Where is Kailash Parvat Located? China, India Or Nepal

Ram Lamichhane
Updated on September 28, 2025
Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is situated in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. This holy mountain is a part of the Kailash Range, or locally referred to as the Gangdise Mountains, which is part of the larger range system called the Trans-Himalayas.

 The mountain is not too far from the borders of India and Nepal, but is still considered within China. Mount Kailash has an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) which makes it a prominent site of spirituality for four different world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon.

For Hindus, it is the home of Lord Shiva, and thus it is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Buddhists consider it a place of enlightenment. According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara achieved liberation (moksha) at the foot of Mount Kailash. Regardless of the extent to which Mount Kailash is important for various religious practices throughout the world, it is prohibited to climb to the summit of Mount Kailash.

Situated in a wild and uninhabited region of western Tibet, the Holy mountain Kailash is still considered to be the centre of the Earth from a spiritual and geographical point of view. It is surrounded by four rivers, the biggest in Asia, that flow into different parts of the continent.

The uniqueness of the mountain lies not only in its shape that resembles a pyramid but also in its being covered with snow all year round and its position at the far west of the Tibetan plateau. As a result, it has become a worldwide religious and adventurous popular destination.

For the adventurers and the devoted, Mount Kailash is a spiritual journey that is not only deeply moving but also charming by the very awe-inspiring nature of the place.

The nearest points from which the mountain can be reached are in Nepal or India; however, it is still under the control of the Chinese. As a result, Mount Kailash becomes a very special place where geography, religion, and culture meet.

Where Exactly is Kailash Parvat Located and in Which Country?

Mount Kailash, otherwise called Kailash Parvat, Kangrinboqê, or Gang Rinpoche, is in the Tibet Autonomous Region in China specifically, Ngari Prefecture and Burang County. The approximate geographical coordinates would be 31.0675° N and 81.3119° E. Mount Kailash rises to 6,638 meters (21,778 ft) above sea level, and is part of the Gangdise Range, or Kailash Range, which is part of the larger Trans-Himalaya mountain system.

Mount Kailash is found in remote western Tibet on the Tibetan Plateau, and while it may be relatively close to borders with India and Nepal in a regional way, the summit of Mount Kailash sits completely within China. Notable in the area as well, Lake Mansarovar (a high-altitude freshwater lake) lies southeast or south of Kailash, and Rakshas Tal / Rakshastal (a salt lake) lies west of Mount Kailash.

These lakes, with Mount Kailash, are an essential part of one of the many pilgrimage routes to Mount Kailash.

Exact Location

Attribute

Details

Country

China (Tibet Autonomous Region) 

Administrative Division

Ngari Prefecture, Burang (Purang) County 

Latitude

~ 31.0675° N 

Longitude

~ 81.3119° E 

Elevation

~ 6,638 metres (21,778 feet) above sea level

Mountain Range

Gangdise (Kailash Range), part of the Trans-Himalaya 

Nearby Lakes

Lake Mansarovar, Rakshas Tal (Rakshastal) 

Where is Mount Kailash Located? Find out in Detail

Field

Detail

Mountain Name

Mount Kailash

Local / Alternate Names

Gang Tise; Gang Rinpoche; Kangrinboqê; Kailāsa (Sanskrit) 

Continent

Asia 

Mountain Range

Gangdise Range (also called Kailash Range), part of the Trans-Himalaya 

Elevation

~ 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) 

Coordinates of Peak

≈ 31.0675° N latitude, 81.3119° E longitude 

Country Location

China, Tibet Autonomous Region (Ngari Prefecture, Burang County) 

On the Border

Near the trijunction point between China, India, and Nepal; but the peak is entirely within Tibet, China. 

Nearby Lakes

Lake Manasarovar (freshwater) and Rakshastal (salt lake) to the south of the peak. 

Climbing Status

Unclimbed – climbing prohibited for religious reasons.

Is Mount Kailash located in India: True or False?

