Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Weather and Temperature

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred, spiritual journey, and nobody wants to be surprised by the weather. So, understanding the Kailash Mansarovar weather is crucial for a safe, successful, and memorable experience.

Learning when is the best time, when to start the journey, whether the holy Kora is safe on any given day, and any other weather factors determines the success of this yatra. Knowing when and what to expect on the route allows you to be prepared and plan accordingly.

Brief Overview of the Climate Around Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is situated on the western Tibetan plateau at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 ft). The Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra includes circumambulation around Mount Kailash (Kailash Kora) and Mansarovar Lake Parikrama.

As the yatra already starts from a significant elevation, around 2,000-3,000 meters, you can feel the change in environment. The environment gets cooler and breathable air thinner.

Likewise, the terrain changes from verdant forest to desert, dry, and rocky. Further, the intensity of the sun becomes significant, especially during clear sky days. However, the temperature drops fast after sunset.

Similarly, monsoon clouds and rain are common in the southern parts of Tibet in the summer months.

Therefore, it’s important that you check real-time updates on Mount Kailash weather today (each day), and pack wisely for the Kailash Yatra.

April to May: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Season Starts

This is a transition period from the cold and harsh winter to the pleasing spring. During April and May, pilgrims start to lace up for a sacred Kailash Parikrama Yatra.

These months are usually characterized by warm days, but the nights are still cold, and the weather is stable. This makes travelling feasible and comforting. You get good views and fewer puddles on roads.

Trek and tour operators like Himalayan Masters often design their itineraries starting from April.

Mount Kailash Weather in April

You can still see snow from winter in some parts of Kailash in April. Daytime temperatures range from 5-10°C, while nights remain freezing, with temperatures dropping below 0°C.

However, the temperature during Kailash Kora can be even cooler. To compensate for the cold, you will be rewarded with fewer crowds.

In addition, around late April, you can celebrate the Saga Dawa festival. The whole month is festive. You can see locals preparing for the festival and celebrating, dancing, singing, and feasting.

Roads earlier in April can still have snow patches at higher passes.

Mount Kailash Weather in May

May is commonly described as the start of the safe pilgrimage season for the Kailash Parbat Yatra. You can feel the temperature ranging roughly from 8 to 12°C during the daytime. However, remember to pack warm clothes for freezing nights.

During May, visibility is good, making it one of the most ideal months for the Mount Kailash Tour. But the trails could be filled with devotees from Saga Dawa.

Nevertheless, due to these festivals and weather conditions, the atmosphere around Mansarovar and Kailash becomes spiritual and religious.

Best Season for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Following May, from June to August is considered the best time to visit Mount Kailash.  During this season, Kailash has the clearest weather and view, and the daytime temperature is perfect, pleasing for the drive and trekking in Kailash.

However, there might be occasional monsoon rain and snow, especially at high passes. Moreover, always check the Mount Kailash weather forecast before starting the Kailash journey.

Mount Kailash Weather in June

June is one of the most popular months for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The weather around June is generally pleasant with clear skies and moderate temperatures.

Although the daytime temperature reaches around 10-16°C, you might still feel cold due to the cold, high winds. Likewise, nights are still cold, but not as much as in May. A good quality down jacket that can stand the night temperature of 0-4°C is still required.

Make sure to pack an extra waterproof layer as the rainfall becomes more common by late June in the lower section of the yatra, while the high plateau is drier. Due to rainfall, some unpaved road sections can be muddy and slippery.

For this reason, there might be some changes in the itinerary. So, including a buffer day is important.

Mount Kailash Weather in July

July marks the beginning of monsoon season in Kailash. So, it is common to observe some drizzles during this month.

You can expect the daytime temperature to be around 12-18°C, and nighttime temperature between 3°C and 0°C.

While the rainfall in this region is significantly less than in lower altitudes, you might experience occasional light showers or cloudy days. You might even find some sleet at high passes like Dolma La (5,650 m/18,536 ft).

Nonetheless, the Kora is possible, but conditions may be muddy and cold. With extra care and guidance, you can complete the Kora with next to no problem.

Mount Kailash Weather in August

August continues to have the same weather as July. Kailash receives monsoon rain until early August, and then continues to clear later. However, some days can be covered with heavy clouds.

