Kangrinpoche

At Mount Kailash, oxygen may be scarce but faith is abundant” 🐎 When going to Tibet for the pilgrimage, 90% of people want to catch the Horse Year at Mount Kailash! 🙏🏻 But among these 90%, less than 10% complete the full circuit; every year some turn back and some stop midway. 🙋🏻‍♀️ To complete the Kailash pilgrimage, you need to overcome: altitude sickness and physical endurance 📝 【Altitude Sickness】 📈 Altitude from Lhasa to Mount Kailash: Lhasa altitude: 3650m, highest altitude on outer circuit: 5630m (Zhuomala Pass), highest altitude on inner circuit: 5786m (Thirteen Golden Stupas) 💡 How to reduce the chance of altitude sickness: 🔔 Prevention: Take altitude sickness medicine 7-10 days in advance, such as Rhodiola or Altitude Sickness Prevention pills 🔔 During the trip: Avoid strenuous exercise after arriving at high altitude, stay 1-2 days in Lhasa or Tarchen beforehand, avoid washing hair or bathing during the stay, and drink plenty of water and energy supplements 【Physical Endurance】 🚶🏻‍♂️ Hiking distance: Outer circuit 51 km, completed in 2-3 days with multiple supply points; inner circuit 28 km, no supply points 🤔 Outer circuit has 4 rescue points: Danzhen Zhongkang Rescue Point, Gangga Rescue Point (near Zhihre Monastery), Budong Diding Rescue Point, Sangjie Mielong Rescue Point (📝 During holidays or bad weather, you may have to wait several hours) 💡 How to improve endurance: ❗ The Kailash outer circuit requires walking 15-25 km daily; prepare with indoor training plus long outdoor hikes; if you can walk about 20 km daily, your chance of success is higher 📅 Best months for Kailash pilgrimage: balancing road conditions, climate, and experience 🌟 Preferred months: May-June, September-October (highly recommended!) Core advantages: These two periods are the “golden pilgrimage seasons” at Mount Kailash ✅ Mild climate: daytime temperatures 10-15℃, nighttime not below -5℃, no extreme cold or heat ✅ Stable road conditions: snow melts by May-June, no snowfall yet in September-October, pilgrimage routes (especially Zhuomala Pass) have no thick ice or snow, reducing hiking risks ✅ Clear weather: little precipitation, wide visibility, clear views of Mount Kailash’s main peak, great for photos ✅ Moderate crowds: avoid rainy and peak seasons of July-August, no need to scramble for accommodation or supplies, purer pilgrimage experience Note: July-August is a secondary option; November-April is not recommended for pilgrimage 🚶 Pilgrimage Tips ✔️ Horse Year pilgrimage requires early planning: due to special religious significance, more people than usual participate; book accommodation and guides 1-2 months in advance, and apply for border permits (ID required, available in Lhasa or Shigatse) ✔️ May-June pilgrimage: bring windproof jackets and light down jackets; Zhuomala Pass may still have residual ice, so crampons are recommended; September-October requires thicker coats and heat packs ✔️ Respect customs: pilgrimage must be clockwise, do not step on prayer flags or mani stones, avoid photographing pilgrims, keep quiet and respectful 【All photos were taken during the Ali Grand Circuit and Ali South Line trips】

