Mount Kailash Tibet, China Travel Guide
Very basic, often unheated, with dormitory-style or simple private rooms. Shared pit latrines are common, running water scarce. Electricity may be intermittent.
Slightly better hotels at the base town. These offer private rooms, sometimes with private bathrooms (hot water may be limited).
In larger towns like Shigatse or Saga, hotels present varying comfort, often 3-4 star equivalents by Chinese standards. These generally feature private bathrooms, hot water, and heating.
Not organized for foreign tourists along the kora. Extreme cold and wind make it challenging without specialized gear and support.
Not available in the Kailash region. Very limited in Lhasa for foreign tourists due to permit restrictions.
Not formally established for foreign tourists in the Kailash region. Your accommodation is generally part of your tour package.
Independent camping along the kora is not a recommended option for most travelers.
This section details the character of the kora stops and Darchen, providing insights into their unique aspects and considerations.
The areas generally pose no crime risk. The main concern centers on extreme altitude and the harsh environment. Follow your guide's instructions regarding local conditions.
Darchen serves as the "hub" for Kailash, where vehicles drop off and pick up travelers. All kora activities originate from here. Dirapuk and Zutulpuk are directly on the kora route, accessible only by foot or via pony/yak from Darchen; no vehicle access is permitted for tourists.
Booking accommodation for your Kailash trip differs significantly from booking a typical hotel stay.
Given the restricted access and permit requirements, early planning for your Kailash trip is highly advisable.
Maintain some flexibility in your travel dates as permits and local conditions may lead to adjustments.
Obtain a thorough medical check-up before booking to confirm suitability for high-altitude trekking.
"Recommendations" in this context refer to selecting the right type of tour package and setting realistic expectations, as lodging along the kora is uniformly basic.
This approach typically means shared dormitory rooms in basic guesthouses along the kora. You will also find simpler hotels or guesthouses in towns like Darchen and on the road to Lhasa.
Choosing a small to medium-sized group tour. This often has private rooms where available, with slightly better amenities in towns. Along the kora, facilities remain basic and shared.
"Luxury" for Kailash denotes a private tour with the best available simple hotels in towns (e.g., Lhasa, Shigatse) and the most comfortable (still very basic) private rooms in Darchen.
The Mount Kailash kora is physically taxing and at extreme altitude. It is generally not advised for young children or elderly individuals without excellent health and extensive high-altitude experience.
Long-stay accommodations are not applicable for Kailash. The kora itself spans a 3-day trek.
The overall trip to and from Lhasa typically lasts 15-20 days.
Longer stays in Tibet encounter limitations based on visa and permit durations.
The itinerary focuses on the pilgrimage trek, not extended living arrangements.
Staying at Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries situates you close to ancient spiritual sites.
The experience centers on spiritual immersion and a connection with the pilgrimage, rather than comfort.
Embracing the simplicity forms part of the profound journey and its teachings.
These locations offer direct access to centuries of pilgrim history and devotion.
Accommodation on the kora route will be basic, often without private bathrooms or consistent electricity. Cold nights are common.
Hotels in towns like Darchen may offer more amenities than kora guesthouses but are still rustic by international standards.
For hotels in cities like Lhasa, international platforms such as Booking.com or Agoda can be used, though direct bookings for foreign tourists in Tibet are not common without a tour operator.
For unique experiences like house-sitting in other regions (not Tibet), platforms like TrustedHousesitters exist.
For vacation rentals outside the restricted zones, Vrbo is a popular choice, but not applicable for Kailash.
