West Tibet and Mt. Kailash travel tips

The western Tibet, we still call it Ngari, is one of the most remote and inaccessible parts of Tibet. Huge, sparsely, populated and at an average altitude of over 4,500 m. (14,764 ft.), it is a frontier in one of the remotest corners of Asia. Highlights of western Tibet are sacred Mountain Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, two of the most remote and legendary travel destinations in the world.

Travel in western Tibet is not easy or comfortable but improved roads, new bridges and telephone lines make it more accessible. The easiest way to travel in Ngari is taking Landcruiser trip.

A drive to Mountain Kailash Manasarovar by southern route, it always takes about 5 to 6 day from Lhasa by visiting some scenic spots en route, such as Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, Sakya Monastery, or even 1 to 2 days additional to visit Everest Base Camp. After a long time driving, have a rest at Lake Manasarovar, usually stay overnight at Chiu Monastery or the village nearby. Then start the Mountain Kailash Kora( Pilgrimage circuit) from Darchen. The Kora of the mountain will take 3 days. Afterwards you may go to have the sacred hot spring at Tirthapuri (All the pilgrims will take this hot-spring after the pilgrimage). 

An ambitious but rewarding alternative is to travel up to Ali, take the longer northern route back Lhasa. A trip that will take 21 to 24 days. After the Mountain Kailash Kora, take a day's drive to Zanda, allow 1 or 2 days to explore the amazing Guge Kingdom ruins at Tsaparang and Tholing Monastery in Zanda. Then take another day to drive to Ali, the capital of Nagri. From Ali, you can make excursion to visit Pangong-tso and Rutok Monastery. Or head all the way to Kashgar by hitching a ride on a public bus or truck. The 6 day drive from Ali back to Lhasa is superbly scenic but there is lack of hotels and guesthouses en route so consider camping somewhere. On the way you will have a chance to see the Tagyal-tso Lake.

If you are heading to Mountain Kailash from Nepal, it's well worth taking the shortcut south via stunning Peiku-tso and its views of Mt.Shishapangma.