When most people think of deep spiritual journeys or epic adventures in Asia, the Tibet Kailash tours almost always stand out. Mount Kailash, in Ngari Prefecture, is considered sacred by four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. It’s not just a mountain it’s a once-in-a-lifetime goal for pilgrims and explorers alike.
Tibet Kailash tours offer a unique chance to trek around one of the holiest peaks on the planet, visit the legendary Lake Manasarovar, and cross landscapes so wild they feel like another world. This article is your 2025 guide: best months to visit, what itineraries look like, how to get there, must-see sites in Ngari, permits, cultural tips, and more.
Why is Mount Kailash So Special?
Mount Kailash (6,714 m) dominates the far-western Tibetan landscape. Unlike Everest, summiting is forbidden; instead, the sacred “kora” (circumambulation) trek around the mountain draws both the truly devout and those seeking personal transformation. For followers of Tibetan Buddhism and other faiths, this journey washes away the sins of a lifetime.
But Tibet Kailash tours are about much more: encountering nomadic culture, vast alpine lakes, wild valleys, and ancient ruins—including the enigmatic Guge Kingdom.
Where is Mount Kailash and Ngari Prefecture?
Mount Kailash is in the remote western corner of Tibet, in Ngari Prefecture. The starting point for most tours is Lhasa, and from there it’s a long—but incredibly scenic—drive across the Tibetan Plateau.
- Main gateway cities: Lhasa or Ali (Ngari)
- Distance: ~1,200 km from Lhasa overland
- Altitude: The region is high—most points above 4,500 m, with passes over 5,000 m.
Ngari Prefecture also hosts Lake Manasarovar, the Guge Kingdom ruins, Tirthapuri hot springs, and gateway towns Darchen (Mt. Kailash) and Zanda/Tholing (Guge Kingdom)
Most Popular Tibet Kailash Tours & Itinerary Options
1. Classic 15-Day Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Tour
The most popular group tour covers the key highlights of central and western Tibet.
- Day 1-3: Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery
- Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse (Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier)
- Day 5: Gyantse to Shigatse (Tashilhunpo Monastery)
- Day 6-8: Shigatse to Saga, Lake Manasarovar, Darchen
- Day 9-11: 3-day Mount Kailash Kora Trek (Darchen to Dirapuk, through Drolma La Pass, ending at Darchen)
- Day 12-13: Optional visit to Guge Kingdom
- Day 14-15: Return to Lhasa
See the full 15-day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour details
2. Overland Tour via Nepal
Many Tibet Kailash tours link Kathmandu and Lhasa, crossing the border at Kyirong, before continuing to Mount Kailash and even Everest Base Camp.
3. Ngari Explorer with Guge Kingdom
Add a cultural and archaeological dimension by including Zanda and the Guge Kingdom after your Kailash kora.
What is the Kailash Kora? How Difficult Is It?
The classic Kailash Kora is a ~52 km circuit around Mount Kailash, taking 2-3 days.
- Trail Highlights: Dirapuk Monastery, Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), Zutulphuk Monastery
- Is it hard?
- The walk is not technically difficult, but the altitude is serious (Drolma La is over 5,600 m).
- Most trekkers with decent fitness and good acclimatization succeed—your guide will pace the walk and arrange porters/yaks for packs.
What Else to Experience in Ngari Prefecture?
- Lake Manasarovar: Sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, with breathtaking turquoise waters
- Guge Kingdom Ruins: Explore ancient hilltop city remains with dramatic landscapes
- Tirthapuri Hot Springs: Traditional healing spot for pilgrims
- Nomadic Encounters: Visit yak herder camps and witness traditional Tibetan life
- Wildlife Watching: See wild donkeys, yaks, and migratory birds in the high plateau
Best Time for Tibet Kailash Tours
- May to June & September to October: Clear skies, most stable weather, best views
- July and August: Peak season and busiest but the landscape is greenest; be prepared for possible rain and higher prices
- November to April: Cold and many facilities close; not recommended except for the most experienced travelers
Peak religious festivals like Saga Dawa (usually May/June) are incredibly atmospheric but require early booking.
Permits and Requirements for Tibet Kailash Tours
Foreign travelers to Tibet and Mount Kailash need:
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTB)
- Alien’s Travel Permit (for Ngari Prefecture)
- Military Permit (for remote west Tibet)
- Chinese visa (arrange before your tour)
All permits are arranged by your travel agency. Independent travel is not possible for foreigners.
More in our FAQ
How to Get to Mount Kailash and Ngari
- By Road: The classic way—overland from Lhasa, passing Gyantse, Shigatse, Saga, Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
- By Air: Fly to Ali airport (Ngari Gunsa); 7-8 hours by car to Darchen
- Via Nepal: Cross the border at Kyirong, continue overland to Kailash
Tours use comfortable vehicles, and your guide will help with altitude adjustment, accommodation, and all logistics.
Check our Tibet tours and overland routes.
What to Pack for Tibet Kailash Tours
- Clothing: Layered clothing for cold and warm days, down jacket, waterproof shell, hat, gloves
- Trekking gear: Hiking boots (well broken-in), walking poles, small daypack
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat, high-SPF sunscreen (intense UV at high altitude)
- First aid: Personal medications, altitude sickness medication if needed
- Documents: Copies of permits, passport, visa, travel insurance
- Snacks/food: Protein bars, dried fruit, nuts; food options are basic in Ngari
- Cash: ATMs scarce in remote areas (bring Chinese yuan); cards not accepted
Essential Travel Tips for Tibet Kailash Tours
- Acclimatize: Spend at least 2-3 days in Lhasa before heading to altitude
- Go slow: Listen to your body—don’t rush kora, drink lots of water
- Insurance: Comprehensive travel/medical insurance covering evacuation
- Respect local customs: Do not attempt to climb Kailash; respect the silence and rituals of pilgrims
- Book Early: Permits and space during festival periods (Saga Dawa) fill fast
FAQ About Tibet Kailash Tours
Is the Kailash trek safe for solo travelers? Yes, but you must be part of an organized group—your agency provides local guides and safety support.
Do I need prior trekking experience? Reasonable fitness and preparation for altitude. No ropes or technical climbing involved, just stamina.
Can I visit Everest Base Camp on the same trip? Yes—many Tibet Kailash tours include EBC as a highlight on the way to or from Mt. Kailash.
Is vegetarian food available? Mostly in Lhasa and larger towns; in Ngari, food is simple and meat-heavy, so bring snacks if vegetarian.
How spiritual is the experience? Even non-religious travelers find the devotion of pilgrims and the majesty of the mountain deeply moving.
Conclusion: Start Your Tibet Kailash Tour in 2025
Whether your dream is trekking the sacred path around Mount Kailash, exploring the ruins of lost kingdoms in Ngari, or soaking in the purity of Lake Manasarovar, Tibet Kailash tours will change your life. These adventures demand respect, preparation, and an open heart—but they repay travelers with memories, insight, and spiritual peace.
Contact our experienced team to book your own Tibet Kailash tour and set foot on one of the world’s most legendary journeys.
