Where Is Mount Kailash? Location, Map Position and Height

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday and third-generation Himalayan guide. TAAN Member #1586.

People often picture Kailash somewhere inside the Indian or Nepali Himalaya. It is just across the border from Nepal. Here is where it actually sits and how you get there from Kathmandu.

Where is Mount Kailash located?

Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan, Kangrinboqe in Chinese) is in Burang County, Ngari Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is in the Gangdise range (also called the Kailash range) of the Transhimalaya, in the western part of the Tibetan Plateau, a little north of the point where China, India and Nepal meet.

Mount Kailash coordinates and map position

The coordinates are roughly 31.07° N, 81.31° E (31°04' N, 81°18' E). On a map, look in the far west of Tibet, north of the point where China, India and Nepal meet. The nearest small town for pilgrims is Darchen, at the foot of the mountain, where the walk around it begins. Darchen sits at about 4,670 m.

How tall is Mount Kailash?

The commonly published height is 6,638 m (21,778 ft). A few websites quote around 6,714 m, but 6,638 m is the figure used by Wikipedia and most tour and reference pages, and it is what I use. It is not among the highest mountains in the region, but it is the most revered.

What is near Mount Kailash?

Two lakes lie to the south: Lake Manasarovar, a freshwater lake often described as the highest in the world, and Rakshastal next to it. The sources of four great rivers are in the same region, within about 60 km: the Indus, the Sutlej, the Yarlung Tsangpo (which becomes the Brahmaputra) and the Karnali (called Ghaghara downstream in India).

Why is this place so important?

It is sacred to four faiths. Hindus believe it is the home of Shiva. Tibetan Buddhists call it the precious snow mountain. Jains say their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, was liberated here, and Bön followers hold it as the seat of the sky goddess Sipaimen. No summit has ever been recorded and climbing is prohibited; I wrote about that in has anyone climbed Mount Kailash. Pilgrims walk the 3-day kora around its base, about 52 km, with the Dolma La pass at 5,630 m as the high point (Dolma La guide).

How do you get to Mount Kailash from Nepal?

There are three ways we plan: an overland route across the border into Tibet and on to Manasarovar and Darchen, a helicopter route, and a longer route from far-western Nepal. Overland takes about 14 to 15 days in total. Read the route comparison and the complete guide from Nepal. Because the Chinese authorities require a group visa, you travel as part of a group, and any Chinese visa you already hold is cancelled, so speak to me before applying (more here).

Mount Kailash facts table

Question	Answer
Country	China (Tibet Autonomous Region)
Prefecture	Ngari (Burang County)
Height	6,638 m (21,778 ft)
Coordinates	About 31.07° N, 81.31° E
Range	Gangdise (Kailash) range, Transhimalaya
Nearby lakes	Manasarovar and Rakshastal
Rivers with sources nearby	Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Karnali
Kora length and high point	About 52 km, Dolma La 5,630 m
Summit	None recorded, climbing prohibited

Visit Kailash in 2027

We are taking enquiries for 2027. Permits for Tibet are issued each year by the Chinese authorities, so I confirm dates once they open. For the current price, ask me on WhatsApp.

See the Kailash Mansarovar tour and the 14-day overland yatra. Permit rules are in the permit guide. I cannot promise anything about quotas, and pilgrims over 70 are not accepted on the Chinese side.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is Mount Kailash in?

China. It is in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Is Mount Kailash in India or Nepal?

No. It is in Tibet, a short distance north of where China, India and Nepal meet. You can see it from some places on the Nepal side on a clear day, such as the Lapcha La pass above the Limi valley.

What are the coordinates of Mount Kailash?

About 31.07° N, 81.31° E.

How high is Mount Kailash in feet?

21,778 ft (6,638 m).

Where is Mount Kailash on the map relative to Lake Manasarovar?

Manasarovar is just south of the mountain, with Rakshastal beside it.

How far is Mount Kailash from Kathmandu?

I do not quote one road distance, since the route winds through Tibet. Plan on about 14 to 15 days for the whole overland trip. Ask me on WhatsApp for the day-by-day plan.

Can I visit Mount Kailash without a group?

From Nepal you travel on a Chinese group visa, so you go as part of a group.

Which rivers start near Mount Kailash?

The Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali all have their sources in the region around the mountain.

Questions about the journey? Message me directly on WhatsApp +977 9810351300.