🔝Recommended Reasons The center of the world! The king of all mountains is breathtaking!✨ 📍Location Mount Kailash, Burang County, Ngari Prefecture 🕒Opening Hours Open all day from April 20 to October 31 (Closed in winter~) 💰Ticket Price 150 RMB/person 🚗Route Planning 1️⃣ Starting Point for Circumambulation: Taqin Town This is the classic starting point for the circumambulation route (Tip: It is recommended to acclimate to the high altitude in advance) 2️⃣ Zhire Monastery Section Prayer flags flutter along the way, feel the majesty of the sacred mountain up close 📸Best Photo Spot: The platform in front of the monastery for sunrise views on the golden mountain 3️⃣ Zhumala Pass Altitude 5,630 meters! The highest point to challenge yourself 💡Tip: Be sure to bring enough oxygen tanks and supplies 🍜 Food Recommendations Yak meat hotpot in Taqin Town Remember to bring high-calorie snacks and a thermos on the circumambulation route 📷 Popular Check-in Spots ✔️ North Face of Mount Kailash ✔️ Viewing platform by Lake Manasarovar ⚠️ Pitfall Prevention Guide 1. Be sure to bring your border pass! 2. April to June is the best season for circumambulation 3. High altitude and strong UV rays, sunscreen is a must

💔 Honestly, I've never seen such a worthwhile route! 12 days, 3000 kilometers, Guge Kingdom, no man's land, a series of lakes. Per person 6000+, came back crying – not from sadness, but because it was so worth it. · - 🗓️【12-Day Grand Loop | Every Day is a Wallpaper-Worthy Scene】 D1 Lhasa assembly (Don't wash your hair! Acclimatize to the altitude) D2 Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Shigatse D3 Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery → Tingri D4 Tingri → Everest Base Camp → Saga D5 Saga → Lake Manasarovar → Lake Rakshastal → Darchen D6 Darchen → Prayer Flag Square → Drirapuk Monastery (Kora 20km) D7 Drirapuk Monastery → Dolma La Pass → Darchen (Kora 32km) D8 Darchen → Zanda Clay Forest → Guge Kingdom → Zanda D9 Zanda → Shiquanhe → Pangong Tso D10 Shiquanhe → Gegye → Gêrzê (Entering Changtang) D11 Gêrzê → Dongtso Lake → Nyima (A series of lakes) D12 Nyima → Namtso Lake → Lhasa 2-3 spots per day, comfortable pace, no rushing Beginners can handle it, experienced travelers will find it exhilarating · - ✨【True Feelings | Why It's So Incredibly Worthwhile】 Watching the golden peak of Everest at its foot, shivering from the cold but reluctant to leave Daydreaming by Lake Manasarovar for an afternoon, so blue it makes you want to cry Watching the sunset cast over the ruins of Guge Kingdom, traveling through a thousand years Scattering Lungta (prayer flags) at Dolma La Pass, the wind making the prayer flags flutter loudly Seeing Tibetan antelopes in the Changtang no man's land, feeling like you're in a documentary Watching the starry sky and Milky Way descend over Namtso Lake, just lying on the ground and not wanting to get up

Kangrinboqe|Sunny Today☀️ The recent weather has been amazing! Blue skies and white clouds paired with the sacred snowy mountains🏔️ make every snapshot a stunning wallpaper! Unfortunately, we still can't go up the mountain for a walk...😭 But, a pleasant surprise! The place is gradually getting lively~💃 The town's supermarkets have started stocking ice cream🍦, looking forward to the bustling scenes of this year's mountain circumambulation season!📸 【Mountain Circumambulation Tips】 🌟Best season: May to October 🌟Essentials: Sunscreen, oxygen tank, trekking poles 🌟Clothing advice: Shell jacket + fleece lining (big temperature difference between day and night) 🌟Accommodation recommendation: Tibetan-style guesthouses at the foot of the mountain (to experience local culture) More and more pilgrims are coming recently, and we are already looking forward to the mountain circumambulation opening soon~🙏 Be sure to come here then to feel the power of faith!