The question of whether Mount Kailash (also called Kailash Parvat) is in India has often been raised due to its cultural and spiritual attachments to Indian culture and religion.

However, from a geographical and political perspective, the inference of “Mount Kailash is in India” is False. Although the Holy Mountain is reinforced in significance in Indian religions, it does not belong to India.

Mount Kailash is not in India; it is in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, specifically Burang County of Ngari Prefecture. Mount Kailash is also 6,638 meters (21,778 some) high.

Mount Kailash is part of the Gangdise Range in the Trans-Himalaya, and Mount Kailash has an approximate latitude of 31.0675° N. and longitude of 81.3119° E, which is firmly located in China.

Proof That Kailash Parvat Is Not in India

  • Geographical Evidence: Mount Kailash is in Tibet, as confirmed by both Encyclopaedia Britannica and Wikipedia. All maps show it north of the intersection of the borders between India, Nepal, and China.
  • Administrative Evidence: The mountain is in Ngari Prefecture in Tibet, which is in the autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, and therefore is not under Indian jurisdiction.
  • Eliminating pilgrimage routes: The famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Indian pilgrims begins in India (generally Uttarakhand) and crosses into Tibet to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The fact that the route has to cross an international boundary also helps show it is not in India.

Why the Confusion Exists?

Although Mount Kailash is located in Tibet, its significance to India is profound and pervasive through the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon traditions. For Hindus, it is the home of Lord Shiva; for Jains, it is the location where Lord Rishabhdev attained liberation.

Each year, pilgrims from India travel to perform the sacred Parikrama (Kora). In addition, from some peaks in Uttarakhand, Mount Kailash can be viewed, further contributing to the idea that it may be a part of India.

Geographical Location of Kailash Parvat Country: Where is Mt Kailash Situated?

Exact Location of Country

Mount Kailash is situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China in Burang County, Ngari Prefecture. Located in the western edge of the Tibetan Plateau - noted for its height and isolation - the mountain's coordinates are overall, approximately 31.0675° N latitude and 81.3119° E longitude, which places it in China.

Proximity to Foreign Border

Despite being in China, the mountain is located fairly close to the foreign borders of Nepal and India. Mount Kailash is about 60 miles (100 kilometres) from the Member's most northwestern point to Nepal (about 45 miles or 70 km north of the foreign border). Set back the same 60 miles (100 kilometres) to the nearest point on the China-India foreign border.

This distance has also added significance to the mountain in the cultural and religious practices and traditions of each neighbouring country.

Mountain Range and Elevation 

Mount Kailash is part of the Gangdise Range, also called the Kailash Range, which is a subrange of the greater Trans-Himalaya. It has an elevation of about 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level, placing it among the larger peaks in the region of Kailash. 

Religious and Cultural Significance

Despite being located in China, Mount Kailash holds religious significance to millions of people in India, Nepal, and Tibet. It is designated as holy in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the religion of Bon.

Therefore, millions of pilgrims travel from India, Nepal, and Tibet to perform Kora, which is the act of circumnavigating around the mountain, an arduous trek that is meant to provide some spiritual benefit.

Routes for Entry and Pilgrimage

Mount Kailash is typically mainly accessible from Tibet, with pilgrims from India entering Tibet through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and rural pilgrims from Nepal entering Tibet through routes like Kerung or Rasuwagadhi.

The routes to Kailash have special travel permits associated with them, and are almost always contiguous to long, multi-day journeys over land from bases in Lhasa or Kathmandu. 

Google states Mount Kailash is a Mountain in China

Mount Kailash Location as per google
Mount Kailash Location as per google

If someone is seeking a quick response about where Mount Kailash is, a quick search via Google will allow them to conclude that Mount Kailash is in China. To further clarify, Mount Kailash is situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in Ngari Prefecture, towards the end of the Gangdise range. 

This often surprises many, especially on the part of the pilgrims from India, due to the overwhelming amount of significance situated within Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, particularly in Hinduism, with Mount Kailash being the residence of Lord Shiva! Not only that, but now with Mount Kailash not being in India brings in additional controversy and confusion.

