Embarking on a Mount Kailash tour is more than a journey – it’s a transformational pilgrimage to one of the world’s most revered peaks. Rising to 6,638 meters in western Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture, Mount Kailash holds sacred status in four major religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the ancient Bon faith – and has long drawn pilgrims seeking spiritual purification and cosmic alignment. As Tibet’s premier Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour operator, China Dragon Travel welcomes over 10,000 global guests annually, offering fixed‑date departures and fully customizable small‑group itineraries from April through mid‑October.
2025 Mount Kailash Tour Itineraries
11‑Day Ngari Discovery Tibet Tour $ 1384 USD/Pax
Brief Itinerary:
D1. Arrival in Lhasa: Acclimatize at 3,650 m; explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Street.
D2. Yamdrok Lake & Gyantse: Scenic drive past turquoise Yamdrok Lake; visit Karola Glacier before overnighting in Gyantse’s historic town.
D3. Shigatse & Saga: Tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, residence of the Panchen Lama, then continue to Saga en route to Ngari.
D4. Darchen & Manasarovar: Reach the pilgrimage gateway of Darchen; visit Lake Manasarovar for a purification bath.
D5. Mount Kailash Kora: Embark on the 52 km kora over Dolma La Pass; overnight in mid‑route rest camps to complete the circuit.
D6. Guge Kingdom Ruins: Explore the ancient desert fortress in Zanda before returning toward central Tibet.
D7. Everest Base Camp Excursion: Optional extension to the world’s highest base camp; witness the north face of Everest.
D8. Return to Lhasa: Conclude with temples, libraries, and local markets—an immersive finale to your spiritual journey.
15‑Day Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour $ 1930 USD/Pax
Brief Itinerary:
D1. Lhasa Arrival
D2. Downtown Lhasa: Potala Palace — Jokhang Temple — Barkhor Street
D3. Lhasa — Yamdrok Lake — Karola Glacier — Shigatse
D4. Shigatse — Tingri — E.B.C. — Basong Village
D5. Basong Village — Tingri — Shishapangma Nature Reserve — Peiku Co — Saga
D6. Saga — Zhongba — Maquan River Marsh — Darchen
D7. Darchen — Mount Kailash — Zhire Temple
D8. Zhire Temple — Zuchu Temple
D9. Zuchu Temple — Darchen
D10. Darchen — Lake Laangcuo — Zhongba — Saga
D11. Saga — Tagejia Fountain — Dajiacuo — Gerongcuo — Parucuo — Coqen
D12. Coqen — Zhari Namco — Dang Reyongcuo — Dangqiongcuo — Nyima
D13. Nyima — Dazecuo — Qiaguicuo — Selincuo — Baingoin
D14. Baingoin — Tashi Dor — Laken Pass — Mount Nyainqentanglha — Lhasa
D15. Lhasa Departure
Highlights：
- Extended Rituals: Additional days at Darchen for specialized temple visits (Zhire, Zuchu Temples) and free time to perform extra‑strict prostrations.
- Trans‑Plateau Loop: Journey through the Shishapangma Nature Reserve, Peiku Co wetlands, and the remote Maquan River marshlands.
- Cultural Immersion: Multiple stops in nomadic villages and monastic communities, with opportunities to partake in local festivals if timing aligns.
- Northern Lakes Circuit: Traverse high‑altitude lakes—Laangcuo, Gerongcuo, Parucuo, and more—each adorned with unique flora and fauna.
- Return via Tibet’s Heartland: Conclude the loop through Nyima and Baingoin, glimpsing the pastoral life of Tibetan plateau tribes.
Both itineraries weave together spiritual practice, cultural encounters, and the unspoiled grandeur of the Ngari region, ensuring a balanced pace for acclimatization and deep reflection.
The Sacred Majesty of Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is more than a geological marvel; it is the embodiment of divine axis mundi—the world’s center—across multiple faiths:
- Hinduism: Believed to be the earthly throne of Lord Shiva, where his consort Parvati resides. Circumambulating (kora) Kailash is said to absolve sins and free one from the cycle of rebirth.
- Buddhism: Identified with Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the universe’s center. Pilgrims walk the kora seeking merit and enlightenment.
- Jainism: Known as Mount Ashtapada, where the first Tirthankara attained liberation. Completing the circuit symbolizes spiritual liberation.
- Bon: The indigenous religion of Tibet regards Kailash as the “Seat of the Sky Goddess,” with its kora ritual cleansing negative energies.
Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims undertake the 52‑kilometer kora around the base of the mountain, a trek that involves steep ascents to the Dolma La Pass (5,650 m) and rewards pilgrims with sweeping views of all four faces of Kailash. Beyond its spiritual allure, the mountain’s symmetrical, snow‑capped profile rising above arid plateaus makes it one of Earth’s most awe‑inspiring peaks.
