Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek

Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek, in Far Western Nepal’s Humla District, is one of the world’s most remote & beautiful regions and is the starting point of our trek into the ‘Kailash Mandala’. We travel along ancient pilgrimage routes and trading links, trekking across the border into Tibet to Mt Kailash, the sacred Lake Manasarovar, representing purity and Lake Rakshas Tal, representing power.

Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers see the 6714m high Mount Kailash as the holiest mountain on earth. It is considered to be the abode of the great Hindu God Shiva, as well as the axis of the universe, from which four rivers, the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and the Karnali, have their source and flow into the four directions. Stepping on the shore and taking a bath in Lake Manasarovar, or drinking from the water, cleans the sins of a hundred rebirths.

From Hilsa, you cross the border to Sera (also spelled Sher). Here jeeps are waiting to drive you northwards past Gurla Mandata mountain to the shores of Lake Manasarovar and Rakshas Lake. You can walk (part of) the ‘kora’ (Tibetan) or ‘parikrama ’(Sanskrit), a holy walk, circumambulating the lake. In summer, wild geese and Himalayan swans swim on its waters. There are eight gompa around the lake, of which six have been rebuilt.

The lake you drive to Darchen, situated at the foot of Mount Kailash. From Darchen (also spelled as Tarchen), you can make the ‘kora‘ or ‘parikrama ’, the holy walk circumambulating the mountain in a clockwise direction, in 3 days. You share the trail with many Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Bon pilgrims. The last ones circle the mountain anti-clockwise. Most Buddhist people are walking with their prayer wheels spinning at all times, mumbling their prayers.

You see some prostrating the whole kora. The kora goes through an impressive desolate landscape, the Mount Kailash towering high above you many times. Mount Kailash resembles a huge natural temple. Stones, springs, and hills along the way have a deeper religious meaning to the pilgrims. All along the way, you encounter Buddhist shrines, like chörten, mani walls, holy footprints, and of course Buddhist monasteries.

The kora (parikrama) goes over a high pass of 5630 meters, the Drolma La (also spelled as Dolma La). For pilgrims, this pass is, besides being the highest point, the spiritual highlight of their odyssey. The pass is decorated with masses of prayer flags, and out of devotion,n people leave clothes, coins, and other personal belongings here. Devout pilgrims mumble their prayers and ring the brass bells in front of the holy rock in which, according to legend, the goddess Drolma disappeared after she had guided the first pilgrim here. To pilgrims, it is the symbolic passage through the gates of death after which one is cleansed and prepared for a good rebirth.

Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek Map

Simikot Trek to Kailash and Drive to Kyirong -Rasuwa

Map:@wang Lama Art Kailash

Best Time for Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek

The Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek is best undertaken from May to September, when the weather is relatively stable, skies are clear, and high-altitude passes are accessible. Temperatures range from mild in the valleys to chilly at higher altitudes. Monsoon rains (June–August) can make trails slippery, while winter months bring heavy snow and extreme cold, making trekking risky. Always check local weather updates before departure.

Safety & Altitude Info

This trek reaches high-altitude zones exceeding 5,000 meters, including glacier passes near Mount Kailash. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a potential risk, so gradual acclimatization with rest days is essential. Travelers should be physically fit, carry adequate warm clothing, and use trekking poles for safety on steep or icy sections. Guide support is highly recommended for safe passage.

Permits Required for Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek

To complete this trek, travelers need several official permits:

• Restricted Area Permit (Humla region, Nepal)
• Tibet Travel Permit for entering Tibet via Kyirong
• Chinese Group Visa (issued through a registered travel operator)

All permits must be arranged in advance. Your trekking agency typically handles application processes to ensure smooth border crossings.

Who Should Take This Trek

The Simikot Kailash Kyirong Trek is ideal for adventure seekers, spiritual travelers, and experienced trekkers. It requires good physical fitness and the ability to handle high-altitude trekking. Travelers with a sense of adventure who enjoy remote landscapes, cultural immersion in Humla and Tibetan regions, and the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash will find this journey deeply rewarding. This trek is not recommended for beginners, children, or those with serious health issues due to its challenging terrain and altitude.