Planning a trip to the sacred Mount Kailash from Malaysia is easier than you might think, even with the long distance. In this article, we’ll share useful tips to help you plan your adventure, covering the best times to visit, travel routes, itinerary, accommodation, and what to pack. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to this sacred destination!

Where is Mount Kailash Located? How Far is Mount Kailash from Malaysia?

Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain revered by four major religions, is located in the western part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, within Ngari Prefecture. Standing at an elevation of 6,639 meters, it is the highest peak of the Gangdisê Mountains and lies about 1,200 kilometers from Lhasa, the provincial capital of Tibet.

If you're traveling from Malaysia, the distance to Mount Kailash spans approximately 4,000 to 6,000 kilometers, depending on the route you take. Typically, this involves flights to Chengdu or Kathmandu, followed by a journey into the Tibetan Plateau to reach the mountain.

How to Get to Mount Kailash from Malaysia: Traveling Via Chengdu or Kathmandu is Suggested

There are two popular routes you can take to get to Mount Kailash from Malaysia. You can either fly to Chengdu in mainland China and then transfer to Tibet, or you can fly to Kathmandu in Nepal and enter Tibet from there.

(1) Malaysia to Mount Kailash via Chengdu

The most convenient place for tourists from Malaysia to enter China is Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China. Nonstop flights to Chengdu run daily from Kuala Lumpur and take only about 4 hours and 40 minutes.

From Chengdu, you have two options for getting to Lhasa, Tibet. The first is to take a flight, which is the most convenient method. Flights from Chengdu to Lhasa operate over ten times a day, with an average flight time of around 2 hours and 10 minutes.

The second option is to travel by train. Trains from Chengdu to Lhasa run every other day and take about 34.5 hours. While the train journey is significantly slower, it offers stunning views of the northern Tibetan landscape. As you travel along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the Kunlun and Tanggula Mountain Ranges, the Changtang grasslands, and more.

Once in Lhasa, you can travel overland to Mount Kailash. The road journey covers about 1,200 kilometers across the vast Tibetan plateau, passing through some of Tibet's most stunning cities and towns, including Gyantse, Shigatse, and Saga, as well as the famous Everest Base Camp (EBC).

(2) Malaysia to Mount Kailash via Kathmandu

Another great option is to fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, and then make your way into Tibet from there. If you're traveling from Malaysia, you can catch daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu, with the journey taking around 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Once in Kathmandu, you have two options for reaching Mount Kailash. The first is an overland journey directly from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash via the Sino-Nepal border. This route is more straightforward and time-saving, making it ideal for those with limited time.

Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa and then travel overland to Mount Kailash from there, following the route mentioned above. Flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu run three times a week and take about 90 minutes. With this route, you'll have the chance to explore several other amazing attractions in Tibet, beyond just Mount Kailash.

Which Itineraries to Choose? 15-day Lhasa Kailash Tour or 10-day Kathmandu Kailash Tour

(1) 15-day Lhasa to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Tour

The most classic and popular itinerary is the 15-day Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Small Group Tour. This tour includes a 3-day trek and visits to some of Tibet's most notable attractions, such as Mount Everest Base Camp.

The first three days in Lhasa are typically spent acclimatizing and sightseeing around the city before you depart westward to Mount Kailash. This epic overland journey takes you through several other significant destinations in Tibet, including Gyantse, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you can enjoy stunning views of the world’s highest mountain.

After leaving EBC, you will travel northwest through the town of Saga to reach Darchen, a small town at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, which is the starting point of the incredible three-day trek around the world’s most sacred mountain.

This route follows a well-paved road for the entire distance, and takes you through all the major cultural and natural highlights from Lhasa to Ngari. With the gradual ascent, you'll have a better chance of avoiding altitude sickness, making for a more comfortable journey to Mount Kailash.

(2) 10-day Kailash and Manasarovar Group Tour from Kathmandu

For those entering Tibet from Nepal, the 10-day Kailash and Manasarovar Group Tour from Kathmandu by overland is highly recommended. This shorter, direct route to Mount Kailash offers breathtaking views of western Tibet and the Himalayas.

Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll take a scenic journey to the China-Nepal border at Gyirong, then travel to Saga, passing Shishapangma Peak and Lake Paiku Tso. From Saga, continue to Lake Manasarovar and Darchen, the gateway to your trek.

