Generally, you will spend three nights at Mount Kailash, and while the accommodations are simple, they can meet your basic needs. Before starting the Mount Kailash kora, you will stay one night in Darchen, where there are some decent 3-star or 4-star hotels with private bathrooms and other comforts. During the 3-day kora, you’ll spend two nights in monastery guesthouses, which are simpler but provide warm bedding.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the accommodation options at Mount Kailash - from the hotels in Darchen to the guesthouses along the kora route. We’ll also share helpful tips for a more comfortable stay, such as bringing your own sleeping bag. Keep reading to prepare for a meaningful and enjoyable journey!

Where to Stay before the Mount Kailash Kora: Comfortable Hotels in Darchen

Darchen is a small town located at the foot of Mount Kailash, and serves as the starting point of the sacred Mount Kailash kora. You will spend at least one night here to prepare for your trek. After completing the kora, you will also return the town for a good rest before continue your adventure.

While the hotels in Darchen are relatively basic compared to those in urban cities of Tibet, they offer the most comfortable accommodation available in the region. You can enjoy decent lodging, hot meals, and basic facilities like hot waters and Wi-Fi.

One of the most well-known hotels in Darchen is the Himalaya Kailash Hotel. This 4-star hotel is considered the best option in the area, offering clean rooms, private bathrooms, warm bedding, hot showers, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Chinese and Western dishes, as well as a tea room.

There are also some 3-star hotels that offer a more budget-friendly experience. These include Gaer Shuangfu Business Hotel, Gaer Xiyuan Shenshan Hotel, Kongque Hotel, and Jiaotong Hotel etc. These hotels provide basic amenities including simple rooms, daily necessities, and standard meals.

It's worth noting that the overall standard of accommodation in Darchen is much lower than in other cities, due to its remote location. It’s best to keep your expectations modest. However, these hotels offer a good place to rest and acclimatize before you begin the truly challenging Kailash kora trek.

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Where to Stay during the Mount Kailash Kora: Basic Guesthouses for 3-day Trek

The Mount Kailash kora trek is a three-day journey covering 52 kilometers through high-altitude terrain and varying weather conditions. Along the route, accommodation is limited, and most trekkers spend the first and second nights at the Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse and the Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse, respectively.

Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse - Nigh One of the Trek

On the first day, you’ll take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sershong Valley and begin the trek to Dirapuk Monastery (4,900 m). Upon arrival, you’ll stay at the Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse, located at the foot of Mount Kailash’s western slope.

The guesthouse mainly offers dormitory-style rooms with basic amenities such as beds and warm blankets. However, there are no private bathrooms or shower facilities. Electricity may be limited to a few hours each night, so it’s recommended to bring a portable power bank to charge your devices.

Hot water is available for making coffee or tea, but food options are limited - mostly instant noodles and fried rice. Bringing your own favorite snacks or light meals is advisable.

Despite the simple facilities, the Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse offers stunning sunset views of Mount Kailash. After a long day of trekking, this is a peaceful and awe-inspiring place to rest.

Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse - Night Two of the Trek

For the second day, you will trek from Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery, which is on the east side of the Mount Kailash, and pass the highest point of the route - Drolma La Pass (5,630 meters above sea level).

After this challenging part of the trek, you’ll stay overnight at the Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse, located near the monastery itself. This guesthouse also offers basic facilities, including simple dormitory rooms, hot water, and essential bedding like blankets and pillows. The food served here is generally some packet and instant foods.

Both guesthouses can become crowded during peak pilgrimage seasons from May to October, especially during the Saga Dawa Festival in late May or early June. It's best to book in advance through us - we can help you secure your accommodation.

Can I Camp During the Mount Kailash Kora? Yes, but It’s Not Recommended

Some tourists may wonder if camping is allowed along the kora route. The answer is yes - but we don’t recommend it for several reasons.

First, the weather conditions at Mount Kailash can be extremely challenging and unpredictable. Even during the summer months, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Without proper cold-weather camping experience and gear, spending the night outdoors can be risky.

In contrast, the monastery guesthouses along the kora offer safety and convenience, despite their basic amenities. They provide a warm place to sleep and a chance to rest well before and after each day’s demanding trek.

Moreover, Mount Kailash is a revered site for multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Out of respect for local customs and to preserve the sacredness of the mountain, camping at Mount Kailash is not recommended.

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More Insider Tips for a Comfortable Stay at Mount Kailash

If you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it's important to keep in mind that the region is known for its high altitude and harsh weather conditions. To ensure a comfortable stay, here are some tips to follow:

1. Prepare for High Altitude and Harsh Weather:
Mount Kailash is located at a high altitude, and the weather can be harsh, even during the summer months. Therefore, it's important to prepare adequately for these conditions. Bring warm clothing like a down jacket that can withstand low temperatures, and a hat and gloves to protect yourself from the cold.

2. Bring Your Personal Sleeping Bag:
Accommodations at Mount Kailash area are very basic, and bedding may not always be available. And bed covers and blankets provided in the guesthouses may not be often changed. Bringing your own sleeping bag ensures that you have a clean and comfortable place to sleep.

3. Carry Enough Toilet Tissues and Wet Wipes:
While some accommodations have basic amenities, such as toilets, toilet tissues and wet wipes may not be readily available. It's a good idea to bring your own supply of these items to ensure that you are comfortable.

4. Prepare Food Supplements:
Food options in the Mount Kailash area are limited, especially for those with specific dietary requirements. To ensure that you have enough energy for your trip, bring food supplements such as energy bars or dry fruits.

5. Bring Altitude Medication:
Accommodations are all located at high elevations. Speak to your doctor before traveling and consider bringing altitude sickness medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox). Give yourself a few days to acclimatize in Lhasa, and then gradually travel to Mount Kailash along the overland route.

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Conclusion

Accommodation at Mount Kailash is basic, but you can have a comfortable stay with proper preparation and a willingness to embrace a more rustic experience. The monastery guesthouses along the trekking route offer clean rooms, while the hotels in Darchen provide better amenities.

As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience organizing Mount Kailash tours, we’re here to help you find the most suitable accommodation based on your preferences. Feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today for a worry-free Mount Kailash journey!