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Monday, June 9, 2025

Mount Kailash Trekking: One of the World’s Greatest Overland Trips



Pilgrims from all across Asia go over the breathtaking high-altitude terrain of rural Western Tibet to pay tribute and stroll around the sacred peak. Kailash trekking tour is one of the world's best overland journeys, and despite the elevation, it is surprisingly accessible.

Kailash derives much of its strength from its remarkable physical position, a lone peak cut off from the main Himalayan range in Tibet's Kangdise Mountains. The unique four-sided mountain rises abruptly from the surrounding plain, its four sides facing the cardinal directions. Four of Asia's largest rivers, the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali, originate in its foothills.

For Tibetans, this is where the Tantric magician Milarepa defeated his Bön foe Naro Bönchung in an epic fight of sorcery, establishing Buddhism's dominance over the old Bön faith. For Hindus, Kailash is the home of Shiva and his spouse, Parvati. Both Buddhists and Hindus see Kailash as the fabled Mount Meru, the universe's center axis. The 6474m mountain is so sacred that no one has climbed it to date. Motorcycle tours in Tibet are a great adventure.

What to see near Kailash

Lake Manasarovar, located at the foot of Mt Kailash, is a breathtaking high-altitude lake revered by Tibetans and Hindus alike. Pilgrims trek around the lake in four days, but it is now feasible to drive around it, stopping at the picturesque lakefront monasteries of Seralung, Gossul, Trugo, and Chiu.

A day's journey from Kailash will take you to Thöling Monastery and the remains of Guge, a 10th-century Buddhist state that used adjacent Kashmiri and Ladakhi influences to produce some of the Himalaya's most beautiful Buddhist art. Exploring the paintings, tunnels, and hilltop castle of the old Guge capital at Tsaparang is one of Asia's most memorable experiences. Plan a three-day return journey from Kailash, taking in the stunning Silk Road-style cave paintings at Dungkhar and Piyang along the way.



It's tempting to make the lengthy journey to Mt Kailash with as few stops as possible, but it's worth stopping en route at crag-top Drapsang Monastery, beautiful Dargyeling Monastery, and historic Tradun Monastery (just outside Drongba), all of which are located between Lhatse and Mt Kailash. You must opt for the Best way to travel to Tibet.

Clients Travel Stories: Armin and Victoria Tibet Travel Experiences

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