The tour includes a three-day trek, with one day dedicated to getting up close to the west slope of Mount Kailash and touching this sacred mountain. It’s ideal for those seeking both a spiritual experience and a challenge.

When to Go? The Best Time for Mount Kailash Tour from Malaysia is from May to June and September to October

For tourists from Malaysia visiting Mount Kailash, the best times to travel are in spring and autumn, specifically from May to June and September to October. These periods are ideal for experiencing the spectacular trek around the mountain. Spring and autumn offer better weather, clearer skies, and mild temperatures, making them perfect for hiking at high altitudes in Tibet.

While summer (from July to August) is also a time you can consider for trekking around Mount Kailash, it coincides with Tibet’s main monsoon season. However, the monsoon has less impact in the far west of Tibet compared to the central and eastern regions, and the Himalayas create a rain shadow effect, resulting in less precipitation. Most of the rain falls in the late afternoon and evening, which generally has minimal effect on the trek.

Unfortunately, visiting Mount Kailash during the winter months (November to March) is usually not feasible. Snow can make travel risky, and passes may often be blocked. Additionally, winter temperatures can be extremely cold, making trekking challenging and uncomfortable.

What Documents to Prepare for Mount Kailash Tour from Malaysia: Tibet Travel Permit & More

Normally, you would need to obtain a Chinese Visa first. However, the good news is that from now until the end of 2025, Malaysian passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 15 days. This also applies when entering Tibet via Nepal.

This means you'll only need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit, along with three other documents, for your journey to Mount Kailash. And don’t worry—we'll handle all these necessary arrangements for you.

The Tibet Travel Permit is required for entry into Tibet and travel within the Lhasa area. Additionally, an Alien’s Travel Permit, which is issued upon arrival in Lhasa, is needed for travel to restricted areas outside Lhasa. You'll also need a Military Permit and a Foreign Affairs Permit to access military-controlled areas, including the region around Mount Kailash in Ngari Prefecture.

We can obtain all these necessary permits on your behalf, as long as you book your Mount Kailash tour with us. Just make sure to contact us at least 20 days in advance to ensure a smooth application process.

How is the Dining and Accommodation for Mount Kailash Tour from Malaysia?

In Lhasa and Shigatse, you can enjoy five-star hotels and diverse dining options. However, once you venture into the remote areas of western Tibet, the accommodation becomes more basic and dining options less extravagant.

Outside the cities, most lodging consists of hostels or guesthouses with minimal facilities. During the 3-day Mount Kailash trek, you'll stay in guesthouses at two monasteries along the way. These offer basic accommodations with rooms for 3-4 people and shared bathrooms on the same floor.

For meals in these remote areas, it’s a good idea to bring some supplies from Lhasa, as the food at the hostels and guesthouses mainly consists of traditional Tibetan fare, which may not suit everyone’s tastes.

What to Pack for Mount Kailash Tour from Malaysia?

Mount Kailash can be quite cold, even in summer, with temperatures barely reaching double figures. In spring and autumn, the best times to visit, it can be even colder, especially at night.

To stay warm while trekking, use three layers of clothing: an inner layer of thin t-shirts or hiking shirts, a middle layer of fleece or a down jacket, and an outer layer of raincoats or windproof jackets that can be added or removed as needed.

Trekking pants are ideal for high-altitude hikes. Cotton pants are sufficient if you wear long underwear underneath. Avoid over-layering on the legs to maintain comfort and ease of movement.

Hiking boots are essential for keeping your feet dry and warm while providing ankle support on rough terrain. They offer better grip than regular shoes, which helps with footing on passes.

Sun protection is crucial at high altitudes of Tibet. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from intense sunlight. Also lip balms are a must.

High-calorie snacks are also important for sustaining energy during the trek. Bring items like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits to keep your energy levels up throughout the journey.

Besides, don’t forget a first-aid kit. It should include bandages, gauze, Band-Aids, antiseptic ointments, isopropyl alcohol, iodine, and safety pins. Also, pack medication for headaches and nausea, and bring enough of your regular medication to last beyond your tour.

Conclusion

A trip to Mount Kailash from Malaysia is an incredible adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While planning involves several details, it becomes effortless when you book with us. We handle everything—from permits and accommodations to transportation—so you can simply relax and enjoy your journey with our expert local guide. If you have any questions or wish to book your tour, don’t hesitate to contact us!