Who would have thought! I was prepared for hardships when taking the kids to Pulan, but staying at this hotel made it a completely relaxing experience. There’s a kids’ playground, oxygen supply, and when you open the window, you see the snow mountains. Every morning you wake up to the golden sunlight on the peaks. This isn’t a trip to the plateau, it’s a vacation! Many people think taking kids to Ngari is too tough, but choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference. This border town of Pulan offers the awe of sacred mountains and lakes, along with the unique charm of a border town. Kids can experience the grandeur of nature and different cultures here, which is much more meaningful than crowded amusement parks. Three-day, two-night relaxed itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Pulan, rest well at the hotel to acclimate to the high altitude. The hotel’s oxygen system is really important. The kids were a bit excited when they arrived, ran around for a while, but didn’t feel unwell. In the afternoon, you can stroll around the hotel area. The county town is small and walkable, so you can explore local customs and culture on foot. Day 2: Official sightseeing starts. In the morning, visit the Mount Kailash viewing platform. Just viewing the sacred mountain from afar is breathtaking. No need to trek with kids, just take photos and check in at the platform, and tell the kids stories about the sacred mountain. Return to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal, which are close to each other and can be toured in one day. Day 3: In the morning, visit Kora Monastery and the border trade market. In the afternoon, prepare for the return trip. This pace is really suitable for traveling with kids, no rush, plenty of rest time every day, kids have fun, and adults don’t get tired. · -- Must-visit hidden gems Lake Manasarovar is truly the most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen, with incredibly clear water and an unbelievable blue color. The ticket is 150 RMB, but actually, if you drive a few dozen kilometers towards Pulan County, there is a free viewing platform where you can also drive close to the lake and get near the sacred lake. However, the road is narrow and rocky, so drive carefully. Lake Rakshastal, although called Ghost Lake, is not scary at all, but mysteriously beautiful. The water is a deep blue, and when the wind blows, waves crash against the shore with great momentum. You must come at sunset; the sunlight on the snow mountains reflects in the lake, creating a breathtaking view. Kora Monastery is a truly off-the-beaten-path treasure, with very few tourists and a peaceful atmosphere. The temple is small but exquisite, with beautiful murals. Bringing kids here lets them experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. The lamas in the temple are very friendly and welcoming to children. The border trade market is very distinctive, where you can buy small goods from Nepal and India at reasonable prices. The kids picked out many little things here, saying they want to bring them back as gifts for their classmates. · -- Practical tips for family travel Transportation: If you take a long-distance bus to Pulan County, the starting fare is only 8 RMB, very cheap. It’s recommended to self-drive or charter a car since the attractions are far apart, and driving yourself is convenient. Tickets: Many attractions now offer half-price discounts, including Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and Kora Monastery—sacred sights at bargain prices. Dining: There are many restaurants in the county town, offering Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine. Tibetan noodles cost 8 RMB per bowl, stir-fried dishes average 30 RMB per person, very affordable. Hot springs: The hot springs in Pulan are all free! After a tiring day, you can soak in the hot springs to relieve fatigue. Kids love playing in the water. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Pulan Pingcuo Kang Sang Oxygen Hotel Ngari five-star luxury hotel, oxygen supply started in advance, kids’ playground, zero altitude sickness for family trips 🏨 Pulan Yincheng Ecological Hotel Free airport pickup, excellent location, 12.9 km from Pulan Airport, with many activities 🏨 Junyi Chain Hotel (Ngari Pulan County Mount Kailash Scenic Area Branch) 24-hour front desk, pet-friendly, some rooms welcome children, a cost-effective choice 🏨 Manasarovar Hot Spring Hotel Very close to the sacred lake viewing platform, with a public hot spring area to enjoy natural hot springs, excellent location · --

At Drolma La Pass, 5,700 meters above sea level, every breath felt like swallowing shards of glass. But when I saw prayer flags fluttering wildly in the wind, all the hardship turned into tears. At four in the morning, the night sky over Darchen was still a dense sea of stars. The beam of my headlamp swayed on the gravel path, and with every step on the 4,600-meter-high ground, my breath turned to white mist. Tibetan pilgrims performing prostrations passed by, bowing every three steps, their bodies rising and falling between heaven and earth. The sound of their thick yak-hide aprons rubbing against the sand and stones became the most moving rhythm in that silent dawn. This was my first day of kora, aiming to complete the 53-kilometer circumambulation route around Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is not the highest peak in the area, but its unique character makes it instantly recognizable – its shape resembles a rounded pyramid, with four symmetrical faces. The vertical ice grooves and horizontal rock layers on its summit form a clear 'swastika' symbol. 