Things to Do in Kailash Manasarovar: 7 Must-See Highlights

Kailash Manasarovar stands as a sacred place for pilgrims and a favorite destination for tourists exploring Tibet. The holy kora trek around Mount Kailash remains the main attraction, yet this region presents countless other amazing activities. This guide shares seven fantastic highlights you can experience in Kailash Manasarovar. Keep reading to discover what makes this place so special and plan your perfect trip.

No.1: Take the Kora Trek around Mount Kailash

Every visitor to Kailash Manasarovar should walk the kora trek around Mount Kailash. This path stretches for 52 kilometers and takes most people three days to finish. The journey tests your strength while letting you see Mount Kailash from every angle.

The trek begins in Darchen, a small village sitting below the southern side of Mount Kailash. From there, you walk west and then north, climbing through valleys until you reach Drirapuk Monastery on the first day. The second day brings the biggest challenge as you cross Dolma La pass at 5,630 meters, the highest spot on the route. After crossing the pass, you descend to Zutulpuk Monastery for the night.

Day three takes you downhill from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen village. You walk through green valleys on this easier final section, giving your tired legs a gentle finish to this challenging mountain trek.

No.2: Do the Yatra around Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar holds deep meaning for many people. Hindu pilgrims believe Lord Shiva created this lake in his thoughts before bringing it to Earth. Tibetan Buddhists say this lake marks the spot where Maya Devi conceived Gautama Buddha. Both groups believe washing in the lake or drinking its water clears away a lifetime of wrongdoings.

Walking around the lake covers 100 kilometers, and most pilgrims need five days to complete the circuit. Tibetans have walked this sacred path for more than 2,000 years. During your walk, you pass beautiful Buddhist monasteries and witness stunning mountain views. This journey combines spiritual meaning with breathtaking natural beauty.

No.3: Meet Pilgrims along the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Route

During your trek around Mount Kailash or Lake Manasarovar, you meet many pilgrims following their spiritual path. Some move quickly along the trail, while others travel slowly, stopping to perform prostrations. This practice helps cleanse their minds and hearts, especially from feelings of pride.

Talking with these pilgrims gives you real insights into Tibetan Buddhism and local traditions. Many pilgrims love sharing their stories as they complete their sacred walk. You hear tales from Tibetan pilgrims and visitors from distant countries, adding rich perspectives to your own experience.

No.4: Visit Five Monasteries around Mount Kailash

Five monasteries circle Mount Kailash, and these high mountain temples create wonderful sights during your trek through this remote area.

• (1) Chuku Monastery: Chuku Monastery appears first on the outer kora route, sitting up the valley from Tarboche. This monastery protects three special items: the Chuku statue, the Conch Shell, and the Teapot. Stories tell how an attacking army tried stealing these treasures, but magic made the statue too heavy to lift, sent the conch shell flying back, and turned the teapot’s tea into blood.
• (2) Drirapuk Monastery: Drirapuk Monastery marks your second stop on the outer kora route and serves as your sleeping place on the first night. Workers rebuilt this monastery in 1986 after it fell into ruins. Long rows of white stupas line the monastery, and inside you find ancient statues and Buddhist treasures carefully kept for hundreds of years.
• (3) Zultripuk Monastery: Zultripuk, the third monastery, welcomes trekkers on their second night. Built on the west bank of the Zhong Chu River, this monastery surrounds sacred rock formations that Milarepa reportedly created. The site includes Milarepa’s Cave, where he spent years in meditation. A stone slab inside the cave shows marks believed to be Milarepa’s hand and footprints.
• (4) Selung Monastery: The inner kora route leads you to Selung Monastery, standing at 5,020 meters high. Monks originally built this spot for quiet meditation, making it the first monastery on the inner circuit. After leaving Selung, the path curves around smaller Mount Yinjietuo before dropping down to Gyangzha Monastery.
• (5) Gyangzha Monastery: Gyangzha Monastery rises to 5,060 meters and claims the title of the first Buddhist monastery built near Mount Kailash. This monastery holds great importance as the most respected religious site in western Tibet.

No.5: Attend the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival

The Saga Dawa Festival happens every year at Mount Kailash’s base during the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. This celebration marks three major events in Buddha’s life: his birth, his enlightenment, and his death. People believe every good or bad action multiplies thousands of times during this special month.

The festival runs for an entire month, with the opening days carrying the most importance. A tall prayer flag pole at Tarboche gets taken down, receives fresh prayer flags, and stands up again perfectly straight. After these rituals finish, pilgrims begin their walk around Mount Kailash.

Traditional Tibetan festivals interest you? Mark your calendar for this grand celebration when visiting Mount Kailash. The next Kailash Saga Dawa Festival takes place on May 31, 2026. This event lets you feel the sacred and joyful mood alongside local people.

No.6: Appreciate Kangkyam Glacier around Kailash Kora

Walking the Mount Kailash kora gives you a chance to see Kangkyam Glacier, one of the few glaciers still moving today. This glacier flows down from Mount Kailash’s north face, and reaching it takes about two hours from Drirapuk Monastery for the complete walk. Standing at the glacier’s front edge, you see Mount Kailash’s dramatic north face rising straight up, creating an amazing view of this rare natural wonder.

No.7: Enjoy Tirthapuri Hot Springs After Completing the Kora

Northwest of Mount Kailash sits Tirthapuri Monastery, known for its comforting hot springs. Located beside the Sutlej River, pilgrims love stopping here after finishing the kora. The warm waters soothe sore muscles and tired feet from days of trekking.

After soaking in the springs, spend time exploring the monastery grounds. The assembly hall displays stone footprints belonging to Guru Rinpoche. People believe Padmasambhava left these prints when he came to Tibet spreading Buddhism. This peaceful place helps you rest and think about your mountain journey.

Join Our Mount Kailash Tour to Smoothly Enjoy the Best Highlights

Planning a trip to Kailash Manasarovar can seem difficult with so many amazing places to visit. Joining our Mount Kailash tour gives you the easiest way to explore this region. Our carefully planned trips show you the best spots in the area.

We run various small group tours, including our popular 15-day Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour. This tour covers the 3-day Kailash kora and visits Lake Manasarovar, plus stops at famous Mount Everest and other Tibetan attractions. Want to explore Kailash Manasarovar more deeply? We create custom tours ensuring you see every highlight western Tibet offers.

Every tour option guarantees a smooth and unforgettable Mount Kailash experience. You receive excellent services, confirmed travel permits, experienced local Tibetan guides, and much more.

Conclusion

A journey to Kailash Manasarovar fills your days with spiritual discoveries and natural beauty. From the sacred kora trek around Mount Kailash to the relaxing hot springs at Tirthapuri Monastery, each activity brings something special. Pilgrims seeking spiritual growth and adventurers chasing excitement both find these highlights make trips worthwhile and memorable. Have questions? Contact us anytime or book your Kailash Mansarovar Tour with us right now!