Although it is located in China, Mount Kailash is a significant religious site for many people in both India and Nepal. They undertake arduous pilgrimage journeys to it. Some travel to Tibet to reach it by a designated route.

Do you ever wonder if Mount Kailash is located within China, India, or Nepal? Now, a simple Google search would do the trick. Yes - it is in China now, but it is viewed as a spiritual, religious establishment with deeper meaning to devotees in the neighbouring countries. 

Mount Kailash Location in the World Map

Kailash Parvat Location as per Map of World
Kailash Parvat Location as per Map of World

On the world map, Mount Kailash's location is displayed clearly on its coordinates of 31.0675N Latitude and 81.3119 E Longitude. Positioning Mount Kailash into Burang County (or Purang County) of the Ngari Prefecture in the Autonomous Region of Tibet, China.

The map of the world identifies Mount Kailash, found at the far western edge of the Tibetan Plateau in the Kailash Range (or Gangdise Shan), within a smaller part of the larger Trans-Himalaya mountain system.

Location Relative to Countries and World Map Context

On the map of the world, Mount Kailash is located extremely near the tri-border area of China, India, and Nepal. It should be noted, however, that the mountain is exclusively situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. In terms of nations, the nearest to the mountain are:

  • China: Mount Kailash is located in China in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
  • India: The nearest border of India is the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, approximately 100 km to the south.
  • Nepal: The nearest border of Nepal is roughly 400 km southeast of this area.

Though Mount Kailash is indeed close to the borders of India and Nepal on any detailed political or topographical map, the summit is not on the land owned by either country.

Because of its remoteness, the area is also far too distant from the nearest major cities. This is shown in the map of the mountain. It contributes to the air of mystique around a mountain that is also too far away from its remoteness.

Altitude and Physical Map Markers

Rising to an altitude of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), Mount Kailash has a pyramid-like shape. It is usually identified in the geographic and topographic peaks of the Mount Kailash Range.

Mount Kailash is flanked by the two holy freshwater lakes, Manasarovar and Rakshastal. These have respectively spiritual and cartographic geography significance as geographical features.

Four major rivers, the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali, also originate from this area. This is often illustrated on hydrologic and physical maps to indicate this mountain's geographic significance.

Where is Mount Kailash located on the map of Asia?

Kailash Location in Asia Map
Kailash Location in Asia Map

Mount Kailash is situated in western Tibet in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, as seen on a map of Asia.

For a more exact location:

  • The approximate coordinates are 31.07° N latitude and 81.31° E longitude.
  • It is located in Burang (Purang) County in Ngari Prefecture, which is located in the western part of the Tibetan Plateau.
  • It is shown on the map as part of the Gangdise Shan (Kailash Range), a sub-range of the Trans-Himalaya system, adjacent and parallel to the main Himalayan range on its northern side.
  • While it is near the western trijunction of China, India and Nepal, it is entirely within the territory of China (Tibet).
  • Also close by on the map, you will see Lakes Manasarovar and Rakshastal just south of it, plus the headwaters of the major rivers (Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Ghaghara) in the vicinity.

So, in looking at a map of Asia, you will see Mount Kailash, in relation to the Indian subcontinent, located toward the north in the highlands of western Tibet, near the overlap region of Tibet, Nepal and India.

Mount Kailash Location In Map of China

Mount Kailash Location in China
Mount Kailash Location in China

Mount Kailash is situated in the western region of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.  It is administratively a part of Burang County (also known as Purang County) in Ngari Prefecture in Tibet.

  • Kailash is geographically part of the Gangdise Shan mountain range (also known as the Kailash Range), which is part of the Transhimalaya. 
  • On maps of China, Mount Kailash is located on the western edge of Tibet, near the international borders with India and Nepal, although the mountain is entirely in China. 
  • On maps, to the south of Kailash, visible as high-altitude lakes, are Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal. The lakes are also near Kailash.
  • Kailash has an elevation of 6,638 m (21,778 feet) above sea level. 

