darchen.

After the kora parikrama, we will rest at Darchen and return to Kathmandu via Saga and Kerung. This journey generally takes 10-14 days to complete. If you are looking for a Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu, then the best option is to reach mount Kailash from the Kerung side.

Route 2: Nepalgunj-Simikot-Hilsa route

Some Kailash Yatri prefer flights for a quick tour via flight to Nepalgunj. The flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot takes about 50 minutes, then take a helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa. The helicopter can transfer only 4 passengers at a time. This is a 20-minute flight. This tour is more expensive than the road trip from Kerung and is highly affected by the weather. After the document verification at the Hilsa border, you drive to Mansarovar.

Kathmandu→Nepalgunj→Simikot→Hilsa-Mansarovar Lake→Mount Kailash

This route is a bit remote, and the trip is expensive due to the flight and helicopter.

What to expect in the routes?

Cultural Attractions in Kathmandu Before Tour

Before the tour to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu, we organized a city tour, including home (hawan) at Pashiupatinath Temple. Visitors usually spend one to two days in Kathmandu, enjoying the Vedic energy of Kathmandu valley.

Ascending Altitude and Cold

After crossing Kerung/Saga, the altitude reaches more than 4,000 m. This increases the cold and brings difficulty in breathing. Observe your body for the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness.

Accommodation

The guesthouses in towns are simple, providing you with basic vegetarian meals. In remote parts, the hotels become limited with an increase in height and need to share the rooms.

Food

You will get simple Nepali and Tibetan food, noodles, and tea with a limited menu and variety. The water is boiled or treated well for drinking. Remember you are a pilgrim. Consume as a prasad of Lord Shiva.

Some companies include a chef and cook as a package for Mount Kailash from Kathmandu to prepare Indian recipes.

Road/Transport

Driving through the forests of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa will take you to the Kerung border of China. The road to Kerung is often rough, muddy, and sometimes blocked by landslides. Let the driver drive the vehicle slowly while you enjoy the scenario. You will witness the prayer flags, mani walls, monasteries, and yaks in the Tibetan villages and remote plateau.

You will also visit the Mansarovar Lake and experience the beautiful landscape and sunrise and sunset views around Kailash.

Best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The best time to visit Mount Kailash is after the rainy season, which provides clear and dry weather perfect for trekking and viewing Kailash. Usually, May to September is preferred for the yatra.

Avoid the rainy and winter seasons. The rain will bring landslides and roadblocks. And the winter will fill the roads with a thick pile of snow.

Preparation for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Altitude sickness is the most serious risk when trekking to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu. The body must acclimate to cross Dolma La pass, the highest point on the trek.

Physical exercises, including cardio, hiking, and walking, help to increase endurance. One must have good physical condition, strong lungs, and be free from any heart diseases. Make a uniform pace and plan for acclimatization to adjust to the changing environment at high altitude. Stay hydrated and eat foods rich in carbohydrates to reduce the risk from altitude sickness.

Documents required

Passport valid for at least 6 months and must have enough blank pages. Carry some photos for visas and permits. Medical certificates might be asked to show that you are fit and fine and ready to walk at a high altitude. Travel Insurance must cover risks for emergency evacuations at high altitudes.

Some Practical Tips:

• Do not try to violate the rules set by the Chinese Government through your journey.
• Carry oxygen cans and first aid, Diamox and regular medicine
• Do not keep any files, photos, or documents regarding the Dalai Lama.

Kailash Mansarovar is a lifetime experience for pilgrims and for adventure people, with kora around the holy mountain and baths in Mansarovar. A lot of operators offer Mount Kailash tour packages from Nepal, including a hotel in Kathmandu, border crossing, a Tibet guide, and a parikrama trek.

You can book a Mount Kailash tour from Nepal with Awesome Holidays Nepal, and we will manage the visa, permits, and transport for you. Some of the pilgrims feel that the Mount Kailash Trek from Nepal is difficult but is full of blessings, with a high altitude but an amazing view.