Best Season to Visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar
The varying weather and temperature of the Kailash region impact your overall trekking experience. Generally, you can commence the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from May to October. However, the best time to embark on this spiritual journey is during Spring and Autumn, from May to June and September to October. This time of the year offers stunning views of nature with clear skies, a favorable climate, and comfortable temperatures. Here's a detailed breakdown of both seasons with all the positive aspects and other factors that make trekking more enjoyable during this time.
Spring (May-June)
May and June, fall in spring, are the best times to begin Mount Kailash Mansarovar. During this season, the trails are accessible for all pilgrims and travelers, as the freezing winter on the exit welcomes the green vegetation of the region. Here are some crucial factors that make this season the most favorable time for trek enthusiasts.
Weather and Temperature
These months are characterized by mild temperatures and optimal climatic conditions, which makes it an ideal time for the Kailash Kora Trek. The temperature ranges between 5°C and 15°C during the day and falls to freezing at night. The weather is cold until April but warmer by May and June, making the climate and weather more favorable for spiritual journeys and trekking adventures. During this season, the skies are generally clear, offering breathtaking views of the vivid landscape, blooming flowers, majestic Mount Kailash, and divine Mansarovar Lake.
Festivals
The Saga Dawa Festival is one of Tibet's most significant religious events. This auspicious festival is held on April 15 of the Tibetan calendar, which falls in May or June of the standard calendar. During this time of the year, you can witness an extraordinary blend of religious and cultural ambiance, as it has unique significance in different religions. The key highlight of this event is the Kora, where pilgrims walk around the holy sites of the Kailash region. Based on Buddhism, Saga Dawa indicates the birth and enlightenment of the founder, Sakyamuni. Tibetans spend the entire month performing religious and spiritual rituals, and thousands of devotees perform Kora around Jokhang Temple through the Tsekhor and Lingkhor routes, creating a profound spiritual atmosphere. This religious and cultural vibe and a favorable climate make spring the best time to visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar. However, we recommend booking your accommodation along the trail in advance, as this is a peak season.
Trekking Gear and Essentials
If you plan to visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar in the spring, you will need proper gear for the trek. Your packing list must include fleece jackets, sturdy boots, comfortable slippers, trekking pants, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and medications. These essentials will allow you to move through the trek comfortably and ensure your safety and well-being.
Autumn (September-October)
Autumn is another excellent season to embark on the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This time of the year is ideal for trekkers and pilgrims as you avoid July and August Monsoon rainfall. Below is a detailed breakdown of the weather and temperature for September and October.
Weather and Temperature
September and October have temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C during the day, similar to spring. Autumn offers a unique opportunity for devotees and travelers to experience the region's natural and spiritual ambiance, with fewer crowds and favorable weather conditions. Also, you can witness stunning views of the Mount Kailash range, Mansarovar Lake, and the surrounding landscape. This season is perfect for trekkers and pilgrims looking to avoid the busier time of the year while enjoying favorable climatic conditions.
Trekking Gear and Essentials
Trekking essentials are almost the same every season except for some items needed to tackle unpredictable weather conditions and freezing temperatures at high altitudes. As the weather and surroundings are drier than spring, you must pack high SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and cold cream with other regular gear like hiking boots, a down jacket, thermals, gloves, trekking pants, and more. These items allow you to travel comfortably, overcoming the challenges along the trail.
Can I Visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar in Summer and Winter?
The harsh weather conditions during Summer/Monsoon and Winter make the trail inaccessible. So, we do not recommend it due to the various potential risks associated with unpredictable weather conditions. However, you can visit other destinations in Tibet, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, etc.
Summer (July-August)
July and August bring heavy rainfall and high humidity to the Tibetian region. Although Mount Kailash Mansarovar receives less rain than other parts of Tibet, the roads and trails are slippery and challenging in the Monsoon. There is also a high risk of natural calamities like landslides, causing the block of routes during this time. Moreover, the monsoon clouds also affect the views of the surrounding landscape. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding the monsoon season. Although the trip to Tibet during summer/monsoon season can be challenging, we suggest you follow the guidelines for gear and essentials for a comfortable trek experience.
Trekking Gear and Essentials
As you will face occasional rainfall and humid conditions in July and August, you must choose trekking gear accordingly. Your trekking gear must include waterproof jackets, raincoats, rain covers for backpacks, and other standard items like trekking boots, pants, gloves, caps, sun hats, sunscreen, first aid, medicines, and more. These products will help you safely trek in rainy conditions, tackling wet and slippery trails.
Winter (November-March)
Winter at Mount Kailash Mansarovar is cold and lasts from November to March. The entire region is covered in snow at this time, making the roads impassable. On the other hand, the high-altitude conditions make it extremely difficult to travel, where the threat of altitude sickness is very high during winter due to freezing temperatures and low oxygen levels. The extreme weather conditions and lack of amenities make it a risky time for pilgrimage or trekking. We recommend not embarking on Mount Kailash Mansarovar Trek during winter; instead, choose Spring or Autumn for more comfortable and enjoyable travels. However, if you still want to explore other destinations in Tibet in winter, the following gear and essentials will assist you in the adventure.
Trekking Gear and Essentials
Most of Tibet's areas are covered with snow in winter. To tackle the freezing temperatures, you require proper gear and essentials. The most important thing to consider is layered clothing, including thermals, fleece jackets, down jackets, woolen gloves and caps, thick socks, scarves, lip balm, and cold cream. Other gears include trekking poles, pants, sunscreen, toilet paper, flashlights, portable chargers, medicines, first aid, and more.
Best Year to Visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar
The Tibetan people follow the Chinese calendar. This lunisolar calendar year is characterized by twelve zodiac animals, including Rats, Oxen, Tigers, Rabbits, Dragons, Snakes, Horses, Goats, Monkeys, Roosters, Dogs, and Pigs. Among them, the Goat and Horse years are considered the most divine as Tibet has a local tradition of completing the Mansarovar kora around Mount Kailash in these years. Tibetans believe doing the Mansarovar kora in the Horse year equals thirteen koras in standard years. Following such belief, thousands of pilgrims and trekkers travel to Maonu Kailash and Mansarovar Lake to free their spirits from all the evils and sins. However, if you are just a trekker who wants to enjoy your time among nature's vivid landscape and beauty, you can travel in any year.
Additional Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Based on our experience, here are some essential tips and recommendations for planning a comprehensive Mount Kailash Mansarovar Trek.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet, avoiding narcotics, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Plan proper acclimatization days to adapt to higher altitudes and avoid altitude sickness.
- Ascend gradually, do not rush, and take frequent breaks.
- Obtain necessary permits and choose a reliable travel insurance policy to overcome unforeseen circumstances.
- Check daily weather updates, and move only in favorable conditions.
- Trekking at high altitudes requires proper physical fitness and mental endurance, so prepare for that before the trek.
Why Choose Outfitter Nepal?
Outfitter Nepal is one of Nepal's most reputable tour operators. For over 15 years, we have provided exceptional services to clients worldwide. Our excellent guides and staff will assist you in every Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour section, ensuring your safety and comfort. We offer you a customizable itinerary for this trip based on your needs and preferences. We will provide an excellent pilgrimage journey with comfortable accommodations, food, drinks, proper trekking gear, and essentials. So pack your bags, get your trekking boots ready, and embark on the journey of a lifetime to Mount Kailash Mansarovar with Outfitter Nepal.