01 The Center of the World, a Confluence of Multiple Faiths Before reaching the sacred mountain, I found it hard to imagine a snow-capped peak being simultaneously recognized as the center of the world by four major religions. Tibetan Buddhism considers it Mount Meru, the center of the universe; Hinduism regards it as the abode of Lord Shiva; Bon religion believes it is home to 360 deities; and Jainism calls it the place of liberation for its founder. "'Circumambulating it once can cleanse a lifetime of sins,' my Tibetan guide, Qunpei, told me. 'Circumambulating ten times can spare one from the suffering of hell in five hundred reincarnations, and one hundred times can lead to Buddhahood.' Although I am not a Buddhist, this cross-religious appeal made me want to experience its mysteries firsthand. It was only when I truly stood at the foot of the sacred mountain that I understood this sense of holiness. Mount Kailash is distinctly different from the surrounding peaks; it stands like a colossal pyramid on the Ngari Plateau, its perpetually snow-capped summit shimmering with an ethereal glow in the sunlight. What's particularly peculiar is that the sunny side of the sacred mountain remains snow-covered year-round, while the back side is snow-free for most of the year, which is contrary to conventional natural phenomena. 02 The Kora Challenge, a Test of Body and Will There are two kora routes: inner and outer. I chose the outer route, which is about 53 kilometers long and usually takes 2-3 days to complete. The highest point, Drolma La Pass, is nearly 5,700 meters above sea level. The first day, from Darchen to Drirapuk Monastery, was a relatively gentle 20-kilometer journey. We walked along the Lha-chu Valley, with red cliffs on both sides, and the Chugu Monastery on the western slope was faintly visible. Along the way, I met several Indian pilgrims riding horses, with yak teams carrying their luggage. Although we couldn't speak each other's language, we exchanged "Tashi Delek," and smiles became our common language. The second day was the real challenge – crossing Drolma La Pass. The altitude rapidly ascended from 5,100 meters to 5,700 meters, where the oxygen content in the air was only half that of the plains. I adopted a "slow pace, frequent rests" strategy, stopping to catch my breath every few dozen steps. My trekking poles became a lifesaver, saving at least 10% of my energy. The most difficult part was "Hell Slope." I would grit my teeth and climb one slope, only to find another equally high slope out of sight. This cycle repeated many times, and my lungs felt like they were tearing. When I finally saw the prayer flags fluttering wildly at the pass, tears involuntarily welled up. My Tibetan guide, Qunpei, pulled out some small fruits from his pocket and handed them to me: "These have been blessed by a lama; eat them and you won't fear altitude sickness." In this high-altitude region, faith manifests in the simplest ways. 03 The Philosophy of Life at the Foot of the Sacred Mountain During the kora, I spent the night at the Xixiabangma Hotel near Drirapuk Monastery. This so-called "hotel" was actually just a two-story building, empty except for the beds. In the evening, the north face of Mount Kailash was fully revealed, bathed in a golden glow by the setting sun. A group of Tibetan children gathered around, one girl with an Indian-style "tilak" on her forehead and turquoise earrings, spontaneously hugged my tired self. Her eyes were pure and curious. I took out all my chocolates and shared them with them. In that moment, I suddenly understood what unconditional giving meant. Sangye Tenzin from Gangsha Village told me: "In the highlands, everything must be done slowly; that way, you actually go faster." This Tibetan man, with a perpetual smile on his face, lives in harmony with the mountains, becoming a philosopher who "hides in plain sight within the mountains." I met pilgrims performing prostrations who needed three weeks to complete one kora. Compared to them, my two-day trek seemed so easy. An elder told me in broken Mandarin: "Circumambulating the mountain is not about conquering; it's about finding yourself." 04 Practical Tips for Preparing for the Kora The best season for the kora is from May to October, with June to September being the most suitable. In winter, heavy snow blocks the mountain, and Drolma La Pass is covered in ice and snow. A border permit is essential. You can apply for it in your household registration location or entrust a travel agency to handle it after arriving in Lhasa. For equipment, you'll need warm clothing, high-top hiking boots, trekking poles, sunscreen, etc. The temperature difference between day and night in the highlands is significant; it can be hot during the day but drop below freezing at night. To cope with altitude sickness, in addition to acclimatizing in advance, you should "relax your mind; often, altitude sickness appears when you 'expect' it to." Headaches can be relieved with aspirin or Sanlitong. If you lack physical strength, you can hire a porter in Darchen. The cost is about 60 yuan per day, but the price and service content need to be negotiated in advance. After completing the kora, I looked back at Mount Kailash. The lingering glow of the sunset softly illuminated the summit, and an eagle circled in the sky before flying into the distance. I will never forget that scene. Perhaps, as the locals say, for Tibetans, circumambulating the mountain is simply an instinct of life, as common as eating and drinking. This sacredness in the ordinary is the true charm of Mount Kailash.