Temperature remains relatively stable, 10°C to 16°C during the day, while night temperature can reach around 0°C.

All in all, although some rain and a few cloudy days, the spiritual significance outweighs the weather challenges.

September and October: Pleasant Weather and Still Doable

The months of September and October bring a calm and refreshing atmosphere to Mount Kailash. For this reason, these two months offer one of the most peaceful and doable times to visit Kailash.

These months are characterized by clear skies and stunning mountain views, days are warmer while nights are still a little cooler, and fewer visitors.

So, if you’re looking for solitude, a pleasant environment, and a more spiritual sensation, in which you can reflect on yourself.

Mount Kailash Weather in September

Probably the most reliable month for the Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama Yatra is September. By this time, monsoon rain stops, skies are clear, and days are comfortable enough with daytime heat of around 8-13°C. However, the nights are, as always, cold.

The views are great, and the pass crossings are safer. But there might still be a number of pilgrims as they aim to skip the monsoon rain. This makes Mount Kailash weather in September a favored choice.

For final planning, check the current weather in Mount Kailash before departure.

Weather of Mount Kailash During October

October brings colder nights and the first real signs of winter. This month can sometimes feel like it’s already winter. Daytime temperatures reach only 5-10 °C, and nighttime temperatures are as low as freezing.

Although a Kailash tour is possible this month, snow can be seen at higher altitudes. Likewise, the services at higher elevations start to shut down. For which, advance booking might be necessary.

However, for pilgrims looking for quiet routes and crisp air, early October is fine, but be prepared for low temperatures and possible early snow.

Winter at Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake

If you cannot tolerate cold, then you might want to skip the winter tour to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. While night temperatures hover around -10°C to -20°C, even the days can be freezing, around 0-5°C.

Roads, passes, and teahouses may be blocked due to snow; do thorough research and keep updated on the current weather of Kailash before departure.

Due to safety concerns and challenges, tour operators typically do not offer Kailash tour packages for winter. However, if you want to travel, you can expect the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost to go higher.

Mount Kailash Weather in November

November welcomes the beginning of the harsh winter season around Mount Kailash. The temperature drops rapidly compared to October. During November, the region seems nothing like easy.

Kailash is featured with cold winds and early snowfall. Daytime temperature averages around -2°C to 5°C, while nights are even colder, reaching below -10°C.

The area becomes much quieter as most of the tour operations close due to extreme weather. We do not suggest travelling during this month as the high-altitude regions become difficult and unsafe.

Mount Kailash Weather in December

December is one of the coldest months at Mount Kailash. The temperature is freezing, and the winds are strong in December.

You can expect an average temperature between -5°C and -10°C, while nighttime temperature can fall as low as -20°C.

Snow covers most of the region, making the trail inaccessible. The Mansarovar lake freezes, and visibility becomes blurry due to snowstorms. Due to these extreme conditions, travel is nearly impossible, leaving only locals and research teams in the area.

Mount Kailash Weather in January

January is the coldest month and has the most severe weather conditions in the Mount Kailash region. Temperatures can drop as low as -25°C at night, while daytime temperature ranges below freezing, around -10°C.

January is featured with heavy snow and icy winds. Due to these extreme conditions, the Kailash Parikrama Tour becomes challenging and risky, and most of the trekking and pilgrimage routes remain closed. Even the roads reaching up to Darchen become blocked.

These challenges showcase the raw and untouched beauty of the sacred mountain.

Mount Kailash Weather in February

February continues to have similar weather conditions to January in the Kailash region. Thick snow still covers the mountain paths and the surrounding area.

During this month, daytime temperature is only around -8°C to -12°C, while nights are even unforgiving, with temperatures dropping below -20°C.

The Kailash Mansarovar Tibet region remains dry but extremely cold, and high winds make the chill even colder.

Although the locals clear the road leading to Darchen, the Kailash Parikrama is still impossible. However, for daredevils, they are rewarded with a crystal-clear sky and breathtaking views of sacred Mount Kailash covered with snow.

Mount Kailash Weather in March

By March, winter slowly begins to ease. Though the region still remains cold and quiet, the sun starts to feel warmer, but the temperatures remain below freezing.

Daytime temperatures rise slightly to around -2°C to 6 °C, while nights still drop to -15°C.

