
Why is Mount Kailash Unclimbable?
- Places
- By Sanchita Pokharel
Due to spiritual beliefs and environmental challenges, Mount Kailash is unclimbable. With an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), the trek to Mount Kailash has been attracting tourists and pilgrims worldwide. But why is Mount Kailash unclimbable is the question among many of us. It is located in the remote region of the Himalayas of Tibet. That beautiful symmetrical peak is still one of the world’s unclimbed mountains.
Despite being a must-visit destination among pilgrims, no successful summit has been recorded until now. Though Mount Kailash is not physically challenging like Mount Everest, this holy mountain is yet to be explored due to its religious significance. It is one of the most respected sacred sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. It is believed that Kailash is the axis mundi, the center of the universe where heaven and earth meet.
Hindu followers believe, that Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva and when you go on a pilgrimage it offers you enlightenment and liberation from the sins of your life. Another reason why is Mount Kailash unclimbable is if you climb this holy peak it is taken as a sacrilegious act. Pilgrims come here to cleanse their bodies and soul by doing some rituals like Kailash Parikrama (Kora).
Besides the religious significance, its physical structure, terrain, weather, and lack of routes make climbing to Kailash impossible. The Chinese Government has banned and doesn’t allow the permit to climb the Kailash. Because of these reasons, it has earned a mystical status. However, one time the government permitted to climb it to legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner in the 1980s. But he declined it saying, it holds deep spiritual significance among many religions.
As of now, the governments of China and Tibet have still maintained the unofficial ban on climbing Mt.Kailash. This is also a way of protecting the sacredness of the mountain and giving respect. But this has not stopped travelers and pilgrims from visiting there. They still come to respect and honor this divine mountain.
Keep scrolling. This blog will discuss in depth why is Mount Kailash unclimbable and what you should know before visiting.
Has Anybody Climbed Mount Kailash?
Mount Kailash is one of the popular destinations among devotees all around the world. A perfect place for trekkers and mountaineers but why is Mount Kailash unclimbable, and has anyone climbed Mount Kailash?
Mount Kailash’s altitude is 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) located in the heart of Tibet. Despite its dramatic height, it is known as one of the last unconquered summits on Earth. This peak is not like Everest and any other Himalayas because till today no one has dared to set foot on its peak. Therefore, that raises the real question why is Mount Kailash unclimbable, and has anyone climbed Mt Kailash?
What’s the major cause for not being climbed? You may guess, is it because it is impossible to climb or it has a deeper hidden secret for it being untouched? From the very ancient times, Kailash Parbat is known as a holy mountain. This peak is a sacred place where pilgrims from the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon followers visit to cleanse their souls and body. For them, it holds a sacred symbol of divinity and a home to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. On the other hand, Buddhist pilgrims take it as a place to receive enlightenment. Likewise, for Jains and Bons followers it is a place to witness the spiritual power.
Therefore, the major reason why is Mount Kailash unclimbable is due to its deep religious meaning. As a token of respect, it is not allowed to climb the Kailash. Stepping a foot on the land of Kailash is taken as a disrespect to God. It’s an act of defying the divine order. It is understandable from the point of view of the devotees because when we don’t step on the people whom we deeply respect, right?
It is said that, in the 1980s, legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner was offered a chance to climb the Kailash. However, to respect the religious significance of the religions, he declined the offer. This means it, as of now, no one has ever climbed Mount Kailash. This peak is quite special as it has recorded zero summits, unlike Everest where more than 7 thousand people have already reached the summit successfully. The no official expeditions, no summit logs, and no known successful ascents of Mount Kailash climbers recorded, make it no one has ever climbed Mount Kailash.
Additionally, there are some of the environmental challenges that make the summit very difficult. Challenges like steep climbing, icy slopes, harsh weather conditions, and lack of defined climbing routes make it hard to climb Kailash. Still, the climber is physically fit and highly experienced, the question remains: is it okay to climb it?
However, due to the unofficial ban on the peak Kailash summit by the Chinese government, devotees still visit to pay respect. More than thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to visit and do Kailash Parikram. It is a circumambulation of the mountain. To complete Kailash Parikrama it takes 3 days and pilgrims have to walk over 52 kilometers distance. In the end, we can say Mount Kailash is unclimbable because this peak is for worshiping not to conquer.
How Many People Climb Mount Kailash?
As of February 2025, zero number of people has climbed Mount Everest. Due to the ban by the Chinese government and religious significance, the Kailash mountains are still known as the peak no one has ever climbed. Climbing to the peak of Kailash is not an impossible task, it is unclimbable because of the religious beliefs and an act of showing respect.
It is reported that every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Mount Kailash. But no one is here to attempt the summit. They visit Kailash to perform rituals where they walk around the holy mountain, which is called Kailash Parikrama. The walk over 52 kilometers (32 miles) is an act of ritual. It is said that performing Kailash Parikarma cleanses the past sins and souls of the person. To receive enlightenment and blessings from this holy mountain, this ritual is mostly followed by the Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions.
Many pilgrims also come to complete their “Bhakal,” an act of promise made to a deity where they offer something once their wish is fulfilled. As the process of fulfilling the Bhakal, some even do parikrama by prostrating after every step. That is a true devotion and takes more weeks. Pilgrims come from all over the world, and most of them are from Nepal, India, and Tibet. The estimated number of pilgrims are 15,000 to 20,000 each year. However, since 2020, China has restricted Indians from Kailash which is said to resume soon.