💛 Truly, it only takes 12 days to fall in love with Ali · - 🗓️【12-Day Itinerary | Every Day is Heartfelt】 👉D1: Lhasa -- Yamdrok Lake -- Karola Glacier -- Manla Reservoir -- Shigatse🏔️ 👉D2: Shigatse -- Gaula Pass -- Gyatso La Pass -- Rongbuk Monastery -- Everest Base Camp⛰️ 👉D3: Everest Base Camp -- Shishapangma Peak -- Peiku Lake -- Jeep Grand Canyon -- Gyirong Town🌊 👉D4: Gyirong Town -- Naixia Village -- Riwu Banba Snow Mountain -- Gyirong Pastoral Song -- Saga🌿 👉D5: Saga -- Gongzhucuo Lake -- Mapam Yumco Lake -- La'angcuo Lake -- Mount Kailash -- Tarqin🗻 👉D6: Tarqin -- Zhida Burir Hot Springs -- Zhida Burir Monastery -- Dongga Piyang Ruins -- Zhada Earth Forest -- Guge Kingdom Ruins -- Zhada County🏯 👉D7: Zhada -- Bangong Lake -- Shiquanhe Town🦢 👉D8: Shiquanhe Town -- Xiongba Township -- Yare Township -- Off-road Crossing of the No Man’s Land -- Rendu Township🚙 👉D9: Rendu Township -- Renqingxiubu Lake -- Zabuye Chaka Salt Lake -- Anglarin Lake -- Cuoqin🧂 👉D10: Cuoqin -- Zarinamcuo Lake -- Dangreyongcuo Lake -- Wenbunan Village🌾 👉D11: Wenbunan Village -- Dangqiongcuo Lake -- Nima County -- Tree of the Earth -- Selincuo Lake -- Bangor🌳 👉D12: Bangor -- Bamu Lake -- Sacred Elephant Gate -- Nageng La Pass -- Lhasa🐘 2-3 spots each day, just the right pace No rushing, only chasing the scenery · - 👥【Perfect for You】 ✅ Traveling solo, carpool to meet new friends ✅ With besties, take beautiful photos to share on social media ✅ Want to unwind, throw your anxiety into the wilderness ·

A 56-kilometer pilgrimage trek! The ultimate guide to the Kailash mountain circumambulation is here 🙏🏻 This most unforgettable circumambulation journey made me realize: the body descends to hell, the eyes ascend to heaven, and the soul returns home. As the most sacred circumambulation path in Tibetan Buddhism, you must prepare carefully! ✨Best time: May to September is best (late April just opens with unstable weather, October may have sudden heavy snow) 🗺️Complete circumambulation route: D1👉Taqin (elevation 4675m) → Prayer Flag Square → Qugu Monastery → Zhire Monastery (overnight stay) 🚶‍♀️Hiking 20km ⏱️about 6-7 hours D2👉Zhire Monastery → Sky Burial Platform → Zhuomala Pass (elevation 5630m) → Zuchu Monastery → Taqin 🚶‍♀️Hiking 36km ⏱️about 12-15 hours ⚠️Key tips: 1️⃣Zhire Monastery accommodation is basic (80-100 RMB per person), bring your own sleeping bag 2️⃣Zhuomala Pass is windy and cold, must prepare fleece + windbreaker + wool hat 3️⃣You can hire a porter (300 RMB/day) or rent a horse (600 RMB/day), but horses only go as far as the Sky Burial Platform 🎒Essential items checklist: ▫️Border pass (apply in advance at your registered residence) ▫️Glucose oral solution + ibuprofen (to prevent altitude sickness) ▫️Trekking poles + headlamp (essential for early morning start) ▫️Thermos (hot water available along the way) 🍜Supply suggestions: 👉Buy in advance at Taqin supermarket: · Compressed biscuits + Snickers · Red Bull + chocolate · Carry some cash (Zuchu Monastery sells instant noodles for 10 RMB/bowl) 📸Must-see photo spots: · Sunrise golden mountain view at Zhire Monastery · Colorful prayer flags when crossing Zhuomala Pass · Reflection at Compassion Lake 🚗How to get there: ✈️Fly from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport (then carpool 2 hours to Taqin) 🚙Charter car from Lhasa via G219 (3 days drive about 1800 RMB/person) 🛏️Accommodation recommendations: · Stay at "Kailash Hotel" in Taqin before/after circumambulation · Book in advance! Often fully booked in peak season 🌟Pilgrimage tips: 1. Quietly avoid devotees doing full-body prostrations 2. Circumambulate clockwise 3. Do not climb or knock down mani stone piles All the hardships along the way are worth it the moment you see the true face of Kailash! May every pilgrim complete their journey safely and successfully 🙏

