Best Time for Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour(Weather Conditions and Temperature)
Knowing the best time for the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour can make your trip smooth, safe, and truly enjoyable. Since this sacred region is only accessible for about seven months a year(April to mid-October), timing your visit wisely is as important as arranging your documents.
The best time to visit the majestic Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is during summer(May to June) or autumn(September to October). Summer gives you the liveliest cultural experience, particularly during the Saga Dawa Festival, while autumn offers a quieter, more tranquil journey.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during Spring (April to June)
If you’re drawn to the spiritual and cultural essence of Mount Kailash, visiting during the Saga Dawa Festival is an excellent choice. This Tibetan Buddhist celebration, which is celebrated in May or June (on the 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan Calendar), honors the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Lord Sakyamuni(Buddha). During this time, the area is filled with devout pilgrims, chanting, and rituals. Joining the Kora(the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash) during this time allows you to experience the profound religious energy of the region.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during Summer (May to June)
Summer is indeed one of the best times for the trip. With daytime temperatures ranging between 5℃ to 17℃ and nighttime temperatures between 0℃ to 6℃, the weather is relatively mild. The trails are clear of snow, making the trek around Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar safer and more comfortable. The dry conditions and longer daylight hours also help you fully enjoy the incredible landscapes of the region.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during Autumn( September to October)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit especially for those who prefer a quieter experience. Temperatures are also favorable with daytime highs similar to summer and nights slightly cooler. By this time, the summer crowds thin out, allowing for a more tranquil pilgrimage or trek. The trails are perfectly accessible and the weather is stable, giving the best conditions for trekking.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during Monsoon Season(Late June to August)
The monsoon season is not ideal for trekking in this region. Occasional rainfall with cold winds and slippery trails make the journey challenging. We recommend you not to choose this season. However, if you’re determined to visit during this time, you can expect colder daytime temperatures and strong winds, especially as you ascend higher altitudes. Make sure you are properly equipped and trained for this adventure.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during Winter (November to March)
Winter in this region is extremely cold and harsh. The daytime temperatures range from -4℃ to 0℃ and nighttime temperatures are -20℃ or lower. Heavy snowfall and icy trails make it impossible for tours or treks. January is the coldest month, and the region essentially shuts down for tourism during this period.
Did you know that the Tibetan Plateau, where Mount Kailash lies, is experiencing climate change three times faster than the global average with an increase of 0.3℃ per decade? Locals have noticed warmer winters and reduced snowfall. These are the effects of climate change, population growth, and increasing tourism. As a traveler, we must adopt eco-conscious practices during our visit to minimize our footprint on this sacred land.
Difficulty(Health and Fitness) on Mt. Kailash Manasarover Tour
While much of the trip involves driving, you’ll trek for three days on rugged, rocky trails at high altitudes. The thin air, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather make this journey tough but with the right preparation, it’s achievable.
One of the key factors that makes this trek challenging is the high altitude. You’ll be trekking above 5,000 meters, where oxygen levels drop. This can lead to altitude sickness, which causes headaches, dizziness, and tiredness.
Another is Rocky and Uneven Trails. The trails are full of rocks, steep sections, and descents, which challenge your legs and stamina. Furthermore, there’s unpredictable weather. One moment it’s sunny, the next minute cold winds hit you. These sudden changes can be quite tough to handle.
Not to mention, due to the remote location, medical facilities are very limited, so you’ll need to rely on your preparation and the help of your guide if the issue arises.
To bypass all these challenges, you don’t need to be a professional athlete but you must prepare your body and your mind for this demanding trek. You must start training at least 3-5 months before the trip. Here are a few exercises you should do:
- You can boost your Stamina with Cardio by walking, jogging, or cycling for 30-60 minutes most days. You should gradually increase intensity starting with flat walks, then move to steeper trails. These cardio exercises help your lungs adjust to thin air and improve your tolerance level.
- You need strong legs, a solid core, and good back strength for this trek. You can achieve this by doing leg exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups. Also, core exercises like planks or sit-ups also really help.
- Going on Hikes is very beneficial. Hike on trails that are similar to the ones you’ll trek on during the tour. This will get your body used to the conditions and strengthen the right muscles.
- Breathing exercises and yoga are a game changer. It improves flexibility and mental focus as well as helps your lungs get better at using less oxygen.
The trek is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. So you must stay positive and practice calmness. Also, cheering yourself on and not hesitating to lean on your group for motivation really helps.
Internet and Network Availability
You’ll need to be prepared for limited internet and network connectivity throughout the trip. Before heading to Tibet, you’ll spend a few days in Nepal, and staying connected to the Internet and network here is relatively easy.
As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, you can get a local SIM card from either Ncell or Nepal Telecom(NTC). Both are affordable and widely available at the airport or any mobile shop in Kathmandu. Ncell SIM cards cost NPR99($1) and NTC SIM cards cost NPR 200($2). Both the cards work efficiently in urban areas like Kathmandu. But for more rural parts of Nepal, NTC is usually a better choice as it has wider coverage in remote areas.
