The holy Mount Kailash is situated in Tibet's westernmost region under the name Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan. It is honored by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains along with the members of the indigenous Bon religion. Many people regard this sacred mountain as the center of the earth, and they believe that going around it can atone for sins and bring good fortune.
Thousands of pilgrims and adventurous travelers visit this majestic mountain each year to take in its unrivaled beauty and spiritual essence. If you intend to travel to Mount Kailash, you may be thinking about when would be the ideal time to do so. To assist you to organize your journey to Mount Kailash, this Guide will go through the seasonal variation, weather patterns, cultural and religious celebrations, and accessibility to consider.
The Best Months for Trekking
May through October are the prime months for hiking around Mount Kailash. The area is reachable at this time, and the weather is pleasant. We can see a huge amount of Kailash devotees from June till August. However, May, June, and Mid-September to Early October are the optimum months for the trek because the trail is at its best, and a lower chance of rain.
We advise traveling in May or October during the shoulder seasons if you want a more sedate and uncrowded experience. There aren't many people around and the weather is still decent during these months, so you may take in Mount Kailash's breathtaking vistas. Due to the long-awaited opening of the Kailash Yatra, we anticipate a high number of devotees even during the shoulder season.
Seasonal Variations
Mount Kailash is situated at a high altitude, and its weather can be unpredictable. The best time to visit Mount Kailash is from May to October when the weather is relatively mild, and the skies are clear. During this period, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C during the day and drops to below zero at night. The days are long, and you will have plenty of time to complete the kora, the sacred circumambulation around the mountain.
However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy more solitude, the shoulder seasons of April and November can be a good option. The weather is colder, and there is a higher chance of snowfall, but the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and you will have the trail almost to yourself.
The winter months from December to February are the coldest and harshest. The temperature can drop to -25°C and the trail is covered in snow and ice, making it challenging to walk. Only experienced trekkers with proper equipment and training should attempt the kora during this period.
Weather Patterns
The weather patterns in Mount Kailash can vary greatly depending on the season. It is essential to understand the climate patterns to plan your visit successfully. The best time to visit Mount Kailash is from April to September when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, the sky is usually clear, making it easier to get a clear view of Mount Kailash and the surrounding peak. The daytime temperatures are moderate, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime temperatures drop to below freezing.
Cultural and Religious Events
Mount Kailash is not only a natural wonder but also a hub of religious and cultural events. If you want to experience the local traditions and witness the colorful festivals, a time plan is needed in accordance. The region is home to several festivals and events that attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
One of the most significant festivals in the region is the Saga Dawa Festival, which takes place mainly in June during Full Moon. June 04 is the Saga Dawa Festival for 2023. During this festival, pilgrims perform a circumambulation of Mount Kailash, which is believed to be equivalent to several lifetimes of prayer.
Other festivals in the region include the Losar Festival, the Tibetan New Year, and the Shoton Festival. These festivals are an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture, food, and traditions.
Best time to visit in terms of Year
According to a long-standing tradition in Tibet, having a Kailash Kora during the Horse Year of the Chinese Zodiac is ideal, as is having a Mansarovar Kora during the Goat Year. According to legends, visiting Mount Kailash during the year will enable you to get blessings that are 12 times more potent than those received during other years. Because this date only occurs once every 12 years, it is uncommon. 2014 was the previous Horse Year, while 2015 was the prior Goat Year.
The following Horse Year is in 2026, while the following Goat Year is in 2027. You can also try again in 2026 or 2027 to visit Mansarovar or Mount Kailash, respectively, if you wish to receive extra blessings. As long as you devoutly visit Kailash Mansarovar, you can receive the blessings without having to wait until the Horse or Goat Year.
Altitude and Oxygen Levels
Mount Kailash is located at a high altitude of over 6,600 meters, making up to 5,648m during the trail. it is essential to acclimatize during the visit. Due to the high altitude, the air is thin, and oxygen levels are low. Visitors should take their time to acclimatize before starting any physical activities like Kailash Parikrama (Kora/Circulation). Proper acclimatization can prevent altitude sickness, a condition that can be life-threatening even during the Peak time of trekking.
Overall, Altitude and Oxygen levels are similar throughout the possible time of Kailash Yatra. You need to prepare well and follow the instructions of the Nepalese and Tibetan Guide cooperating with you in Kailash Yatra.
Accessibility
Mount Kailash is difficult to access due to its location in a secluded area. The most popular means of transportation from Lhasa or Kathmandu to Mount Kailash is by road. But, because of the harsh terrain, altitude sickness, and erratic weather, driving can be difficult and risky. All of these must be taken into consideration while deciding when to hold the Kailash Yatra.
To guarantee a secure and comfortable trip, it is crucial to arrange your visit and travel with a respected tour operator. During the busiest month of the Kailash Yatra, Kailash is reachable which lies from May to October, the Kailash Yatra is accessible, and during this period, it is simple to arrange transportation, horses for Yatra, and other Kora routes, i.e. Charan Sparsha, Asthapatha, etc. with travel agencies. The natives have done a good job of preparing the lodging options, and both hotels and guest houses are available.
When is Kailash Season Closed
Due to the Mount Kailash Yatra's closed season, November to April is the worst time to visit Kailash. First of all, the circumambulation route is covered in a lot of snow, which worsens the state of the road and increases the danger of walking on it.
Second, altitude sickness is more likely on Mount Kailash due to the low temperature and thin air. It is not suitable for outdoor trekking.
Last but not least, from November to April of the following year, almost none of the shops are opened in Darchen Town, the location of the Kailash Kora's beginning and end. Also, it is difficult to complete the entire parikrama due to how infrequently the camping areas along the route are open.
Conclusion
To conclude, the best time to choose to visit Mount Kailash depends on the way you choose, seasonal variations, when the temperature is mild, and when you can see a clear view of Mount Kailash during the Kora, you can also visit Mount Kailash during Saga Dawa Festival to receive double blessings and celebrate the festival. You can also experience the cultural significance, Food, and Traditions during Losar Festival, the Tibetan New Year, and the Shoton Festival.
You can also visit Kailash during the Horse year 2026 and Goat Year 2027 which is believed to provide fourth times more prosperity than visiting in a normal year. May and October is the best time to visit overall as the time is accessible with all the arrangement required for Kailash Yatra.