"Let's go trekking around the mountain and dedicate our lifelong devotion to each other" 🌿​ Our Ali trekking trip with my partner turned into a heavenly experience just by staying at the right hotel! No altitude sickness or cold, only the sweetness of watching the sacred mountain side by side~​ 🌬️ 3900m "Couples' Altitude Sickness Shelter"​ As soon as we arrived at Taqin (4600m), he felt dizzy and anxious, and I was short of breath and weak, so we decisively rushed to Pulan Pingcuo Kangsang!​ 👉 900m lower than Taqin, 1200m lower than Zhire Monastery (5100m), very altitude-friendly​ 👉 24-hour oxygen diffusion by the bedside! Snuggling together watching the stars, the oxygen is so sufficient that we didn’t wake up suffocated, and we didn’t take any altitude sickness medicine throughout​ Spend one day here to acclimate before trekking, and the next day we confidently held hands for the hike~​ ❄️ Warm double room in December: soak in the bath while watching snowy mountains​ Worried about freezing during winter trekking? This hotel gives you full peace of mind!​ ✅ Whole room heated constantly at 25℃, rolling around in couple pajamas in the room​ ✅ Instant hot water 24/7! Soak in a hot bath together with snowy mountains outside the window, fatigue instantly disappears​ Compared to the big dorms on the mountain (no floor heating + dry toilets), this place is truly a warm haven for couples~​ 📸 Lie down and shoot the sunlit golden mountain! No need to squeeze onto the viewing platform​ ▪️ 35㎡+ super large floor-to-ceiling window facing Mount Kailash directly​ ▪️ At 7 a.m., lie together waiting for the sunlit golden mountain, turn on Live mode on your phone to capture the moment of you two framed with the sacred mountain​ ▪️ 35 minutes direct drive to Taqin trekking start point, holding hands walking 22 km hiking trail, every step is a promise​ 🚗 Thoughtful setup for self-driving couples​ Self-driving couples on the new Tibet line will be thrilled!​ ✔️ Free parking lot at the hotel entrance, couple car stickers for fun photos​ ✔️ Fully equipped charging stations, no worries about running out of power halfway, recharge fully at the hotel​ 💌 Exclusive tips for couples trekking around the mountain​ 1. During peak season (July-September), book the scenic room several months in advance! If late, only standard rooms remain​ 2. Carry supplies for each other during trekking (chocolate + glucose + thermos), rest together when tired​ Trekking around the mountain with your loved one is to hide "I love you" in every step of devotion~ Stay at the right hotel, let altitude sickness and cold fade away, leaving only the romance witnessed by the sacred mountain💕 📍 Pulan Pingcuo Kangsang Hotel | ​

Before taking the kids to Ali, we spent half a month mentally preparing, worried about altitude sickness and poor conditions. But staying at this hotel in Pulan completely changed our perception. Opening the window reveals the golden sunlight on Mount Kailash, and the whole house is filled with diffused oxygen, so the kids could run and jump without getting out of breath. It turns out traveling to the Roof of the World with kids can be this comfortable. Traveling the southern route of Ali with kids, Pulan is truly a must-stop. Unlike the commercialized Lhasa, it retains the most original Tibetan charm, and as a border town, it has a mysterious exotic feel. The kids saw real snowy mountains and sacred lakes here for the first time, and I still remember the sparkle in their eyes. Light Experience of the Sacred Mountain and Lake In the morning, head straight to the Sexiong Prayer Flag Square to watch Mount Kailash bathed in golden sunlight. The kids pointed at the pyramid-shaped peak and asked if this was the legendary center of the world. At that moment, all the travel hardships felt worthwhile. No need to take the kids on a full circumambulation; just walking around the square, taking photos, and feeling the mountain’s aura is already breathtaking. At noon, have a bowl of steaming Tibetan noodles in Tarqin Town, only 15 yuan per bowl with a generous