When is the best time to do Kailash Trekking?
Mount Kailash is considered to be sacred in four religions: Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The holy mountain is revered as the center of the world by the above religions. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that Mount Kailash Trekking is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune.
Mount Kailash and its neighbor Lake Manasorovar are the most sacred mountain and lake in Tibet. Making the kora around the lake and the mountain are the essential activities in many Tibetans’ life. And now many tourists from all over the world are attracted by the trekking route along Mount Kailash. Many are wondering that when is the best time to make a kora around Mount Kailash.
Finish the Kailash Yatra in the Year of Horse
Trekking or VisitingMount Kailash in the Year of Horse and Lake Manasorovar in the Year of Goat is a great tradition in Tibet. It’s said that circumambulating Mount Kailash in the Year of Horse can wash off the sins and accumulate merit. The merit you gain from making a kora around Mount Kailash in the Yearof Horse may equal that of 13 koras in other years.
Of course, for normal tourists with no religious belief, it is not necessary not to hike the mountain until the Year of Horse. You can make a kora there whichever year you want.
Best months to circumambulate Mount Kailash
May to October are the best months to make a kora around Mount Kailash for the following reasons:
First of all, the temperatures during the period are not too cold. Hence, there are significantly less frozen or snow-covered roads. Inevitably, it is still gonna be an arduous trekking journey but with less dangers compared with other months.
Secondly, you can have other trekkers’ company while circumambulating the mountain during this period. And hence, you will be not be alone in the long journey of more than 50 KM.
Third, during this time period, you can have your food and water replenished along the way. Stores in Darchen Town and stalls along the way are normally in business.
November - April are not suitable for Mount Kailash Trekking for the following reasons:
First of all, during this period, a major part of the route is covered with snow, and are dangerous and difficult to be advanced.
Secondly, as the temperatures in this area are low and the air is thin, you may easily get altitude sickness.
Last, from November to April, you will find it difficult to replenish your food and other supplies as many stalls closed in these months.
For the specific date, April 15th of the Tibetan calendar is the best day to circumambulate the mountain.
On April 15th of the Tibetan calendar, the Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated with various activities. This date is said to be the the birthday and enlightened day of Sakyamuni, the creator of Buddhism. According to Tibetan Buddhism, you will have your merits doubled cirmambulating Mount Kailash on this day.