Where is Mount Kailash located on the map of Lhasa?

Situated far to the west on a map of Lhasa and the surrounding area, Mount Kailash is located in the northwestern corner of Tibet, in Ngari Prefecture (Burang County), Tibet Autonomous Region. To summarise things and help you spatially picture it, here are some markers: 

  • From Lhasa, the road distance via road to Darchen (the nearest town to Mount Kailash) is roughly 1,500 km based on standard road routes through Shigatse and Saga.
  • In a straight line (as the crow flies), Mount Kailash is located about 1,200 km to the west of Lhasa.
  • On a Lhasa-centric map, Mount Kailash would be off the left (west) edge, further west than the mountain ranges and plateaus that extend from central Tibet to the far western border.
  • Major locations that you often see on maps or in the physical world between Lhasa and Kailash are Shigatse, Gyantse, Lake Yamdrok, and, amongst those advances, nearing the far western area of the region near Mount Kailash.

So on a map of Lhasa, Mount Kailash would appear far to the west, after many valleys and areas, in the extreme western area of Tibet.

Kailash Location Google Maps

Map Kailash Location as per google Maps
Mount Kailash Location as per Google Maps

Geographical Location and Maps

On Google Maps, or another similar map, Mount Kailash is located at about 81.3119°E and 31.0674° N. 

These geographical coordinates put the mountain located in the western part of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China inside Ngari Prefecture, Burang County (also Purang). 

Surrounding Features & Map Context

  • On Google Maps, you will see Mount Kailash just north of two relatively well-known high elevation lakes, Manasarovar Lake to the southeast, and Rakshastal Lake directly south and a little west. 
  • As you then proceed to zoom out, the slightly larger sequences of the entire Gangdise (Kailash) Range, which is discovered in the Transhimalaya, can be found. 
  • The remote regions in this topography of maps show high plateaus, little communities, a barrier of mountains, remains of glaciers, and of flair in serious regions, denoting, as conjecture, Mount Kailash's relative position in high elevation and elevation compared to a non-typical elevation.
  • Maps of the area show a remote area with high plateaus, thinly populated settlements and rugged mountain ranges, as well as evidence of glaciers reflecting the great height and remoteness of Kailash.

Elevation & Map Labels

  • Mount Kailash stands at 6,638 meters (21,778 ft) tall.
  • You will frequently see the name CRA Mount Kailash / Kangrinboqê / Gang Rinpoche on Google Maps (depending on the zoom level and language).
  • There are various layers the mapping interface has, such as the satellite image, terrain view, and relief shading so that you can understand the snow cover, ridgelines and features of the glaciers and lakes in the areas around Kailash.

Mount Kailash Exact Location, Coordinates and Height in 2025

Mount Kailash, or Kangrinboqê Peak as it is referred to in Tibetan, and Gang Rinpoche, meaning the Precious Jewel of Snow, is a sacred and mysterious peak the world over. 

Located in a secluded area of western Tibet, it has great religious and geographical and geological significance. 

The mountain is not one of the highest peaks in the world, but its mystical presence and spiritual significance have drawn pilgrims from Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners alike for thousands of years. 

The mountain is still of great interest 2025 to researchers, climbers (even if climbing is prohibited), and followers. Below is a detailed look at the physical location, coordinates, and height of Mount Kailash, as well as some changes in measurements over time.

Mount Kailash Location and Coordinates

Mount Kailash is located in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (China), next to the sources of four of the most significant rivers in Asia: the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej and the Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges). Its unique setting in the Transhimalaya to being north of the main Himalayan range, distinguishes it from other particularly recognisable mountains such as Mount Everest or Kanchenjunga.

Exact Coordinates of Mount Kailash (2025):

  • Latitude: 31°04′44″ N
  • Longitude: 81°18′45″ E

The coordinates above show that Mount Kailash is approximately 100 km north of Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal. These two lakes are sacred and are associated with the Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage.

Height of Mount Kailash

While Mount Kailash is not, like Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, it nevertheless has an impressive elevation.

