Kailash Overland Tour Booking in Advance
Generally, it takes around 7 to 14 working days to process the Tibet Travel Permit. Given the additional travel permits required for a trip to Mount Kailash, the processing time could be longer than for ordinary Tibet tours. It is recommended to book your Mount Kailash tour at least 30 days in advance to allow sufficient time for processing all required paper applications.
The necessary travel documents for Mount Kailash Overland Yatra
First, you need to apply for a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Make sure you don’t have a Chinese Visa, or your former visa will be canceled once the group visa is issued. Then, you also need the Tibet Travel Permit to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region from Nepal.
Some other local travel documents, like the Alien’s travel permit for visiting the Mount Everest area, are also required for the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa. We’ll take care of Tibet Travel Permit, as well as other local travel documents as part of our tour package. Simply follow our guidance, and there’s no need to worry about the process.
Applying for a Chinese Group Visa
Whether you already have a Chinese visa or not, you need to apply for a group visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu if you are going to enter Tibet from Nepal. Our local office in Kathmandu provides visa assistance services. After booking your Nepal to Tibet tour with us, it is suggested to visit our Kathmandu office at least 4 working days before you enter Tibet.
You need to provide the original passport with 6 months of validity. Our travel consultants will arrange time reasonably and assist in processing visa matters to ensure that you can successfully obtain a group visa. The visa fee and service fee need to be paid on-site.
If you already hold a Chinese visa, it is not recommended to enter Tibet from Nepal as your original Chinese visa will be canceled due to the issuance of a group visa.
Time Applying for Tibet Travel Permit
Once you book your Kathmandu to Lhasa tour with us, simply provide scanned copies of your Chinese Visa and a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity. Generally, it takes 7-14 working days to process the Tibet Travel Permit. Our Tibetan local guide will send the permit to you once you cross the border at Gyirong Port.
The best time for Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Mount Kailash is accessible year-round, excluding harsh winter conditions. The best months for clear mountain views and pleasant weather are May, June, September, and October.
For a rich cultural experience, you can visit Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival in May or June (April 15 in the Tibetan Calendar), to experience how the pilgrims celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni. This is a rare opportunity to immerse in the strong religious atmosphere and join the kora with devoted pilgrims.
The Length of Kailash Trek
The trek around Mount Kailash, also known as the Kailash kora, typically takes 3 days.
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (Trek 13km)
Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Dzutrpuk (Trek 24km)
Day 3: Dzutrpuk to Darchen (Trek 7km)
Among the three days, the second day is the most difficult as you need to pass through the Dromala Pass, the highest point on this trail at 5630 meters above sea level.
Difficulty Level of Kailash Overland Yatra
This is a moderate trekking tour in Tibet, which is suitable for those with an average level of fitness. You need to trek for 3 days at an average altitude of over 4500 meters, with the highest point reaching 5630 meters at Dromala Pass.
If you just want to see Mount Kailash, without trekking, you can stay in Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash to wait for other group members to complete the trek. During these days, you can explore the local village and visit the local monasteries.
Age limit for Mount Kailash Overland Journey
No, there isn’t any age limit for trekking around Mount Kailash. Our oldest client successfully completed both the Everest Base Camp and the Mount Kailash Kora at the age of 82.
More crucial than age is one’s physical condition. Individuals with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions are not recommended to visit Tibet. Additionally, it is advised to avoid bringing children under 5 years old to remote areas like Mount Kailash due to limited facilities.
Packing Equipment for Kailash Overland Trip
In addition to personal hygiene essentials, whenever you visit Tibet, sun protection is a must. Alongside a high SPF sunscreen, don’t forget to pack physical sun protection gear like sunglasses and a hat – they’re absolute essentials.
With an average altitude of over 4500 meters in the Ngari region, temperatures can dip lower than those in Lhasa. This difference is especially noticeable during treks, where mornings and evenings can have significant temperature variations. So, apart from comfortable and warm sportswear, having easily removable outer layers is crucial.
Furthermore, ensure you have comfortable hiking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along portable trekking poles, or you can opt to rent ours.
Selecting the right backpack to carry your belongings during the trek is important. Of course, you have the option to hire a porter to carry your luggage, but keep in mind that this comes with a higher cost. After confirming your tour, we’ll send a detailed packing list for your reference and preparation.
Cost for a porter while trekking around Mt Kailash Kora
If you are concerned about trekking with heavy luggage, consider booking a porter service upon your arrival in Darchen. The cost for Mount Kailash porters is approximately 330 RMB per day, subject to actual conditions. You can share the cost with fellow group members requiring a porter. Just inform your guide upon reaching Darchen if you need this service.