portion. The kids even drank all the soup. The local Tibetans in the town are very simple and friendly, greeting children and even giving them candy. In the afternoon, visit Lake Manasarovar, whose blue is breathtakingly beautiful, like a huge sapphire set at the foot of the snowy mountains. You can feed birds by the lake with the kids; when flocks of waterfowl fly over, the kids scream with excitement. Remember to walk a short clockwise loop around the lake, a local custom, to appreciate the lake’s beauty from different angles. At dusk, be sure to go to Lake Rakshastal to watch the sunset. Known as the Ghost Lake, the sunset here is truly stunning. The deep lake water, the distant snowy mountains dyed golden by the setting sun, and the shimmering lake surface make every photo a masterpiece. The kids collected many pretty stones here, saying they wanted to bring them home to show their friends. · -- Cultural Hidden Gems and Slow Moments On the second day, sleep in naturally and take the kids to Koga Monastery. This thousand-year-old ancient temple is a real treasure, with murals preserved so well and colors so vivid they look freshly painted. The monks are very friendly, explaining the stories behind the murals to the kids and teaching them simple chants. Peacock Valley is a must-visit, especially from 6 to 8 a.m. when it’s most beautiful. The valley is shrouded in mist, with snow peaks reflected in the river, like a fairyland. Walking with the kids along the valley, the air feels freshly washed, and you can see local villagers herding cattle and sheep to pasture. The Pulan Border Port is also worth a visit, best in the morning when the light is perfect, shining between the national gate and snowy mountains with crystal-clear views. Here you can see Nepalese trucks; it was the kids’ first time seeing so many colorful big trucks, and they were very curious. The border trade market is fun to browse, where you can buy unique souvenirs for just a few dozen yuan. The kids picked several small trinkets to give to their kindergarten friends. · -- Travel Tips for Traveling with Kids Make sure to apply for the border pass in advance at your registered residence, specifying Ali Prefecture, Pulan County, as it’s troublesome to get it locally. The temperature difference between day and night is large in the plateau area, so bring enough clothes for the kids, including thick jackets even in summer. Don’t let the kids run or jump too vigorously; let them adapt slowly to the high altitude and drink plenty of warm water. Eating in the county town is very convenient, with Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine available at reasonable prices. You can have a good meal for about 30 yuan per person. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Pulan Pingcuo Kang Sang Oxygen-Rich Hotel With all-day floor heating and whole-house diffused oxygen, plus a children’s playground, no worries about altitude sickness with kids 🏨 Huanman Hotel (Ali Pulan Mount Kailash Scenic Area Branch) Enjoy stunning views of the golden sunlight on the mountain, whole-house diffused oxygen, family theater setup, the top choice for family trips 🏨 Pulan Himalaya Pulan Hotel Located in the town center, clean and comfortable rooms, Chinese restaurant serving local cuisine, convenient for travel and dining 🏨 Mount Kailash View Hotel (Base Camp Branch) Facing the sacred mountain with large floor-to-ceiling windows, floor heating + oxygen system, comfortable sleep even at high altitude