Height of Mount Kailash (Official, 2025)

  • 6,638 meters (21,778 feet / 6.64 km) above sea level

The measurement takes into account modern satellite imaging, map-making based on GPS technology and Chinese topographical surveys. Mount Kailash, though lower than Everest in absolute elevation, is remarkable given the height of its distinctive near-symmetrical pyramidal form and its prominence on the Tibetan plateau. 

Height Evolution of Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash's elevation has changed over history, and technological advances have helped remove some uncertainty. Geologic movements also generate minor elevation changes; however,  the uplift is slower than that of the base elevation of the Himalaya's principal peaks. 

  • Early Records (Pre-1900s): Early Tibetan and Indian written records referred to Kailash as the "centre of the universe," defining it as "heightless." Scientific measurements did not occur.
  • 1900s -1950s: English and Indian cartographers gather the highest estimates of ~6,675m and note limited precision.
  • 1970s-1990s: Survey heights brought about the standardised altitude of ~ 6,638m (in part through Chinese Topographical surveys and aerial photographs).
  • 2000s-2025: Current GPS and satellite technology continue to verify and confirm as a standard ~6,638m (21,778 ft ) with ±2 m variation when primarily snow and ice level changes are accounted for. 

Dimensions of Mount Kailash in 2025

Measurement Type

Height / Elevation

Height from Sea Level (Official, 2025)

6,638 meters (6.64 km / 21,778 feet)

Elevation from Tibetan Plateau (Base)

~1,200 meters (1.2 km / 3,937 feet) above surrounding plateau

Comparison to Everest

Everest is ~2,210 meters (7,254 feet) taller

Compared to Burj Khalifa

More than 8 times taller (Burj Khalifa: 828 m / 2,717 ft)

Geological Uplift

Rises about 2–3 mm per year due to tectonic activity

Is Mount Kailash Close to Nepal?

Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, northeast of Nepal. Even though it's located across the border, which is "near" compared to many of the very distant Tibetan mountain ranges, Mount Kailash is visible from some of the high valleys of Nepal, and it's also possible to travel to Mount Kailash overland or via mixed transport from Nepal. So, while it is not located in Nepal, Mount Kailash is more directly accessible from Nepal than many places that are deep inside Tibet. 

  • The straight-line distance (as the crow flies) from the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, to Mount Kailash is approximately 538 kilometres ( 334 miles). The actual distance travelled by road is longer due to the challenges of road construction and terrain, the necessity of a border crossing point, sometimes winding roads on the mountain itself, and often, required travel on Tibetan plateaus. The distance travelled overland from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash, using one of the permitted overland road routes via Gyirong (Kyirong), is approximately 820 kilometres.
  • Overland driving times are typically between 2-3 days (sometimes longer), depending on the conditions of the road, border delays, acclimatisation, and weather. Routes from Nepal to Mount Kailash are all defined with trade-offs of route time, costs, scenery, dread factor, and involve varying amounts of trekking or flights.

Route 1: Overland Route via Kerung (Rasuwagadhi Border)

A well-trodden traditional route with variations from Kathmandu is to drive from Kathmandu → Syabrubesi → Kerung (Rasuwagadhi border) → then motor into Tibet → and up to Mt. Kailash.

From Kathmandu, you will drive to the border of Nepal-China at Kerung, cross the border and drive through Tibet (Darshan Gyirong / Kyirong) from Manasorvarase, a couple of Darchen (base of Mt. Kailash).

This will take time, during those activities you need acclimatisation and challenging road sections yet especially in remote Tibetan areas. For example: Overland to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar-10 Days, Kailash Manasarovar Small Group Tour-10 Days etcs.

Route 2: Kathmandu → Lhasa flight + Overland

Another route would be that of flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa (claims the capital of Tibet and then back to Kawgar Tabab & downtown Tsampa & Kamrad, esp. Tabab overland to Mt. Kailash.