But still, zero climbers have reached its peak. With the unofficial ban from the Chinese government and religious significance, this Himalaya is untouched. The closest people can get to Mount Kailash’s peak is through the Lake Mansarovar pilgrimage. It is located at the foot of the mountain where Kailash stands tall behind it. Pilgrims also perform rituals and baths in the lake to cleanse their souls.
Lord Shiva in Kailash Mountain:
In the Hindu religion, it is believed that Kailash Mountain is the home of Lord Shiva, one of the well-respected gods. According to the Hindu scriptures, on the top of Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati, live. There is the belief that he is sitting there watching over and protecting the whole universe with Mata Parvati.
In the Hindu belief, Mt Kailash is the place where heaven and earth meet. It is the center of the world and that’s why it holds a special place. They travel through this challenging route just to feel close to God and take blessings from him.
Similarly, Mount Kailash Tibet is taken as holy by Buddhists also. They believe it is the home of Demchok, a spiritual being. Jains say Mount Kailash is the place where their first guru Rishabhadeva found freedom. Likewise, Tibetan followers of Bon believe this place holds spiritual energy.
Lake Mansarovar Tibet:
Lake Mansarovar is another sacred place in Tibet. It is a holy lake located near the Kailash Parbat. The elevation of Lake Mansarovar is 4,590 meters (15,060 feet) above sea level. This lake is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes and it is more special due to its religious significance. The clear blue water that reflects the surrounding mountains is a sight for the eyes. It is also an ideal place to explore among nature and trekking lovers.
According to Hindu beliefs, Lake Manasarovar was created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. It is believed if you take a bath at this holy lake, it will wash your past sins and cleanse your soul. This is also the main reason why pilgrims visit the lake. They perform rituals and take holy baths to cleanse their souls and past lives’ sins. This is usually done before doing a Kailash Parikrama, a sacred walk around Kailash Parbat.
The Lake Mansarovar Yatra for Buddhists is also equally important. They believe that Gautam Buddha’s mother took a bath in this sacred lake when she was pregnant with Buddha. Due to these reasons, this lake holds a spiritual energy and deep meaning. For Buddhist followers, bathing on this lake is getting enlightenment.
Just opposite the Lake Manas Sarovar location, there is another lake called Lake Rakshastal. However, that lake is considered the lake of demons and darkness, in contrast to the Mansarovar Lake, which represents purity and divinity. Travelers can visit both of these lakes to enjoy their beauty. Surrounded by giant mountains, this place is worth visiting once in a lifetime. It’s a perfect opportunity to meditate, pray, and take a holy bath.
Due to its deep religious significance, thousands of pilgrims come here. They believed once they visited and took a holy bath in Lake Mansarovar, they would get “Moksha,” salvation. They also drink or bring the water from this lake to get the blessings.
What are the Challenges that Make Climbing Mount Kailash Difficult?
Do you know why is Mount Kailash unclimbable? The reason for it being unclimbable is more than just a religious significance. Due to the extreme physical and environmental challenges are also another major reason for it being unclimbable. In the given below, we have a list of challenges that make why is Mount Kailash unclimbable:
1. Harsh Weather Conditions:
The elevation of Mount Kailash is 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), which is really high. It is also located in the remote Himalayas region of Tibet. During the winter season temperature goes down to freezing point, heavy snowfall, and strong winds. The high altitude causes a lack of oxygen resulting in altitude sickness. Moreover, in the summer season also the temperature here is extremely cold and there will be chances of snowstorms. The unstable and harsh weather conditions make climbing more dangerous and difficult.
2. High Altitude and Thin Air:
One of the major challenges of walking at high altitudes like 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), the peak of Kailash is thin air. The more you climb the less oxygen level gets. The low oxygen levels cause altitude sickness. When you get altitude sickness, the climber will feel symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. The sickness makes walking more dangerous and if it worsens, there will be chances of death.
3. No Established Climbing Routes:
Because of religious beliefs, no one has ever climbed the Kailash Parbat. As nobody has ever climbed this peak, there are no fixed routes, ropes, or Base Camps. Nobody knows the trail to reach the top of Mount Kailash. Without knowing the route, it is completely impossible for the summit of Kailash. It is also very dangerous trekking in high-altitude places without any proper support. Climbing to Kailash is difficult, unlike Mount Everest. Though it is the world’s highest peak, thousands of people have reached the top because of the well-maintained routes, facilities, and guides.
4. Steep and Unstable Terrain:
The terrains of the mountains are already rough and not suitable for easy walks. It requires lots of training and equipment. Likewise, the terrain of Mount Kailash has very sharp ridges, vertical cliffs, and loose rocks. It is different than other climbable mountains. Trekking or climbing on these types of terrains is extremely difficult and not recommended. Moreover, as it is never climbed terrains, it is not walking-friendly with proper trails. The cold, snow and icy slopes increase the risk of avalanches
5. Religious Restrictions:
Lastly, religious significance is another reason why is Mount Kailash unclimbable. Kailash mountain is the sacred mountain for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. It is considered disrespectful to climb this peak as Hindus believe it is the home of Lord Shiva. To protect this religious site, the Chinese government has also placed an unofficial ban on climbing. Therefore, nobody is allowed to climb Mt.Kailash.
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