Geography and Environment of Mount Kailash
Located in the remote Ngari region of Tibet, Mount Kailash overlooks the turquoise waters of Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal. The surrounding terrain is characterized by:
- High‑Altitude Desert: Sparse vegetation and windswept plains at elevations above 4,500 m.
- Glacial Streams: Meltwater from nearby glaciers feeds into sacred lakes, sustaining nomadic herders’ yaks and sheep.
- Alpine Meadows: From June to September, wildflowers blanket higher pastures, providing vibrant contrasts to the stark mountain backdrop.
- Pristine Lakes: Lake Manasarovar (4,590 m) is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, revered for its crystal‑clear waters believed to cleanse the soul.
Despite the harsh environment—thin air, strong UV radiation, and dramatic temperature swings—seasonal variations make April through mid‑October the most favorable window for trekking, with warmer daytime temperatures and reduced snowfall.
Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash
April to Mid‑October is the only period when Mt. Kailash tours operate. Key considerations:
- Spring (April–May): Trail conditions improve as snow melts; daytime temperatures hover around 10–15 °C, though nights can dip below freezing.
- Summer (June–August): Peak trekking season with wildflower blooms and extended daylight; occasional afternoon showers nourish the meadows.
- Autumn (September–Mid‑October): Clear skies and cool, crisp air make for ideal trekking and photography; fewer crowds than summer.
Because the trekking path lies consistently above 4,500 m, early planning and permit arrangements are essential. Contacting your tour operator by late winter ensures your choice of departure dates and accommodation preferences.
Mount Kailash Tour Overview: Fixed Dates & Custom Options
China Dragon Travel offers 100% guaranteed fixed‑departure dates every month during the operating season, accommodating both solo travelers looking to join small groups (2–15 participants) and those seeking fully private, tailor‑made expeditions. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Permits: Guaranteed Tibet Travel Permits and Manasarovar permits handled on your behalf.
- Expert Local Guides: Each tour is led by a Tibetan‑speaking guide with a minimum of 20 years’ experience on the Ngari Plateau.
- Health & Safety Support: Complimentary portable oxygen, bottled water, and round‑the‑clock support for altitude adjustment and emergencies.
- All‑Inclusive Pricing: Admission fees, cultural performances, and high‑quality accommodations—from guesthouses in Darchen to comfortable hotels in Lhasa—are included.
Whether you opt for our signature 11‑Day Ngari Discovery Tibet Tour or immersive 15‑Day Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, you’ll traverse an array of sacred sites, high‑altitude landscapes, and vibrant Tibetan cities, all under the expert care of China Dragon Travel.
Health, Altitude, and Preparation of Mt. Kailash
Trekking in high altitudes demands proper preparation:
- Acclimatization Days: Built‑in rest days in Lhasa and Saga reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Medical Backup: Continuous health monitoring by our guides, with oxygen tanks and emergency protocols on standby.
- Packing Essentials: Layered clothing, UV‑protective eyewear, high‑SPF sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots, and a good quality sleeping bag rated for sub‑zero temperatures.
- Physical Fitness: Moderate cardiovascular training—hiking, cycling, or jogging—helps build endurance for daily walks of 15–25 km.
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities; our veteran guides are trained to spot altitude‑related symptoms early and to adjust the itinerary if required.
Why Choose China Dragon Travel for Mount Kailash Tour
- Expertise & Reliability
- First and largest Mt. Kailash operator in Tibet, with over 10,000 annual guests.
- Guaranteed monthly departure dates and flexible private‑tour options.
- Comprehensive Service
- One‑stop permit processing, logistical arrangements, high‑altitude equipment, and porters included.
- Complimentary oxygen, bottled water, and 24/7 emergency support.
- Deep Local Knowledge
- Guides with 20+ years’ experience leading Mt. Kailash pilgrimages.
- Insider tips on hidden scenic spots, local rituals, and optimal photography angles.
- Commitment to Sustainability
- Partnerships with eco‑friendly accommodations and community projects.
- Strict adherence to responsible‑travel principles to preserve Ngari’s pristine landscapes.
- Proven Track Record
- In 2024 alone, over 1,000 travelers successfully completed their Mt. Kailash kora with us.
- Stellar reviews for safety, comfort, and authentic cultural immersion.
A Mount Kailash tour is far more than a trek—it is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime pilgrimage through the heart of the Tibetan cosmos. From the first breath you draw in Lhasa’s sacred valley to the final steps around Kailash’s hallowed base, you will encounter landscapes that defy description, cultures that have flourished at the edge of endurance, and a sense of connection that transcends borders and beliefs. Whether seeking spiritual renewal or an epic adventure, let China Dragon Travel be your trusted partner. With our decades of experience, local expertise, and unwavering commitment to your well‑being, we guarantee a journey that will uplift your spirit and leave you with memories etched against the backdrop of the Roof of the World.
Contact China Dragon Travel today to secure your spot on our April–October Mt. Kailash tour departures, or customize your own private pilgrimage tailored to your dreams and aspirations. Venture into the navel of the universe—and let the sacred mountain transform you.
