How to plan a Mt. Kailash tour in the Shortest and Easiest Way: A Complete Guide

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For those who are short on time, it is possible to complete the journey in the shortest and easiest way to travel to Mt Kailash without compromising the spiritual essence of the experience. Situated in remote western Tibet, Mt. Kailash holds profound religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. While many undertake long pilgrimages to experience the sacred mountain, you can plan a streamlined trip that fits a tight schedule, combining speed, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment. This guide outlines how to organize an efficient yet rewarding visit to Mt. Kailash, perfect for travelers looking to maximize time while minimizing hassle.

Choosing Your Entry Point: Kathmandu, Nepal or Mainland China

Your journey begins with choosing the most convenient entry point to Tibet, either through Kathmandu or mainland China.

Option 1: Kathmandu, Nepal
Arrive in Kathmandu and allow three working days to secure a Chinese visa. Afterward, fly to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital.

Option 2: Mainland China
Fly into a major city like Beijing, Chengdu, or Shanghai, and obtain your Chinese visa in advance from your home country. This route eliminates the waiting time in Kathmandu and offers a quicker transition to Tibet.

Both options are valid, but for time-sensitive travelers, entering through mainland China can be the shortest and easiest way to travel to Mt Kailash.

Acclimatization in Lhasa

Once in Lhasa, it is essential to spend at least two nights acclimatizing to the high altitude before heading to Mt. Kailash. Altitude sickness is a common concern in Tibet, so taking it slow during the first couple of days is vital. Use this time to explore iconic sites such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, while allowing your body to adjust to the thin air.

Fly from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport

To cut down travel time, fly directly from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport, the closest airport to Mt. Kailash. This 2-hour flight is significantly quicker than the alternative overland route, which can take several days of driving through rugged terrain. Although the flight is costly (approximately $1,176 round-trip), it saves precious time and energy, making it the shortest and easiest way to travel to Mt Kailash.

Shortest and Easiest Mt. Kailash Tour Options

Planning your tour with an experienced Tibetan-owned tour operator is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. You will need several permits, including the Tibet Travel Permit and Mt. Kailash Permit, which can take up to 20-30 days to process.

There are two main tour options:

  • 6-Day Kailash Tour (without Kora)
    This itinerary is perfect for those looking to visit the sacred site without trekking the Kailash Kora. The tour includes a visit to Lake Mansarovar and the base of Mt. Kailash, with time to offer prayers before returning to Lhasa.
  • 10-Day Kailash Tour (including Kora)
    This option includes the full Kora trek, a pilgrimage route around the mountain. The Kora adds an extra spiritual dimension to the trip but requires a higher level of physical endurance. After completing the Kora, the journey ends back in Lhasa.

Permits and Visas for Your Mt. Kailash Tour

Depending on your route, the visa and permit process may differ slightly:

  • From Kathmandu:
    Obtain your Chinese visa in Kathmandu, then allow your tour operator to arrange the necessary Tibetan permits.
  • From Mainland China:
    Secure your Chinese visa from your home country and send a copy to your Tibetan tour operator. They will organize your permits and deliver them to your hotel in China before you fly to Lhasa.

Cost Considerations

The express route to Mt. Kailash is more expensive than traditional tours, primarily due to the flight from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport. However, the convenience and time savings make this option worthwhile for busy professionals or those with limited vacation time seeking the shortest and easiest way to travel to Mt Kailash.

Accommodation

Lhasa offers a range of accommodations, from 5-star luxury hotels to boutique and 3-star options. Near Mt. Kailash at Darchen, the base camp town, 4-star hotels with en-suite facilities are available, offering a good balance of comfort and proximity to the sacred mountain.

Guides, Vehicles, and Support

Your Tibetan tour operator will provide knowledgeable, English-speaking guides and comfortable transportation. For those seeking more luxury, Toyota Land Cruisers or deluxe minivans are available. If you plan to complete the Kora, porters and horses can assist, or you can opt to ride a horse yourself.

Best Time to Visit Mt. Kailash

The best months for visiting Mt. Kailash are May, June, September, and October, when the weather is relatively mild. July can also be a favorable time to visit, with minimal rain and manageable temperatures.

Preparing for High Altitude

Altitude preparation is crucial for a smooth trip. Begin light exercises weeks before your departure to build endurance. Stay hydrated upon arrival and consider taking Diamox or other altitude medication. If you choose Tibet Shambhala Adventure as your tour company, we can also provide oxygen tanks, Gamo bags, and herbal Diamox for added safety.

Food and Dining Options

Lhasa offers a variety of international dining options, but as you journey closer to Mt. Kailash, expect simpler Tibetan meals. With Tibet Shambhala Adventure, you can request additional dining services, including Western, Nepali, or Indian meals, to be prepared by a private chef during your trek.

Sacred Bathing at Lake Mansarovar

While bathing in Lake Mansarovar is no longer allowed, Tibet Shambhala Adventure offers a private tent with hot water from the lake for a spiritual cleansing experience.

Insurance and Safety

Booking with a well-established company like Tibet Shambhala Adventure ensures you’re covered by liability insurance and comprehensive safety protocols, including oxygen supplies and altitude sickness precautions. It’s still advisable to purchase personal travel insurance, particularly for high-altitude coverage.

Conclusion: Is This Fast-Track Mt. Kailash Tour Right for You?

For travelers seeking a spiritual experience in a short timeframe, this fast-track Mt. Kailash tour is an excellent option. With flights from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha, acclimatization in Lhasa, and a range of accommodation and dining options, you can experience the spiritual energy of Mt. Kailash without the extended time commitment. Whether you opt for the 6-day or 10-day itinerary, this route offers convenience and comfort, ideal for those with busy schedules or limited vacation time looking for the shortest and easiest way to travel to Mt Kailash.

Example Itineraries

6-Day Mt. Kailash Tour by Flight (without Kora)

  • Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa, acclimatization, and city tour
  • Day 2: Lhasa city tour (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple)
  • Day 3: Fly from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport and drive to Darchen
  • Day 4: Visit Lake Mansarovar and offer prayers at Mt. Kailash
  • Day 5: Return to Ali Kunsha and fly back to Lhasa
  • Day 6: Depart from Lhasa

10-Day Mt. Kailash Tour by Flight (with Kora)

  • Day 1-2: Arrival and acclimatization in Lhasa
  • Day 3: Fly to Ali Kunsha and drive to Darchen
  • Day 4: Visit Lake Mansarovar
  • Day 5-7: Complete the Kora around Mt. Kailash
  • Day 8: Return to Darchen and Ali Kunsha
  • Day 9: Fly back to Lhasa
  • Day 10: Depart from Lhasa

If you’re ready for a memorable and spiritually enriching journey to Mt. Kailash, contact Tibet Shambhala Adventure for a hassle-free experience and the shortest and easiest way to travel to Mt Kailash.

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