This option would avoid an extensive drive through borderlands. Each option would follow an overland route from Lhasa to Mountain Kailash, visit other cities in or around Tibetan, possibilities and back roads, high highways to our route, high passes and lakes, Loco Darchen, base of mountain pilgrimage. While more (flight, permits, and all), the advantage to comfort seeing. 

Route 3: Helicopter / Mixed Route via Hilsa / Simikot

For those who do not want to spend so much time on the road or for those with limited time available, alternate transfer options using flights and/or helicopters exist for mixed routes.

For example, you can take a flight to Nepalgunj. Then take another flight to Simikot. After that, either traverse by helicopter and/or overland transfer to Hilsa. Cross the border into Purang (Tibet), with a final destination of Mount Kailash.

(Note: while cutting down on the amount of trekking you do, or long land travel, the mixed route will incur more costs and will have logistics issues, whether it be due to weather or availability.)

Where is Kailash Parvat in which State?

Actually, Mount Kailash (alias Kailash Parvat or Kailasa) is not found in any Indian state or Nepalese province. This mountain is situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, namely in the Ngari Prefecture, Burang County.

Hence, it is not a "state" in India or a province of Nepal to which it belongs as its territory. Due to its position in China, foreign pilgrims are generally required to obtain permits from the Chinese or Tibetan authorities to gain access to the area.

This mountain is located in a remote western part of the Tibetan Plateau, near the border with Nepal and India, but it is just over the border inside China.

Because of the different routes of the pilgrimage and the cultural links, many ways to Mount Kailash go through Nepal or the Indian states, particularly Uttarakhand. Hence, people who live in the border areas often cross the border. This sometimes confuses people as to whether Mount Kailash is a part of India or Nepal.

Moreover, there are other mountains with the same or similar names:

  • Adi Kailash (also known as Chota Kailash) lies in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is in a state. However, it is a different mountain from the "main" Mount Kailash in Tibet.
  • Om Parvat is yet another holy peak that can be seen from Uttarakhand (India) and is located partially close to the border with Nepal. Still, this one is also different.

Some confusion may have arisen from the fact that the pilgrims use expressions such as "I will go to Mount Kailash via Uttarakhand" or "via Nepal,". In contrast, they actually mean the way and not the location of the mountain.

Which District is Kailash in?

Mount Kailash is not located in the "district" of any country, in the way smaller administrative districts are in Nepal or India. It is located in Burang County within Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

And some more contextual information: 

  • Burang County, or Purang County, is the specific administrative jurisdiction of Mount Kailash. Ngari Prefecture is a larger administrative district in western Tibet, but Burang County is the administrative unit in which Mount Kailash is located. The Tibet Autonomous Region of China is a province-level division of China. 

So if "district" is meant literally in the Indian or Nepalese way, it is not in any district; it is in a territory, namely China, in an administrative sense.

Is Kailash situated in China? The Most Asked Question Answered

Yes, Mount Kailash is situated in the People’s Republic of China, specifically in the Tibet Autonomous Region. While questions and debates about the religious or historic ownership of the mountain are frequently raised, those are different from the political/legal fact of its location.

Location, administrative divisions

Mount Kailash is located in Burang (Purang) County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), western China. The Tibet Autonomous Region is one of China's provincial-level administrative units.

Geography relative to borders

The mountain is near the trijunction where the borders of China, India, and Nepal meet, but it lies inside the Chinese territory. It is part of the Kailash (Gangdisê) Range, which is the Trans-Himalaya forming the mountain range.

Historical or religious claims vs. political sovereignty

For instance, the people of India, Nepal, Tibet, and the rest of the world have many religious, cultural, and historical associations with Mount Kailash. It is a holy mountain in the four religions, i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon.

On the other hand, no matter how strong these religious or cultural ties may be, the mountain is in Chinese jurisdiction as per international law and current maps.

Pilgrimage and Accessibility

Mount Kailash is within the borders of the PRC (People's Republic of China), but still makes this long pilgrimage journey (Kailash Mansarovar Yatra) from countries like India, Nepal, and beyond. Of course, China controls access, visitor permits, and accommodations surrounding these sacred areas.

