Mount Kailash Overview
The top of the mountain is 6656 meters above sea level. Mount Kailash is the main peak of the Gangdise Mountains in China and the second peak of the Gangdise Mountains. As one of the famous mountains in China, it is located in the northern part of Burang County, southwest of Tibet Autonomous region. It means "holy mountain" in Tibetan. At the altitude of more than 6000 meters above sea level, there are 28 modern glaciers, mainly corrie glaciers and hanging glaciers. There are more glaciers on the south slope than on the north slope.
Mount Kailash is one of the most famous Buddhist shrines. In the north of lake Manasarovar, the peak is covered with ice and snow all the year round, and is often wreathed in cloud, making it even more mysterious. Doing a Mount Kailash kora is 53 kilometers, and there are eight temples around.
Basic Information of Mount Kailash
- Chinese Name: 冈仁波齐峰
- Meaning: It means "holy mountain" in Tibetan. Mount Kailash is one of the holy mountains and Buddhist shrines in Tibet.
- Elevation: 6,656 meters
- Location: Southwest of Tibet and North of Burang County
- Whether: Abrupt and changeable. Large temperature difference between daytime and night.
- Opening Time: All day
- Ticket: 150 yuan
- Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-3 days
- Culture: Ancient Zhang Zhung Culture
- Famous Attractions: Maquan River(马泉河), Shiquan River(狮泉河), Konqi River(孔雀河) and Sutlej River(象泉河), they are four rivers in Ngari Prefecture.
Climate at Mount Kailash
Annual average temperature in Mount Kailash is about 0 ℃, and daily average temperature varies greatly. The weather is very changeable on the mountain. The temperature changes greatly during day and night. It's common to see people wear frock at noon but heavy clothes at night. The wind is up to 8 magnitude, and almost 149 days with strong wind would occur in the whole year.
Attractions at Mount Kailash
- Mount Kailash(冈仁波齐神山): Except for Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bonism and Jainism also regard Mount Kailash as the center of world. Every year thousands of religious people make pilgrimages devoutly around it.
- Lake Manasarovar(玛旁雍错湖): Covering more than 400 square kilometers of waters, Lake Manasarovar is the world's highest freshwater lake. with 4587 meters above sea level and the water depth of 77 meters.
- Lhanag-tso(拉昂错): Lhanag-tso Lake appears dark blue and is very salty. There are no plants, no cattle or sheep around the lake. Everything seems lifeless. That is why the lake got the name of “ghost lake”.
- Namunani Peak(纳木那尼峰): Covers an area of 200 square kilometers, it has the largest glacier group. Local people call it "holy mountain" or "goddess peak".
Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash
It is recommended to get to Mount Kailash during April to June and September to October. From November to next April, the severe cold weather makes it tough to have a trip. And every July to August is the rainy season of Mount Kailash resulting in the bad climbing condition and heavy fog.
In the rainy season(July and August), cars often get struck in the mud and delays happen frequently. The road keeps closed during winter and spring.
What to Wear
Bring multiple layers of long-sleeved, warm clothing with you so you will be prepared no matter the temperature. The temperature at night is much lower than it is during the day even during the summer, so some cold weather gears like hat, gloves, scarf and thick winter coat are needed.
Due to high altitude and strong solar radiation, you had better bring sunglasses, hat, sun cream and other sunscreen products with you to avoid any direct exposure to the sun.
Photography of Mount Kailash
Many tourists get to Mount Kailash not only for mountaineering but also for shooting a gorgeous picture. It is easy to shoot beautiful photo at Mount Kailash. However, if you would like to make innovation or create breathtaking photo with strong visual impact, patience and luck are necessary.
Entry Procedure
Before entering Mount Kailash, tourists should go through the entry and the entrance fee is RMB 150. And you need to have some equipment to keep yourself warm and be available to oxygen while climbing the mountain.
Physical Fitness for Mountaineering
Normally, if you have good economic base and healthy body, you can make preparation for climbing the Mount Kailash. And it's not easy job because you may need a very long time to do your preparation work.