However, once you cross into Tibet, the situation changes due to the region’s geographical remoteness and Chinese regulations.
Talking about the Mobile Network, your Nepali SIM card will work if you activate international roaming, but don’t expect much beyond towns like Saga or Darchen. Mobile network coverage in rural and trekking areas is almost nonexistent, you you’ll likely be offline for most of the trip. Satellite phones can work in emergencies, but they aren’t widely available for personal use.
As for social media access, Tibet follows Chinese internet restrictions which means popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook are banned. You might have heard about using VPNs to access them, but it’s best to avoid that route to respect the laws. Instead, install WeChat. It’s the go-to communication app in China and Tibet and it works perfectly without any hassle.
When it comes to electricity and internet, the facilities are basic at best and often unavailable in remote areas. In guesthouses or lodges along the route, electricity is usually limited. Most depend on solar panels or generators, which means power may only be available for a few hours each day. During trekking or camping portions of the tour, there’s typically no electricity at all. To keep your essential devices like phones and cameras charged, it’s a good idea to bring a portable power bank or a solar charger.
Likewise, Internet access is also very limited and unreliable throughout the route. Some guesthouses in towns like Saga or Darchen might have Wifi, but it’s often slow and available at certain times. Once you leave these towns and head into the remote trekking areas, there is no internet access.
Food and Accommodations During Kailash Mansarovar Trip
Food and Accommodations during the Kailash Mansarovar trip are simple. Most meals are vegetarian. The staples include rice, lentils (dal), vegetables, chapatis (flatbread), and sometimes local dairy products like paneer (cottage cheese) and yogurt. It’s not fancy, but it’s nourishing and enough to keep you going.
Food options during trekking might be limited, so bringing your snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, and instant soups is very helpful. Small teahouses and tented eateries are set up along the trek route. These are great for quick meals like instant noodles, packet soups, hot water, and tea or coffee. You’ll usually find them at convenient stops, such as between Qugu Temple and Derapuk or Derapuk and Juthulpuk Monasteries.
As for the accommodation, it varies depending on the location, with a mix of basic guesthouses and slightly more comfortable hotels in Darchen. Darchen is the base for the Kailash trek, and it offers the most comfortable accommodations on the journey. You get 3-4 star hotels which include private bathrooms and electric blankets for chilly nights. Rooms are available in standard, double, and suite options.
Accommodations become progressively more basic as you begin the 3-day trek around Mount Kailash. The first night’s stay during the trek is typically at a guesthouse near Derapuk Monastery. These accommodations consist of dormitory-style rooms shared by three to four people. Warm blankets are provided, but there are no air-conditioning or private bathrooms. Showers are unavailable.
Similar to Derapuk, guesthouses near Juthulpuk Monastery provide group-sharing mud houses. While these are minimalist, they offer hot water for beverages and food preparation, ensuring basic comfort. We suggest you bring your sleeping bag for added comfort.
Money & Currency
Since the region is remote with limited access to banking facilities, digital payment methods such as international debit cards, UPI, and ATM cards are not widely accepted and are unreliable. So carrying cash is essential for expenses like accommodation, food, and souvenirs. We recommend keeping three currencies on hand: the Nepalese Rupee(NPR), Chinese Yuan(CNY), and US Dollars(USD).
Nepalese currency will be needed for your time in Nepal, including in Kathmandu and along the Nepal-Tibet border. Similarly, the Chinese Yuan is the functional currency in Tibet and across China. Exchange centers in Kathmandu or at the Nepal-Tibet border provide Chinese Yuan. This is your primary currency for most transactions in Tibet.
USD is widely accepted during the Kailash Mansarovar journey, especially by tour operators and some vendors. So make sure you carry enough cash!
Do’s and Don’ts during the Kailash Manasarover trip
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar hold immense religious and cultural significance, so we must be mindful of our actions. Let’s walk through what we “should” and “shouldn’t” do to make our journey respectful, safe, and enjoyable.
Do’s on Kailash Manasarover Trips
Packing is key when traveling to remote, high-altitude areas. You’ll need everything you pack, but it’s equally important to avoid overpacking. Invest in a good-quality trekking bag with a waterproof cover. Don’t forget a waist bag for quick access to items like your passport, medicines, and cash. Pack clothing in layers to adapt to changing weather. Most important are: thermal inners, fleece jackets, waterproof outerwear, and extra woolen socks and gloves. And most importantly, waterproof trekking shoes are a must! Carry an insulated bottle for hot drinks and a head torch, these can make a huge difference.
- Take Altitude Sickness Seriously
Altitude sickness is no joke! You’ll be trekking over 5,600 meters. Symptoms of altitude sickness can appear suddenly and worsen quickly. To be safe, stay hydrated, and Take it slow–don’t rush the trek, and pay attention to how your body feels. If you’re dizzy, nauseous, or feeling breathless, don’t ignore it. Take a break or descend.