If Kailash Parvat is Not in India what is in India similar to Mount Kailash?

Kailash Parvat is not considered in India, but there are many sacred mountains in India that are sometimes associated with Mt. Kailash in Tibet and included in the sacred group of Panch Kailash.

Some of these mountains are quite famous in the Hindu way of thinking and have deeper stories in Hindu mythology of sacred mountains and sacred places where God Shiva resides.

So we can say that, even if you cannot go to Mt. Kailash, there are many sacred peaks in India that - like Mt. Kailash - offer spiritual resonance, pilgrimage, symbolic form, and mythic significance to evoke similar feelings associated with Kailash Parvat.

Some of the mountains, like Kailash in India, have been listed below.

Manimahesh Kailash Peak - Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Manimahesh Kailash is situated in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district and stands at an elevation of 5,653 meters (18,400 feet). Manimahesh Kailash is one of the five sacred Kailash, known as the Panch Kailash, and is said to be the home of God Shiva. In fact, the lake of the same name at its base is a main pilgrimage site.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims travel to visit Manimahesh Kailash from all over India, and even thousands of members of the Gaddi tribe take the annual pilgrimage to the site known as the Manimahesh Yatra.

Kinnaur Kailash - Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Kinnaur Kailash is also part of the Panch Kailash, or the five holy Kailash peaks. Located in Kinnaur district, it is one of the taller peaks at an elevation of 6,055 meters (19,500 feet) and is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. One uniqueness of this mountain is that it has 79-foot-tall pillaring which looks like Shiva lingam and are said to change colours at various times of the day, including bright blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.

Like the Manimahesh Kailash Yatra, it is a significant annual pilgrimage and is spiritually sacred and revered by devotees to the Kinner Kailash and is called the Kinner Kailash Yatra.

Shrikhand Mahadev – Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Located in the Kullu district's Nirmand sub-division, Shrikhand Mahadev (or Shikhar Kailash), at an altitude of almost 5,200 meters, may be one of the most challenging treks in India.

Trekking here culminates in a natural Shiva lingam, which is why pilgrims come to this sacred temple at the top. In fact, the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is a famous pilgrimage for trekkers and devotees of Lord Shiva.

Om Parvat – Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Om Parvat, located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, is trending as the mountain, for a mysterious reason, formed snow resembling the sacred syllable "om."

Om Parvat is important in Hindu mythology because, in a religious sense, it represents Lord Shiva, although it is not part of the group of Pancha Kailash mountains, but is considered to be tied to Mount Kailash in religion.

Adi Kailash - Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Adi Kailash is found in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The peak, known as Chhota Kailash, is situated at an elevation of about 5400 meters.

It is viewed as a small replica of Mount Kailash and is home to the Adi Kailash Yatra - a pilgrimage for devotees who hope to experience the spirit of the holy peak.

Sri Kailash - Uttarakhand

Sri Kailash is part of the group of peaks in the Panch Kailash group in the state of Uttarakhand. While being among the least known peaks, it is important to devotees of Lord Shiva. It is located within the sacred geography of the Kailash complex, of which the other Kailash peaks are also part.

Each Kailash peak holds its own significance that is acknowledged and respected within the pilgrimage geography.

Bijli Mahadev – Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Bijli Mahadev in Kullu district is known not only for its temple to Lord Shiva but also for the unique phenomenon of a lightning strike to the Shiva lingam, denoting that God has visited.

The Bijli Mahadev Yatra is a very famous pilgrimage that attracts all tourists seeking fulfillment and adventure. 

NOTE:  The mountains presented here, although not in Tibet, are much closer to Nepal than Tibet and, again, have similar spiritual and cultural relationships. Please inquire if more information or any further interest in pilgrimage to these holy peaks is desired.

Mount Kailash: A Sacred Peak of Multidimensional Significance

Mount Kailash is found in a remote region of western Tibet and symbolizes a deeply spiritual meaning to multiple religions. Its significance stems from a combination of its physical forms, geography, and the associated historical and cultural meaning of the space.

