Mount Kailash in Tibetan means "Treasure of the Snow Mountain" or "Mountain of the Gods"

📍Mount Kailash in Tibetan means "Treasure of the Snow Mountain" 🏔 or "Mountain of the Gods" 🌟. It is revered as the "Center of the World" by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism, symbolizing holiness, eternity, and the source of faith. 🎊 --- ✅ Main Attractions & Highlights Name and Introduction The main peak of Mount Kailash stands at 6,656 meters, a pyramid-shaped tetrahedral snow peak. The sunrise "Golden Mountain" is incredibly stunning. Starting in 2025, a free stargazing platform will be added on the north side of the summit. Lake Manasarovar (Holy Lake) is at an altitude of 4,588 meters, a freshwater lake regarded by Tibetans as the "King of World Lakes." You can see the reflection of Mount Kailash from afar; the full lake circuit is about 90 km and can be experienced in segments. Lake Rakshastal (Ghost Lake) lies next to the Holy Lake, a saltwater lake with dark blue water. Legend says it has "no fish and no grass." The colors at sunset are eerie, creating strong photographic contrasts. Gugu Monastery / Zheru Monastery is a must-pass route for the kora (circumambulation), allowing close views of the north and west faces of the sacred mountain. There is a simple guesthouse next to Zheru Monastery, excellent for stargazing the Milky Way at night. Thirteen Golden Stupas are located in a cliff groove, featuring 13 golden-topped stupas. You must climb a 100-meter vertical "prayer flag ladder," testing both physical strength and courage. Milarepa Cave is the meditation site of Milarepa, the legendary sole climber of the peak. There is usually a queue at the cave entrance, where you can experience "listening to scriptures inside the cave." --- 🚗 Budget Route Recommendation (From Lhasa, 7-8 days ≈ 1500-2000 RMB/person) 1. Transportation - Lhasa → Ali South Route via G318 + G219, 1500 km, shuttle/shared car 400-500 RMB; return trip can be done by hitching a freight truck to save half the cost. - Border pass: Free to apply in advance at your registered residence, write "Pulan County, Ali Prefecture." 2. Accommodation (Dorm beds 50-80 RMB/night) - Saka / Tarqin / Zheru Monastery all have Tibetan family guesthouses, including breakfast and evening butter tea + tsampa, bargaining possible. - Bring your own tent to camp for free at Lake Manasarovar (note wind protection and garbage disposal). 3. Tickets - Currently, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar have no main entrance fees, only a "environmental protection fee" of 150 RMB at the kora checkpoints (half price for students). - You can save on shuttle buses by walking the entire route or taking local tractors (30-50 RMB per segment). 4. Food - Tibetan tea houses: Butter tea 3 RMB/pot, yak meat noodles 15 RMB; bringing a pressure cooker allows borrowing fire at guesthouses to cook noodles/oatmeal, saving 50%. --- 🏔️ Environment and Altitude Sickness Prevention - Altitude: Tarqin 4700m → Zheru Monastery 5100m → Zhuomala Pass 5700m, rapid ascent, strongly recommended: 1. Acclimate for 2 days in Lhasa (3650m), avoid bathing and staying up late before entering Ali. 2. Two-day kora pace: - Day 1: Tarqin → Zheru Monastery 20 km, gentle, stay at 5100m; - Day 2: Zheru Monastery → Zhuomala → Tarqin 32 km, start at 4 AM, pass the pass before noon to avoid afternoon wind and snow. 3. Medications: Carry ibuprofen (pain relief), dexamethasone (emergency for cerebral edema), oral glucose solution; drink plenty of hot water, rest 10 minutes every 200m ascent. 4. If persistent headache + vomiting + ataxia occur, descend immediately to 4700m and find transport to hospital (Tarqin has an emergency station, oxygen available at 30 RMB/hour). --- 📌 Tips - Best season: mid-May to early October; July-August is rainy, June/September has fewer people and stable weather. - Gear list: trekking poles, waterproof high-top shoes, -10℃ sleeping bag, SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, 2L hydration pack, energy gels. - Respect beliefs: yield to pilgrims on the inner path; do not touch prayer flags or mani stones; drones must be registered in Pulan County in advance, flying over the main peak is prohibited. Wishing you the most stunning sacred mountain journey with the least budget!