- Dress and Act Respectfully
Since this trip is sacred for many, showing respect is a must. Here’s how:
- Dress modestly. Cover your arms and legs, especially at religious sites like Lake Mansarovar or monasteries.
- Maintain silence during rituals or prayers. If invited to participate, follow the local’s or guide’s lead.
- Always ask permission before taking photos, particularly of people or rituals.
- Respect Ritual Practices at Lake Mansarovar
Bathing in the lake is a traditional ritual but environmental concerns have changed things. Instead of jumping into the lake, pilgrims now collect a bucket of water for their rituals at designated spots. Also, avoid bathing on the day you arrive, it’s better to rest and acclimatize first.
Don’ts on Kailash Manasarover Trips
- If you’re tempted to carry extra “just in case” items? Don’t. A heavy backpack will slow you down and make the trek unnecessarily harder. Even if you’re hiring a porter, be considerate about their load.
- Do Health Check-Ups Before the Trip. Consult your doctor especially if you have high blood pressure or other serious conditions. If you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness during the trek, don’t push through. Rest, hydrate, and if needed, descend immediately.
- Do not consume heavy meals and Alcohol. Stick to light meals, ideally vegetarian, which are easier to digest at high altitudes. Avoid alcohol altogether, it can dehydrate you and worsen altitude sickness.
- Don’t Bath Directly in Mansarovar Lake. While the lake is sacred, bathing in it is now prohibited to protect its ecosystem. Plus, sudden exposure to cold water at high altitudes can make you sick. Instead, use a bucket to collect water for rituals.
- Don’t carry Dalai Lama-Related Materials. Due to political sensitivities, avoid bringing photos, posters, or anything related to the Dalai Lama. These items can lead to serious trouble at immigration checkpoints, including delays or denial of entry into Tibet.
Packing List
Here’s a packing list for you to pack correctly and not overpack. You need a few pairs of light clothes while staying inside the vehicle and in Nepal. You also can buy clothes and other equipment in Kathmandu Nepal.
Bag
You can come to Nepal with a comfortable bag. During the Kailash tour, we will provide you with a duffel bag for your use, allowing you to store your main bag at the Kathmandu Hotel. Additionally, you will need a comfortable backpack for daily use.
Clothes for Kailash Manasarover Tour
- 1 Pair down jacket
- 2 Pairs T-shirt
- 1 Pair warm thermal
- 1 Pair a light warm jacket or sweater
- 1 pair of warm trousers
- 1 Pair of warm windproof trousers
- 2 pairs of light pants/trousers or half pant
- 1 pair of inner warm pants
- Warm cap to cover your head from cold
- Buff to cover your nose and mouth
- One pair of warm gloves
- 2 Pairs warm socks
- 2 pairs of light socks
- 1 Pair of warm hiking shoes
- 1 Pair of light shoes or sandals to use during your stay in the Hotel
Other Essentials
- Warm sleeping bag (You can buy or take in rent in Kathmandu)
- Medicine if you are regularly taking any – Our guide will also bring medicine in our first aid kit. If you want to bring your own, it is better to bring medicines for high altitude sickness, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Booking Procedure
- Send your passport scan copy by mail and pay $ 300 per person as a trip confirmation amount. You can pay it by credit card online or by bank transfer.
- We need your original passport before 3-4 working days in Kathmandu Nepal
Terms and conditions
- The trip is with guest houses on the way to Kailash. Accommodation is Group sharing for 3 nights and the rest of the nights are best available guest houses on twin/triple sharing.
- Tour costs must be paid before departure of the tour from Kathmandu, Paying by credit card costs 4% more.
- In case of any rules and regulation changes by the Tibetan government, risk themselves to clients.
- The minimum cancellation charge of the tour is $ 300/- (Once the permit is applied) hour cancellation charge (less than 72 hours) is $ 800 per person
- The tour is only for Nepali and foreigners other than Indian passport holders
Required Document for Kailash trip
To facilitate the processing of your Tibet Visa, kindly ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Passport Copy: Please submit a clear copy of your passport at least 20 days in advance to initiate the Tibet Travel Permit processing.
- Original Passport: Ensure you have your original passport with you when your group arrives in Kathmandu.
- Passport Size Photo: Provide a passport-size photo with a white background, front face, without eyeglasses, and no smiling expression.
- Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form before your arrival.
Tibet Group Visa processing in Kathmandu !!!
As per the new rules and regulations from the Chinese embassy in Nepal, to obtain a Tibet group visa, it is required that there must be a minimum of 05 people in the group. Additionally, the visa application process in Kathmandu requires the submission of the original passport and may take 03 official working days to complete ( Monday to Friday). Furthermore, clients who wish to obtain a Tibet group visa will need to visit the China visa application center in person to provide biometric information. Please also note that visa requirements and regulations can change frequently. It is also important to note that Tibet visa requirements and regulations can be changed frequently, we suggest you make sure with the Chinese Embassy/Dream Tibet Travel or local travel company before you book the Tibet tour.
