Why tour Mt Kailash?
The Tibetan plateau houses Mount Kailash, an area of great religious significance to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion. A pilgrimage called the Kailash Parikrama is said to be life-changing for the adherents of these faiths, who see it as one that cleanses their souls, bestowing the much-needed spiritual bliss into life.
While Hindus profess that the mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva, Buddhists consider its home, Demchok, a god symbolizing ultimate bliss. Jains think of it as the place of Nirvana of Lord Rishabhdev, the very first Tirthankara, thus the last pilgrimage. The perfect trek is interspersed around the ultimate place of the ancient Mt. Kailash and allows ample opportunity for self-contemplation, spiritual rejuvenation, and even magic-like reconnection to age-old traditions.
Beyond this religious holiness lies the mesmerizing mountain beauty and treacherous terrain: the very soul of adventure beckoning from all corners of the world for trekkers pouring into the region to explore this unique trek into inner peace and then self-discovery.
Cultural and Spiritual Reflection
Not only does the Kailash Parikrama pose a physical challenge, but it also enriches the soul. Every bit of this journey from the sacred Lake Mansarovar, passing through Mt. Kailash, is immersed in spirituality, offering a new dimension to the landscape. Pilgrims assert that to do Parikrama is to purify one's soul, to cleanse the Padmasambhava from all past sins, and bring blessings for a fruitful future. For these travelers, the tour becomes an opportunity to meditate, pray, and ponder life and its meanings. The gigantic landscape becomes a canvas on which the thoughts of centuries-old cultural rituals and religious practices invite the visitor to cast back on their spiritual convictions and how they see themselves in the world.
Here, the silence and tranquility envelop you, conducive to deep introspection and personal growth. It is, for many, a journey of transformation internally as much as it is an outward journey.
Travel Documents and Permits
A travel document is needed for the following travel. Travel to Mt. Kailash entails obtaining travel permits and passes, particularly the Chinese visa for foreign nationals traveling to Tibet. Such kind of visa is part of the scope of the Tibet Travel Permit, which is issued by the Chinese government. In addition to the Tibet Permit, you will require a Group Tourist Visa conditioned by your tour operator. They give you the necessary permission to access the otherwise restricted areas of Tibet, such as Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The travel consultant will work with all the necessary paperwork, including permits and visa applications, to ensure compliance with all government regulations. Most of these permits prod you to cross the Nepal-Tibet border (via Rasuwagadhi Border).
While processing the documents, it is very important to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the traveling date. It is better to prepare in advance for the long waiting time required to process the permits.
Health and Fitness
Since it has high-altitude characteristics, health, and fitness are of prime importance factors for travelers undertaking the Mt. Kailash trek. This trek is at its highest point by Dolma-La Pass, which reaches 5630 m elevation, creating chances of altitude sickness at that altitude level without the necessary precautions. Being fit is very important when undertaking this trek. Cardiovascular workouts like hiking, walking, or running will enable the body to get used to supporting the journey's physical demands. Furthermore, the person needs to acclimatize well enough so as not to experience acute mountain sickness (AMS) commonly experienced at high elevations. Thus, rest days have been included on the itinerary; it includes the acclimatization days spent in Kerung and Saga before continuing the journey.
In addition, the medications for altitude sickness should be carried along, and your guide should keep an eye on people in the group for any complaints related to health. Slow and steady walking, maintaining good hydration, and taking proper rest breaks are the keys to minimizing risks on that journey.
Food and Accommodation during the Tour
The food and accommodation along the Mt. Kailash Tour differ in comfort and availability because the tour moves through very remote and high-altitude areas. In Kathmandu, before the tour, one can find some standard hotels with food choices. After entering Tibet, however, accommodations are usually simple guesthouses or lodges with shared bathrooms. Rooms are basic and minimally equipped, and you may even be sharing, in some places, dormitory-style accommodation with fellow trekkers. Some of the accommodations may not have heating along the way, so make sure you have enough warm clothing to tuck in.
On the food side, pretty basic vegetarian meals are provided on the tour: rice, dal, noodles, and vegetables. These meals are only meant to fuel you and provide sustenance for trekking, although options are pretty few because of the remoteness of the area. Tibetan bread, together with tea, which is usually butter tea, is a high-protein staple for Tibetans. Brace yourself for a simple yet hearty meal with zero options. It is advisable to take in plenty of fluids to hydrate the system, so pack in water purification tablets or a filter. Food is not a luxury by any means: it only provides the necessities to act as fuel under the strenuous demands of the tour.
Best Time to Travel Mt Kailash
The prime time for the tour, during the spring and autumn months, is when the weather is very conducive for the Kailash Parikrama. The absolute best time would, therefore, be the months of April-May and September-October, with clear weather, pleasant temperatures, and less chance of snow or rain. This combination ensures that trekking in spring and autumn at lower altitudes would be quite comfortable, whereas higher elevations may drop below freezing.
Any trek to Mount Kailash during the tough winter months (November to March) is thus ruled out, with heavy snow, blizzards, and freezing temperatures likely to face trekkers at their worst. And then, from June to August in the monsoon season, the rainy weather could worsen the road conditions, rendering access to Mount Kailash even more difficult. Besides, many lodges may shut down in winter, and some roads may even get blocked.
Therefore, plan your trek keeping in mind these good months for a safe, cozy, and happy journey.
Trekking Gear and Packing Essentials
High-altitude trekking gear and clothes are non-negotiable attendant concerns while packing for the Mt. Kailash Tour, where weather conditions can change rapidly and the terrain is quite taxing. Here are the essentials to pack.
-
Layered Clothing
-
Warm Hats and Gloves
-
Trekking Boots
-
Trekking Poles
-
Sleeping Gear
-
Water and Hydration
-
Personal Medications
-
Sun Protection
-
First-Aid Kit
-
Backpack and Daypack
