Mount Kailash (Tibetan: Kang Rinpoche) is a sacred mountain in the far west of Tibet.
This mountain is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. In ancient texts, it is referred to as the center of the world. The reason can be understood from the geographical significance of its place: within a radius are the sources of mighty rivers Indus (to the north, called "Sindhu" in India), Sutlej (to the west), Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsang-po, to the east), and Karnali (the largest tributary to the Ganges, to the south).
Hindus regard the peak as Shiva's symbolic 'Lingam' and worship Mt. Kailash, which is the Sanskrit name for the mountain. Bonpos believe the sacred mountain to be the place where the founder of the Bon religion landed when he descended from the sky. Tibetan Buddhists believe Kang Rinpoche, which means Precious Snow Mountain, is a natural mandala representing the Buddhist cosmology on the earth and the Jains believe this is the place where their religion's founder was spiritually awakened.
There are many myths and legends that have encouraged the enigma surrounding Kailash Mountain. Standing out in an indescribably beautiful landscape, where no other relief rises above it, Mount Kailash is believed by Hindus to be the seat of Shiva in his eternal meditation.
There are only four land routes to reach Mt. Kailash.
The entry point for Mt. Kailash is Darchen. Located right in front of Mt Kailash, this is the starting point for pilgrims going on the Khora.
¥50 per person no matter how many times they circumambulate the mountain on one visit. Porters or yaks will cost about ¥65 per day.
The main attraction of the mountain is the pilgrimage circuit around the mountain. It normally takes 3 days and should only be undertaken by the well-prepared and fit.
Mt Kailash Khora (Pilgrimage Circuit) - A pilgrimage to Mt Kailash involves nothing more or less than making circuits around the sacred mountain. The Outer Pilgrimage Circuit (Chikhor) is about 52 km, and Tibetans can complete a circuit in a day. The majority of pilgrims try for 13 circuits, if they can. Some pilgrims do a circuit performing Kyangcha (Prostration). While the average circuit takes about 14 hours to complete, those doing prostration can take a couple of weeks. Those seeking to secure their path to enlightenment try for 108 circuits. Buddhists and Hindus travel clockwise around the mountain while Bonpos travel counter-clockwise. Most travelers take three days to complete a circuit.
Day 1 - Darchen - Drirapuk Gompa
Darchen - Chogu (Chuku) Gompa (3-4 hr), Chogu (Chuku) Gompa - Drirapuk Gompa (3-4 hr)
Drirapuk Gompa - Zutrulpuk Gompa (7-8 hr)
Zutrulpuk Gompa - Darchen (3 hr)
Lake Manasarovar Khora (Pilgrimage Circuit) - Together with Mt Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is a pilgrimage site. There is a pilgrimage path around the lake and a circuit is a little over 100 km, taking 4-5 days to complete. Chiu Gompa, 30 km south of Darchen, is a good starting point for a circuit around the lake.
Day 1 - Chiu Gompa - Langbona Gompa
Day 2 - Langbona Gompa - Seralung Gompa
Day 3 - Seralung Gompa - Trugo Gompa
Day 4 - Trugo Gompa - Chiu Gompa
Water that flows from springs is very refreshing as it has mineral content.
Weather conditions can change rapidly here and you should be prepared for the worst.
It's unlikely you will have problems with the altitude other than shortness of breath and less energy than you are used to, as you will have been at altitude for quite some time just to get here. However, altitude sickness is unpredictable, and you should always keep your plans flexible enough to give yourself a rest day if needed.
Related: Ngari (prefecture)
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division