How to Travel around Mount Kailash without a Long Trek?
The three-day, 52-kilometer pilgrimage journey around Mount Kailash has deterred a considerable number of tourists with average physical conditions, elderly people, or families with children. In fact, there are also some second-best solutions.
As the town closest to the sacred mountain, Darchen is home to the most complete accommodation and food facilities in Ngari region. It is also the starting and ending point of the Kailash circumambulation route. Here, you can see many believers and tourists bustling about. This article will introduce you to a variety of different traveling options around Darchen.
Ride an Eco-Bus from Darchen to Prayer Flag Square
After arriving at the entrance of the Mount Kailash Scenic Area, you can only transfer to the special environmental protection vehicle according to the rules. Then, it only takes 15 minutes to reach the Prayer Flag Square from Darchen, covering about 7 kilometers. Without any fatigue from hiking, you can come to this square with colorful prayer flags as dense as a web. Here, you can capture the scene of numerous prayer flags and the sacred mountain in the same frame. It is also a major photo spot for shooting sunrises, sunsets, starry skies and humanistic culture. More importantly, huge prayer flags pillars are erected in the square during the Saga Dawa Festival every year , and tens of thousands of pilgrims gather to hold the flag-raising ceremony.
Light Hike from Prayer Flag Square to Qugu Temple
If you are willing to go on a light hike, you might as well consider hiking to Qugu Temple. Qugu Temple is the first temple you will encounter during the 52-kilometer circumambulating mountain journey and can also be regarded as the end point of your light hike. You can start from the Prayer Flag Square and reach this temple at an altitude of about 4,800 meters on foot, which is approximately 3 kilometers long and takes about an hour. The viewing platform of Qugu Temple offers tourists an excellent perspective, allowing them to enjoy the magnificent scenery southwest of Mount Kailash up close. It is said that this is a sacred place for the practice of the Lotus Master. You can walk around the Qugu Temple in a clockwise direction to show your respect for the local tradition in this way within your ability.
A Full Day Trek from Qugu Temple to Dirapuk Monastery
Once you choose to continue your hike from Qugu Temple, you will face a 12-kilometer trek that is much more challenging, taking about 4 to 6 hours and climbing to an altitude of 5,200 meters.
Along the way, you can always admire Mount Kailash under different lighting conditions. When you arrive at Dirapuk Monastery, you will find that it faces the majestic northern face of Mount Kailash with an unobstructed view, and the view is most magnificent at sunset.
Dirapuk Monastery is a supply point where you can have food and accommodation. After resting at the guesthouse here for one night, you can take a short walk to the roadside the next day to return to Darchen by the vehicle provided by the travel agency, or choose to visit Lake Manasarovar. By the lake of Lake Manasarovar, you can get some holy water near the lake to wash your hands or face. There are also hot water bath cabins by the lake where you can soak your feet or take a bath.
Such a itinerary planning enables you to avoid the most challenging part of the 52-kilometer trekking trip on the second day, crossing the 5,630-meter Droma La Pass. By only completing the first day, you can successfully avoid this biggest challenge, making it suitable for travelers with average physical strength or limited time.
Conclusion
Our travel agency respects every tourist's choice and will do our best to meet the needs of each tourist.
Related Articles & Posts
39 Comment ON "How to Travel around Mount Kailash without a Long Trek?"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.