The road to Mount Kailash is not for the sissies

Mount Kailash is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.235m (17,175ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Mount Kailash

Located in the Kailash Range (Gangdisê Mountains), the road to the summit, also known as Mount Kailasa or Gang Rinpoche, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy with hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs. Mount Kailash, which means “precious jewel of eternal snow” remains a place shrouded in mystery and legend. Snow falls often during winters. The best season to visit the area is from May to November. The wind in Tibet is usually quite strong at mountain areas. Even in summer, the temperature might drop from 20°C at daytime to -10°C at night. In July and August, it may rain continually for several days and you even can confront with snowy days.
Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. The climb is simply terrible, with a notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.
The road is pretty steep and narrow. 4x4 vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Mount Kailash is considered to be sacred in four religions: Bön, Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. The bigger problem than the condition of the road is extremely low oxygen for engine combustion.
Pic: Grishkoff. PRO

 

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