Hinduism: Abode of Lord Shiva

Hinduism perceives Mount Kailash as the earthly home of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and the god of renewal. The magnificent, stunning representation of Mount Kailash, the earthly residence of Lord Shiva, who mediated over the land next to the sacred lake, plays a significant role within Hindu cosmology. The Hindu pilgrim completes the circumambulation of Mount Kailash (Kailash Parikrama), believing that simply achieving this will cleanse the soul and initiate them into the presence of the divine.

Buddhism: Mount Meru and Demchok

Buddhists understand Mount Kailash to be the earthly representation of the sacred Mount Meru, where the demigod Demchok (Chakrasamvara), representing ultimate bliss, resides.

Mount Kailash also plays a primary role in Vajrayana Buddhism, presenting the marriage of wisdom and compassion.

Jainism: Liberation of Rishabhadeva

In Jainism, Mount Kailash is recognized as the locale where Lord Rishabhadeva attained liberation (moksha). He is recognized as the first Tirthankara.

The representation of Rishabhadeva and the mountain signifies the role of Mount Kailash in Jain cosmological realities. It represents a journey toward a form of awakening or liberation.

Bon Religion: Spiritual Center

For the indigenous Bon tradition of Tibet, Mount Kailash is represented as the spiritual center of the universe. Mount Kailash is held to be the residing place of the goddess Sipaimen.

It is also the locale of the original teacher and founder of Bon, Tonpa Shenrab's descent from Heaven. By contextualizing the mountain within Bon cosmology, it is interpreted as tightly tied to spiritual energy and the sense of the Divine.

How to Reach Kailash Parvar Location Country?

From Nepal

1. Obtain Necessary Permits

  • Before your travel, please make sure you have the required permits organised:
  • Tibet Travel Permit - all travellers who want to visit Tibet need this permit to enter.
  • Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Permit - Since Mount Kailash is considered to be a sensitive border area, travellers need these permits as well.
  • Chinese Visa: You can apply for your Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

2. Transportation Options from Kathmandu to Lhasa

  • By Plane - The easiest way to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. It usually takes us around 90 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The main airlines that fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa are Air China and Sichuan Airlines.
  • By Land - You may also choose to buy Land. Travel from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port. You'll cross the Raswagadhi border. The journey is beautiful as you wind your way through the Himalayas.

3. Transportation from Lhasa to Mount Kailash

From Lhasa, we will go west to Shigatse. From Shigatse, we will head to Mount Kailash. Approximately distances we need to travel are 1,338 km, and we'll need to keep in mind that it usually takes us several days to acclimatise to the high altitude, and travel the distance.

4. Arrival at Mount Kailash

Darchen is a town that's the final stop for reaching the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) base camp. From Darchen, you will begin the walk around Mount Kailash. 

From India

  • Air Transportation: Get on a flight from any major city in India, such as Delhi or Kolkata, to Nepal. It will take you around 1.5 to 2 hours on a direct flight. 
  • Ground Transportation: Alternatively, get on a bus from Delhi to Kathmandu. You should budget about 26 hours for your arrival. 
  • Follow the Steps from Nepal. Once in Kathmandu, follow the steps provided in the first section to reach Mount Kailash. 

From China

1. Getting to Lhasa 

  • By Plane: You can fly to Lhasa from major cities such as Beijing or Chengdu. The fight will take 4 to 6 hours; travel time may vary. 
  • By Train: alternatively, you may travel to Lhasa by taking a train (or occasionally a train) down the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, through some terrific scenery. 

2. Travel Overland (Lhasa to Mount Kailash)

  • You will travel from Lhasa to Shigatse, and then out west again to Mt. Kailash, which is some 1,338 kilometers and a few days travel time (this is offered so that participants have enough time to adapt). 

3. Arrival at Kailash

  • Your stay will be in Darchen (the base camp for Kailash Parikrama), where your circumnavigation around Mt. Kailash will begin.
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