The lakes and rivers slowly start to fill with melting snow, especially in lower areas. However, the high passes and the Kailash Kora route are still inaccessible.

While travel is still limited, this month marks the gradual transition toward spring, with brighter days and the first hints of accessibility returning by late March.

Month-by-Month Weather and Temperature

Here is a month-by-month Mount Kailash weather overview with festival and seasonal notes.

Weather and Planning for Kailash Due to High Altitude

As it is a high-altitude tour, there are a few things that you must know and plan accordingly. By the time you are on Tibetan soil, you will already be at a significant altitude, i.e., 2,774 meters (5,951 ft) at Kerung.

So, there are chances of getting altitude sickness as the air density there is low compared to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft). Additionally, the environment feels cold, even during the summer months. For that, you need to be prepared and pack accordingly.

Furthermore, the UV ray intensity is strong as you travel higher. Quick temperature drops after sunset, strong and cold winds, and weather that feels much colder are other factors related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra altitude.

Therefore, pilgrims are advised to respect the weather and altitude as they respect the mountain. Knowing all these can make your religious yatra safe and comfortable.

Important Weather Considerations During Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Here are a few things that you should know about the weather before planning your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Unpredictable Weather

On the high mountains, Mount Kailash weather can change within hours; crystal clear blue sky can become snowy and windy. This unpredictability is why operators add buffer days in the yatra package.

Extreme Temperatures and Wind Chill

Even with daytime sun, wind, and low humidity, it creates a strong wind chill. Even a sunny day at the Kora can feel colder than the temperature shown by a sea-level thermometer reading. Nights are constantly extremely cold, with temperatures usually below freezing, even during the warmest days. So, layered clothing is non-negotiable.

Proper Clothing and Gear

You must bring thermal base layers, warm and insulating mid-layer fleece, and a windproof and waterproof outer layer of clothing. Bringing a warm down jacket is no bargain. Additionally, a warm hat, gloves, -25°C rated sleeping bag, sunglasses, sunblock cream, good quality boots with ankle support, etc., are also required.

Local Service and Medical Support

From April to October, you’ll find regular teahouses, tents, and medical support en route. However, many of them close and move towards lower regions during winter (November to March). Likewise, the cost of local service and medical support also increases.

Acclimatization and Pacing

Because the average altitude of the Kailash Yatra is above 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) and crosses Dolma La (5,650 m), including acclimatization days in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra itinerary is necessary.

Kailash Tour, operated by Himalayan Masters, includes 2 acclimatization days, one night in Kerung, and one night in Derapuk.

Useful Tips

• Temperature usually ranges between -5°C and 20 °C during the day, while the night’s temperature falls below freezing. Use a month-by-month weather guide.
• The plateau is usually dry, but passes become muddy and dangerous, especially during the monsoon.
• High winds are common during the trip. It can make the temperature feel colder than it actually is.
• Snow is possible any time on the highest passes; expect it most often in winter and during the monsoon.

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Kailash Yatra

Which is the best month to visit Kailash Mansarovar?

No doubt, the best months to visit Kailash Mansarovar are June to August. However, if you are looking to overlap the trip with the Saga Dawa festival, then April and May are ideal, but if you want to skip the crowds of pilgrims, we recommend travelling between September and October.

Can I visit Kailash during winter?

Kailash Yatra route is open throughout the year; however, if you plan to visit Kailash during winter, you need to be highly experienced, logistically prepared, and travel with an experienced guide. The Winter Kailash Tour is not recommended.

When is the best time to visit Kailash for religious purposes?

Saga Dawa festival usually falls around late April or early May. So, April and May are usually the best times to visit Kailash for religious purposes. Nevertheless, any time of the year is a time of religious and spiritual significance around Kailash.

How should I pack for Kailash Parvat Yatra?

Smart, layer packing for Kailash Parvat Yatra is vital. Make sure you pack warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing, as well as other essential gear, including your medicine for the trip.

Do I need to carry a sleeping bag during the Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama?

Yes. Although the accommodation during the Kailash Road tour provides a warm bed and blanket for cold nights, it may not always be enough. Carrying own sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures is a wise choice, especially for the Kailash Kora.

Author

Himalayan Masters

Himalayan Masters has been established by travel and trekking experts with several years of experience. Our consultants have travelled extensively and have in-depth knowledge of the region you will be traveling in.