Mount Kailash

1. Brief Information:

Location: Ngari Region of Western Tibet (China)
Altitude: Kailash Peak 6714m
Climate: (0 to 70 Degrees Fahrenheit)
Best Time to Visit: from May to September
Permits: TTB permits, Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit
Trekking Distance: 56km
High point of trekking: Drolma La Pass 5630m
Duration of trekking: 2-3 days
Difficulty: medium to difficult
Accommodation: camping or local guesthouses
Food: local simple restaurant

2. Legend is saying:

"The mountain is the gathering place of masses of gods, among which are the highest gods of Hinduism." So it is welcomed by many pilgrims of different faiths to visit here. Especially in the horse year of Tibetan calendar, when Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, is said to be born, pilgrims will trek 13 circles for good fortune.

According to the sayings of Buddhism, "trekking 1 circle around Mount Kailash can atone for all the sins committed throughout one's lifetime; trekking 10 circles will prevent eternal damnation of hell tribulation in one's reincarnations of 500 years; trekking 100 circles will make a person one with Buddha."

3. Highlights for trekking:

1) Traditional Tibetan Village: several traditional Tibetan villages where people lead a very simple life, even still practice ancient culture and customs.

2) Five temples around Kailash: Nyari Monastery, Drirapuk Monastery, Songchu Monastery, Gyangzha Monastery and Thailong Monaster. Each is endowed with different legendary stories and decorated by distinctive sculpture, statues, murals, thangkas and other Tibetan cultural objects.

4. Trekking Tips:

1) Get to know the Trekking Route of Mt. Kailash

Big trekking route:
Day 1 Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery;
Day 2 Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery;
Day 3 Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen.

2) Decide when to trek

The spiritual journey pilgrim trekking to Mount Kailash is highly recommended from May to October, especially during the Saga Dawa Festival in June.

3) Get the Tibet Travel Permits

Foreign tourists need to entrust a Tibet local travel agency to apply for Tibet Travel Permits and then are able to enter Tibet region. So, all tourists are advised to plan a trekking trip 60 days ahead.

The necessary permits: Your passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit ( TTB permit ), Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Permit. Read more info. about Tibet Permt & Visa 2014.

4) Prepare Camping Gear

Although there are guest houses and monasteries on the trekking route providing basic shelters for you, you also may need camping equipment, because the accommodation condition can not reach your requirement and not enough sometimes.

You can let your travel agency take care of camping gear for you, so you can just enjoy your trip. Beijing Holiday provides all camping supplies for you: tents, sleeping bags, camping mats and even horses or yaks to carry your supplies.

5) Bring your favorite snacks

Some guest houses can provide instant noodles and fried rice ( Tibetan food ) for tourists. Sometimes, the food is not good. It is better to bring some favorite snacks for foreign tourists.

6) Be aware of safety and health issues

Nowadays, it is very safe to travel to Tibet. However, most regions in Tibet is in high altitude. You need to consult your doctor first before your trip to Tibet. After your arrival in Lhasa, you can purchase some medications for reducing the effects of High Altitude Sickness. Please read more info. about how to avoid Tibet Altitude Sickness.

7) Pay attention to Taboos

Before you going Lhasa, even Mount Kailash, it is better to get some knowledge of the etiquette and taboos, and please respect the local customs and be polite. Taboos: don't put your arms around someone's shoulders; don't enter a monastery without permission… Read more Tibet taboos.