Do’s and Don’t’s of Kailash Tour

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a special journey to reach the beautiful Mount Kailash located in Tibet. The journey offers the scenic beauty of a remote landscape, but walking through such an area is difficult. The roads are rugged, the oxygen is less, and the weather changes fast. 

Trekking in another country (Tibet, China) in new weather is a thrilling experience. However, you must be cautious of the country’s rules, your own health, and some activities related to civic sense.

If you are thinking of taking the Kailash tour in 2025, you must know the dos and don’ts. A clear understanding of dos and don’ts helps you stay well and enjoy the Kailash trip.

Let’s dive in!

10 Dos During Your Kailash Mansarovar Journey

Let’s look into the ten activities you must do when touring around the Kailash region.

• Do check your medical condition.

Trekking above 5000 meters is not a cakewalk; one has to be prepared for the physical constraints. For a healthy person, the Kailash Mansarovar yatra may not be that difficult. But if you have any health issues like asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure, you are at high risk. You must consult a doctor and check whether you are fit to go on the Kailash trip.

• Do make your body healthy.

Even though you are fit, you need to build your stamina. For that, you can do regular walking and light cardio. Also, deep breathing exercises keep your lungs healthy and stronger. Good physical fitness makes the journey safer and more enjoyable.

• Keep important documents handy.

To reach Tibet, you need to carry your passport, visa, permits, medical insurance, ID cards, and emergency contact information. Make sure you carry them in a waterproof pouch. The authority at various checkpoints can ask for the documents; have them with you to show whenever necessary.

• Do get all permits before you go.

Kailash Mansarovar lies in Tibet, a pious but strict area for visitors. Thus, to get entry in this region, you must have special group travel permits issued by the respective governments. These permits are crucial to cross borders and travel in protected zones.

• Do pack warm clothes.

The weather in the Kailash area is cold. In fact, there can be sudden drops in temperature within a single day. Thus, to tackle the cold, you should pack enough warm clothes like thermal innerwear, down jackets, woolen socks, gloves, scarves, and a windproof cap. Wearing clothes in layers keeps you warm and helps in adjust to changing temperatures.

• Do carry important medicines.

You can’t find pharmacies in the remote regions around Mount Kailash, so you need to carry all necessary medicines with you. Make sure to have medicines for headaches, altitude sickness, stomach issues, allergies, and any personal prescriptions. Along with medicine, you can carry first aid items like bandages, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers.

• Do drink lots of water.

At high altitudes, the air is dry, and you breathe faster. This makes your body lose water more quickly. If you don’t drink enough, you can get dehydrated, which can make altitude sickness worse. So, you should carry a water bottle and drink small sips throughout the day.

• Do carry some dry fruits and chocolates.

Long walks in high-altitude areas can be tiring and quickly reduce energy. You can carry light snacks like dry fruits, nuts, energy bars, and chocolates to get quick energy. These food items are easy to pack and can be very helpful when food is not easily available on the trail.

• Do respect local traditions.

Mount Kailash is one of the most respected pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Also, this region is home to the local Tibetan community, who have lived there for generations. Thus, when visiting, you must respect their traditions. You can honor their religious practices, follow their customs, dress modestly, and be mindful of their culture. Do not mock or make any rude comments or gestures.

• Do keep some cash with you.

In the Kailash region, the number of ATMs is lower, and digital payments almost do not work in remote mountain regions. Thus, you must carry enough cash in local currency (Chinese Yuan) for food, transport, or emergencies.

10 Don’ts During Your Kailash Mansarovar Journey

Now, let’s check out what things you should completely avoid when trekking around Kailash.

• Don’t take Tamsik items.

Tamsik items mean non-vegetarian food, alcohol, cigarettes, or any form of intoxicants. You should not carry such items, as it is a disrespect to the sacred place. Instead, you can bring food or drinks that are simple and vegetarian. Make sure to have balanced food to avoid any stomach or bowel issues.

• Overpack or carry unnecessary items.

In excitement, you may pack things that you may not need. This makes your luggage heavy, and carrying heavy bags on high-altitude treks causes tiredness and back pain. Thus, no need to bring items like extra shoes, electronics, or cosmetics; just stick to the basic ones.

• Don’t forget sun protection.

At high altitudes, the sun is scorching with lots of UV rays. Such rays can damage your skin and eyes. To avoid that damage, use high-quality sunscreen, wear sunglasses with UV protection, and bring a hat or cap to cover your head.

• Don’t ignore headaches or breathing problems.

When you are making Kailash Parikrama, you can get mild headaches or shortness of breath. These could be the early signs of altitude sickness. Thus, you should not ignore them or push yourself to keep walking. At such a moment, you can inform your guide or team immediately, rest, and seek medical help if needed.

• Don’t take risks for photos.

The remote landscape of Mt Kailash is stunning and makes you greedy for taking photos. But in the quest of getting a perfect photo, do not risk your safety. No need to climb rocks, go near edges, or step into dangerous areas.

• Don’t throw trash and damage the environment.

Kailash is considered the center of the world, and it is a very sacred place for many religions. So, you must not litter this region. Never throw plastic bottles, wrappers, or other waste on the trail. You can carry a small trash bag with you and dispose of it properly. 

• Bathing in Mansarovar Lake.

Pilgrims are eager to take a holy dip in the Mansarovar Lake, whose water can cleanse all sins. But the water is extremely cold. Bathing fully in the lake can cause hypothermia or sickness. Also, the Chinese government does not allow people to bathe in Lake Manasarovar to protect the lake and respect its religious importance. You can just sprinkle a few drops of Mansarovar water on yourself or take some water in a small bottle.

• Engage in disrespectful behavior.

The Kailash Mansarovar area is synonymous with peace and tranquility. People here come for a deeper spiritual connection. Thus, you must be aware of not shouting, arguing, or showing anger. You should also avoid using loudspeakers or doing anything that disturbs the peace. Always be respectful towards fellow pilgrims, locals, and guides. Remember, you are showing your nation’s personality via your act.

• Don’t take materials that are associated with the Dalai Lama.

The Chinese government does not allow anything connected to the Dalai Lama because of political issues. If security officers find such items during bag checks, you could face delays, questions, or even be stopped from entering Tibet. Thus, you must not carry any pictures, books, or items related to the Dalai Lama.

• Don’t forget to tell your family about the poor phone network.

The mobile network and internet services in the Kailash region are very limited. You may not be able to make contact with your family through digital mediums. Thus, before the actual Kailash trek, inform your family and loved ones. Tell them not to worry if they can’t contact you. Ensure to stay in touch whenever you get mobile signals.

Final Thoughts

Kailash region is one of the crucial pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons. Every year, thousands of pilgrims or interested travellers from all over the world trek here. But their preparation starts 6 months before the Kailash trek. During this time, they become familiar with activities that must be done and must be avoided for a successful trip. To make the Kailash tour safe, meaningful, and memorable, you must consider these activities. Along with these, you must choose a reliable Kailash Tour Operator like TripTo Kailash.

Trip to Kailash team has years of experience in facilitating Kailash Mansarovar Yatra enthusiasts all over the world. Our affordable Kailash tour packages cater to Nepalese, Indians, and other permitted nationals in Tibet. If you have any confusion or queries related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, contact us. 

Read More: Trip To Kailash: A Detailed Guide To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra