Mount Kailash, or Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan is the most scared of mountains in the Himalaya. It fits in as a part of the Transhimalaya and lies near Asia’s longest rivers like the Indus River and the Sutlej River which is the main tributary of the Indus River, Karnali River and Brahmaputra River.
Mount kailash trek:
Mount Kailash, or Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan is the most scared of mountains in the Himalaya. It fits in as a part of the Transhimalaya and lies near Asia’s longest rivers like the Indus River and the Sutlej River which is the main tributary of the Indus River, Karnali River and Brahmaputra River. This one mountain is considered highly sacred in four different religions: Bon, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. This peak in the Kailash Range or the Gangdise Mountains is visited by pilgrims of these four religions yearly and the lakes Mansarovar and Rakshtal that are nearby Mount. Kailas are considered holy a swell. A trek to Mount Kailash is not an easy one, it is strenuous and physical fitness is required. It is a challenge on their faith for the pilgrims while an adventure for avid trekkers.
Mount Kailash trip information
Area: Mount Kailash and Mansarovar
Maximum elevation: 5,630m
Duration: 14 days
Transportation: via road, then trekking
Difficulty: medium, difficult
Best season: March to May in spring and September to November in autumn or fall
Minimum in the group: 2 people
Accommodation: guest house/hotel/tea house.
Kathmandu to Nyalam (3,750m), 155 km
The first day of the tour will be spent driving from Kathmandu to Nyalam. You will witness firsthand beautiful lush green Nepalese villages opposite to Bhote Koshi River till the Nepal-Tibet border. The drive from border leads to a steady climb to the Zhangmu town and further ahead to Nyalam. Overnight at a guest house in Nyalam.
Nyalam-pelgu TSO (4,595m), 57 Kilometers
The second day of the tour we drive from Nyalam to Pelgu TSO Tong La Pass. We go through Lalung La pass after crossing Nyalam Tong La to witness the incredible views of Shisha Panga (8,012m). Camping in a suitable location in Pelgu for the night.
Pelgu to Saga (4,280m)
The third day of the trip we drive from camping site in Pelgu to Saga. Saga is typical Tibetan and Chinese mix town and is considered the gateway for those visiting Mt. Kailas and Mansarovar Lake.
Saga to Paryang (4,750m), 255 km
We drive for 145 Km from Saga to Zhongba. It is a smooth journey of 4-5 hours. We will see the small monastery that is there is Zhongba. From Zhongba to Paryang the roads are dusty and bumby but the scenaries and jaw-dropping. We stop at Paryang for overnight stay.
Lake Mansarovar (4,560m), 260 Km journey
Buckle up for the drive from Paryang to Mansarovar Lake, the drive is rough and long. You will travel on this bumpy and dusty road with exclusive and unique backgrounds along the way for 10 hours. We will camp for the night at Hor Qu once we arrive in Mansarovar.
Darchen (4,650m), 30 Km
From our camping site in Hor Qu, Darchen is about 30 m far to the north. For those awaiting to visit Mt. Kailas, Darcheen is the main gateway. Now, from Darchhen you will get ponies or yaks to complete the Kailas circuit.
Kailash circuit trek
You will need to trek for three days to complete the Kailash circuit trek which is 53 Km long and difficult.
Kailas circuit day 1: Darchen to Diraphuk
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Kailas circuit day 1: Darchen- Diraphuk: It will take you round about 6 hours or more to complete this trek, it includes climbing and hiking. Heading to west clockwise you will climb up to a cairn that is at 4,730m of height. It is a viewpoint for Mt. kailash. You will also visit Tarboche en route.
Kailas circuit day 2: Dhiraphuk to Zutrulphuk:
Crossing Dolma La pass at a height of 5,630m and Gouri Kunda which is a frozen lake of importance to Hindu Pilgirms at 5,608 m, we will stop at Zutrulphuk for the day.
Kailas circuit day 3: This is the final day of the religious parikrama (circling around Mt.Kailash) and is comparatively easier. It is a 2-3 hours of walk. The 3 days long Kailas circuit trek will end today and we will drive down to Darcha and afterwards to Lake Mansarovar. Overnight at Chiu Gompa.
Kailash circuit trek
You will need to trek for three days to complete the Kailash circuit trek which is 53 Km long and difficult.
Kailas circuit day 1: Darchen to Diraphuk
.
Kailas circuit day 1: Darchen- Diraphuk: It will take you round about 6 hours or more to complete this trek, it includes climbing and hiking. Heading to west clockwise you will climb up to a cairn that is at 4,730m of height. It is a viewpoint for Mt. kailash. You will also visit Tarboche en route.
Kailas circuit day 2: Dhiraphuk to Zutrulphuk:
Crossing Dolma La pass at a height of 5,630m and Gouri Kunda which is a frozen lake of importance to Hindu Pilgirms at 5,608 m, we will stop at Zutrulphuk for the day.
Kailas circuit day 3: This is the final day of the religious parikrama (circling around Mt.Kailash) and is comparatively easier. It is a 2-3 hours of walk. The 3 days long Kailas circuit trek will end today and we will drive down to Darcha and afterwards to Lake Mansarovar. Overnight at Chiu Gompa.
Kailash circuit trek
You will need to trek for three days to complete the Kailash circuit trek which is 53 Km long and difficult.
Kailas circuit day 1: Darchen to Diraphuk
.
Kailas circuit day 1: Darchen- Diraphuk: It will take you round about 6 hours or more to complete this trek, it includes climbing and hiking. Heading to west clockwise you will climb up to a cairn that is at 4,730m of height. It is a viewpoint for Mt. kailash. You will also visit Tarboche en route.
Kailas circuit day 2: Dhiraphuk to Zutrulphuk:
Crossing Dolma La pass at a height of 5,630m and Gouri Kunda which is a frozen lake of importance to Hindu Pilgirms at 5,608 m, we will stop at Zutrulphuk for the day.
Kailas circuit day 3: This is the final day of the religious parikrama (circling around Mt.Kailash) and is comparatively easier. It is a 2-3 hours of walk. The 3 days long Kailas circuit trek will end today and we will drive down to Darcha and afterwards to Lake Mansarovar. Overnight at Chiu Gompa.
Resting or self-exploring day around Lake Mansarovar
You can rest or explore the Mansarovar area on your own today. There are meditation caves you can explore. Chiu Gompa where we will be staying is very peaceful in itself, so you can spend the day there or take a bath in Mansarovar Lake as well.
Lake Mansarovar to Paryang
Now, on our way back we will follow the same route as before and get back to Paryang from Mansarovar. This the same 10 hour dusty and bumpy ride we took before and like before comes with excellent sceneries.
Paryang to Saga
We will drive to Saga from Paryang to stay for the night.
Saga to Nyalam
Today’s drive will be from Saga to Nylam via Tingri, we leave behind the Tibetan plateaus and head towards Nylam city to spend the night finally in a hotel, warm and cozy.
Back to Kathmandu
We will start our day after the breakfast and drive to Zhangmu from Nyalam via the swindling downhill roads with fantastic views of massive waterfalls. After this one hour drive we will go few kilometers ahead from Zhangmu to meet the Bhotekoshi River and the friendship bridge which acts as a border from Nepal and Tibet. Five hours of drive from there will take you back to Kathmandu.
Accommodation: guest house/hotel/tea house.