"Mount Kailash: The Light of Life in the Land of Faith" On the roof of the world stands a sacred mountain—Mount Kailash. It stands tall between heaven and earth, like an immortal monument, carrying the faith and hope of countless people. Coming to Mount Kailash is like stepping into a world isolated from the mundane. The sky here is as blue as a gemstone, the clouds as white as snow, and the land vast and tranquil. In this vast land, people live more by faith. Faith is the soul of Mount Kailash. It is like an invisible bond that tightly connects people with this sacred mountain. Everyone who comes here carries a devout heart, seeking that sacredness deep within. They either prostrate step by step along the long circumambulation path or sit quietly at the foot of the mountain, gazing at the majestic figure of Mount Kailash, feeling the mysterious power it exudes. At Mount Kailash, faith gives people endless courage and strength. Faced with harsh natural environments and difficult living conditions, they never retreat, always steadfastly walking on their path of faith. They believe that as long as there is faith in their hearts, there are no insurmountable difficulties, no obstacles that cannot be overcome. The people here interpret the meaning of life with faith. They work at sunrise and rest at sunset, living simple and unpretentious lives. They do not pursue material wealth but focus on inner peace and contentment. In their view, faith is the most precious wealth in life, the motivation and support for their progress. Mount Kailash is a place where the soul is baptized. Here, people can let go of the noise and disturbances of the world and return to their most authentic selves. It makes us understand that faith is not just a spiritual sustenance but also an attitude towards life, a reverence and love for life. In this fast-paced era, perhaps we should stop our hurried steps, come to Mount Kailash, and feel the power of faith here. Let us, guided by faith, re-examine our lives and find the true value of life. Because at Mount Kailash, people live more by faith, and faith will lead us to a better future (Image source: Chuxin Manbu).

🌟 Purang - Mount Kailash: A Dialogue with the Divine The majestic Mount Kailash stands tall on the Ali Plateau. It is not only a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism but also revered by Hinduism, Bon, and other religions. Standing at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at the pyramid-shaped snow peak, I seem to hear the whispers of the gods. 🏔️ Legend of the Sacred Mountain: Mount Kailash is considered the center of the universe, and its Tibetan name means "Mountain of the Gods." It is said to be the residence of Vajra Heruka in Buddhism, and the patterns on the mountain are regarded by believers as natural "swastika" symbols. Every year, countless pilgrims come to circumambulate the mountain, believing that completing one circuit can cleanse a lifetime of sins. 🌄 Ultimate Scenery: 1️⃣ Tibetan Blue Hour When the first ray of sunlight touches the snow peak at dawn, the entire mountain displays a dreamy blue hue, known as the photographer’s favorite "golden three minutes." Interestingly, the mountain shows different colors at various times of the day as sunlight hits it from different angles. 2️⃣ Fluttering Prayer Flags Colorful prayer flags at the foot of the mountain flutter in the wind. Locals believe that each flutter is equivalent to chanting a prayer. The prayer flags hanging along the circumambulation path form a flowing river of faith. 3️⃣ Sacred Lake Manasarovar At the foot of the sacred mountain lies one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, Manasarovar, with waters as blue as a giant sapphire. Legend says the lake’s water can cleanse the soul’s impurities, and Hinduism regards it as the bathing place of Lord Shiva. 🚗 Practical Information: The full circumambulation route is 52 kilometers, recommended to be completed in 2-3 days. The climbing season is from April to October; after November, the mountain is closed due to heavy snow. Important: Climbing to the summit is prohibited, and the circumambulation must be done clockwise. Standing on the 4600-meter-high circumambulation path, gasping for breath yet feeling an unprecedented calm. Perhaps this is the magic of the sacred mountain—allowing everyone who arrives to find peace within.