☸️ Transportation & Accommodation for the Mount Kailash Kora

📜 International & Domestic Transportation

🌍 Step 1: Arrive in China

• International Flights: Most travelers fly into major Chinese hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu. These cities offer frequent connections to Lhasa.
• Visa Reminder: Ensure your Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) is valid for at least 6 months and covers your entire stay. Avoid mentioning “Tibet” in your initial visa application itinerary.

🚂 Step 2: Travel to Lhasa

• By Air: Take a domestic flight from your entry city to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Flights operate daily from Chengdu (2.5 hours), Beijing (4 hours), and Shanghai (5 hours).
• By Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a scenic option, with routes from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xining to Lhasa (19–48 hours). The train gradually ascends to reduce altitude sickness risk, but book tickets 1–2 months in advance.
• Important Note: All foreign travelers must be accompanied by a registered Tibetan travel agency to enter Tibet. Your agency will handle train/flight tickets and permit applications on your behalf.

🛻 Step 3: Lhasa to Ali Prefecture

• Private Charter/Group Tour: The most reliable option. A 4–5 day drive from Lhasa to Ali (狮泉河) covers iconic sites like Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, and Pangong Tso.
• Public Bus: A budget choice, but less comfortable. Buses depart Lhasa twice weekly (24–36 hours) to Ali, with basic seats and limited stops.
• Permit Checkpoint: Multiple military checkpoints along the route will verify your Tibet Travel Permit and Ali Region Entry Permit. Keep copies of your permits handy.

🛻 Step 4: Ali to Mount Kailash (Darchen/Tarchen)

• Private Transfer: Your travel agency will arrange a 3–4 hour drive from Ali to Darchen (4,750m), the starting point of the kora.
• Local Shared Taxi: Available from Ali’s main bus station, but schedules are irregular. Confirm departure times and prices in advance.

🛕 Accommodation Options

🏨 In Lhasa

• Mid-Range Hotels: Choose from hotels like the St. Regis Lhasa Resort or Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa for modern amenities and oxygen rooms.
• Boutique Guesthouses: For a local experience, stay in guesthouses in the Barkhor District, within walking distance of the Jokhang Temple.
• Key Tip: Book accommodation in Lhasa 1–2 months in advance, especially during peak season (May–October).

🛖 In Ali Prefecture (狮泉河)

• Basic Hotels: Options like the Ali Hotel and Gangdisi Hotel offer clean rooms and hot water, though amenities are limited.
• Guesthouses: Smaller guesthouses provide budget-friendly stays with shared bathrooms.
• Note: Ali’s high altitude (4,270m) can exacerbate altitude sickness. Take it easy and stay hydrated upon arrival.

🛕 In Darchen (Tarchen)

• Guesthouses & Hostels: The main hub for kora pilgrims, with options like Kailash Guest House and Darchen Hostel. Most offer basic rooms with heating and shared bathrooms.
• Monastery Accommodation: For a spiritual experience, stay at Drirapuk Monastery (5,000m) or Zutulphuk Monastery (4,800m) during the kora. These simple dormitories provide mats and blankets, but no hot water.
• Packing Tip: Bring a sleeping bag liner and warm layers for monastery stays, as temperatures drop below freezing at night.

🪨 Scenic Highlights Along the Route

📿 From Lhasa to Ali

• Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措): A turquoise alpine lake with panoramic mountain views.
• Everest Base Camp (珠峰大本营): Stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak (8,848m) and watch the sunrise over its snow-capped summit.
• Pangong Tso (班公湖): A stunning lake spanning the India-Tibet border, known for its crystal-clear waters and migratory birds.

⛰️ From Ali to Mount Kailash

• Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍错): A sacred lake for Hindus, Buddhists, and Bon practitioners, believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual merit.
• Nandi Parvat (纳木那尼峰): A 7,694m peak often called the “Mother of Mount Kailash,” offering dramatic views across Lake Manasarovar.
• Drolma La Pass (卓玛拉山口): The highest point of the kora (5,630m), with panoramic views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding valleys.

📜 Expert Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid

🚦 Transportation Tips

• Book Early: Domestic flights to Lhasa and train tickets sell out quickly during peak season. Your travel agency can secure tickets on your behalf.
• Private vs. Public: While public transport is cheaper, private charters offer more flexibility and comfort, especially for group travel.
• Road Conditions: The Lhasa-Ali highway is mostly paved, but sections can be rough. Check weather forecasts and road conditions with your agency before departure.

🛏️ Accommodation Tips

• Monastery Stays: If staying in a monastery, follow religious etiquette—remove shoes, dress modestly, and avoid loud noise.
• Altitude Considerations: Choose accommodation with heating and, if possible, oxygen access in high-altitude areas like Darchen and Ali.
• Cash Only: Most guesthouses and small hotels in remote areas do not accept credit cards. Carry sufficient cash (CNY) for your stay.

🙏 Cultural & Practical Tips

• Respect Local Customs: Ask permission before taking photos of pilgrims or religious sites. Avoid touching prayer wheels or mani stones unless invited.
• High Altitude Prep: Spend 2–3 days in Lhasa to acclimatize before traveling to Ali or Darchen. Drink 3–4L of water daily and avoid alcohol.
• Pack Smart: Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots. The weather in Tibet can change rapidly—be prepared for snow, rain, and strong winds.

🚶 Ready to Plan Your Journey?