Photography Advice for a Mount Kailash Tour
Mount Kailash has an altitude of 6,656 meters, and there are two mountains nearby that are higher than it. Naimona'nyi, with an altitude of 7,694 meters, is located on the southern side of Mount Kailash, facing Rakshastal Lake across Manasarovar Lake. It is known as the "Goddess Peak" and is one of the highest peaks in the western section of the Himalayas.
Lunpo Gangri, with an altitude of 7,095 meters, is located within the Gangdise Mountains and is the highest peak of the mountain range, higher than Mount Kailash, which is the second main peak of the mountain range.
Mount Kailash, however, has become a spiritual totem for Tibet and even the world due to its unique mountain shape and sacred status: the four walls of the mountain are symmetrical, with snow covering the top all year round. The vertical ice trough on the west side and the horizontal rock layers form the symbol of auspiciousness and virtue in Buddhism.
It takes more time, energy and money to get to Mount Kailash than any other trips in Tibet. A good job of planning and learning about some shooting spots brings you endless rewards.
Prayer Flag Square
When you come to the Prayer Flag Square, you will find that tens of thousands of colorful prayer flags are fluttering in the wind, which is very spectacular. The terrain here is open, allowing for a clear capture of the iconic white pyramid spires and vertical lines of Mount Kailash, presenting the grandeur and solemnness of the entire sacred mountain. This place is only 6 to 7 kilometers away from the town of Darchen. It is also a must-pass spot for many pilgrims who come to circumambule the mountain. Moreover, new prayer flags are erected here during the Saga Dawa Festival, creating a scene well worth recording.
Drirapuk Monastery
Drirapuk Monastery is located on Zhonglong Mountain to the north of Laqu River. It is an excellent spot to overlook the vertical rock face to the north of Mount Kailash. This site is about a 20-kilometer trek from the town of Darchen. Moreover, it offers a monastery guesthouse, providing you with various opportunities to capture the different lights of the sunset, night and sunrise.
Drolma La Pass
The Drolma La Pass, at an altitude of 5,600 meters, is the highest point of the three-day trekking trip and also the most captivating shooting spot during the second day of the trek. The highlight here is not the Mount Kailash but the lake water that appears emerald green or bluish green, like turquoise or jade, formed by the convergence of glacial meltwater, the Lake of Compassion.
Chiu Monastery
Located on a small hill on the west bank of Lake Manasarovar in Purang County, Chiu Monastery is a classic spot for capturing Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in the same frame. This Monastery is not on the pilgrimage route and can be reached by car, which is about a 30-kilometer drive from Darchen.
Rakshastal Lake
There are many lakes around Mount Kailash, among which the most famous ones are Lake Manasarovar and Rakshastal Lake. Rakshastal Lake is adjacent to the west side of Manasarovar Lake, separated by only one embankment. It is at a slightly higher altitude and is a typical saltwater lake. Due to the saltiness of the lake water and the scarcity of surrounding vegetation, it is called the "Ghost Lake". Its deep blue surface, as dark as ink, forms a sharp contrast with the sacred lake, which is a freshwater lake. This place is a vantage point for a distant view of Mount Kailash.
Conclusion
The tour guides of our travel agency will never allow our clients to miss any photo spots either, so it's already enough for you to have a vague concept now. During the trip, our tour guide will explain the culture and background of every place worth stopping at to you, so just relax!
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39 Comment ON "Photography Advice for a Mount Kailash Tour"
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.