Mount Kailash is not just a mountain; it is a divine place that is considered as one of the most sacred mountains in the worlds. Despite its religious significance, no one has ever climbed Mount Kailash, as it is considered too sacred to be scaled. Pilgrims instead perform a ritual circumambulation, known as the kora, around its base.
The Problem
The Kailash sacred landscape is facing several challenges that hinder efforts to maintain its cleanliness and environmental integrity. The region’s spiritual significance, combined with a growing number of pilgrims and tourists, has led to various environmental issues that needed addressing.
1: Waste Management Challenges
- Littering: With increasing foot traffic especially during pilgrimage season, plastic waste, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable items are left behind by pilgrims and tourists. Due to limited waste disposal infrastructure in remote areas, this waste often accumulates, polluting the sacred region.
- Human Waste: The lack of proper sanitation facilities along pilgrimage route and campsites leads to human waste being improperly disposed of contaminating the lands and water sources.
2: Over-Tourism and Overcrowding
- Pressure on Local Resources: High volumes of visitors can strain the local ecosystem, leading to the degradation of trails, campsites, and sacred sites. The infrastructure is often inadequate to handle such numbers, leading to environmental damage.
- Increased Pollution: Overcrowding results in more waste generation overuse of natural resources like water, and increased noise pollution, which disrupt the sacred atmosphere of the region.
3: Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
- Conflicting Interests: While many view the region as sacred, the increasing number of non-religious tourists may not adhere to local customs or environmental principles. These differences in behavior can contribute to pollution, disrespect of sacred spaces, and disturbance of the ecosystem.
- Local Believes vs. Environmental Preservation: In some cases, traditional practices might not align with modern conservation practices, making it difficult to promote eco-friendly alternatives without conflict.
4: Insufficiency of Infrastructure for Waste Collecting and Recycling
- Limited Facilities: The remote nature of the region means that waste collection services are inadequate, and recycling is often not feasible. This result in waste being left behind on trails, in campsites, and near holy sites.
- Inconsistent Waste Disposal: Many pilgrims carry food, and other items wrapped in plastic, and when they finish, they leave the waste behind. There are often no effective ways to dispose of this waste, and it accumulates in the area, threatening the ecosystem.
5: High Foot Traffic from Pilgrims and Tourist
- Impact on Environment: Mount Kailash and nearby sites like Lake Manasarovar attract thousands of pilgrims and tourist every year and many visitors bring non-biodegradable items (plastic bottles, wrappers, etc.) that are often discarded along the pilgrimage routes.
- Increased Waste Generation: The infrastructure around the pilgrimage sites is limited, and there aren’t enough waste disposal facilities to manage the increasing amount of garbage.
The solution
1: Community Clean-up Campaign
- Volunteer Engagement: Encourage the local communities, pilgrims, and international volunteers to participate in clean-up drives. These campaigns can focus on the trails around Mount Kailash, nearby lake (Lake Manasarovar), and areas affected by human activity.
- Periodic Clean-ups: Organizing regular clean-up days during peak pilgrimage season to ensure that the region remains pristine.
- Waste Segregation: Setting up waste segregation stations at strategic points to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
2: Awareness Programs
- Education about the Sacredness of the Land: Hosting workshops, community talks, and information sessions to educate visitors and locals on the importance of keeping the landscapes clean for cultural and environmental reasons.
- Promotion of Responsible Tourism: Encouraging eco-friendly practices among tourists and pilgrims, such as minimizing the use of plastic, carrying reusable water bottles, and avoiding littering.
3: Partnership with Local Governments and NGOs
- Government Support: Partnering with local and regional authorities to implements policies aimed at environmental protection and sustainable tourism.
- NGO Collaboration: Collaborating with environmental NGOs and support ongoing efforts for waste management, eco-restoration, and community empowerment.
4: Sustainable Pilgrimage Practices
- Eco-friendly Infrastructure: Building composting toilets, waste collecting bins, and recycling facilities along pilgrimage routes.
- Transport Solutions: Promoting the use of eco-friendly transportation for pilgrims such as electric vehicles or horse carts, to reduce the carbon footprint.
5: Incentivizing Local Involvement
- Local Employment: Creating jobs for the local population in environmental conservation, guiding tourists, and managing waste, which helps build ownership and ensures sustainable livelihoods.
- Community Awards: Recognizing and rewarding the efforts of local individuals and groups who go above and beyond in keeping the environment clean.
6: Creating “Leave No Trace” culture
- Pilgrim Pledge: Encouraging pilgrims to sign a pledge that commits them to leave no trace behind, including not disturbing wildlife, polluting water sources, or leaving trash behind.
- Symbolic Actions: Initiating symbolic campaigns like planting trees or lighting eco-friendly lamps to honor the spirit of environmental stewardship.
Implementation and results
The Kailash sacred landscape is a revered region encompassing Mount Kailash and its surrounding areas, and has long been a site of spiritual significance for numerous religious traditions. Efforts to maintain its cleanliness and preserve its sanctity have been undertaken by various organizations, local communities, and governments. These initiatives focus on reducing waste and pollution through awareness campaigns, waste management system, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Additionally, a religious and cultural norm plays a significant role in maintaining the purity of the landscape, as pilgrims and visitors are encouraged to respect the environment. Due to these collective actions, the Kailash sacred landscape has seen a reduction in littering and environmental degradation. Providing a free garbage bag for tourists and pilgrims has motivated visitors to carry back their waste. Continued collaboration between stakeholders is essential to ensure the preservation of this sacred and ecologically fragile area. The waste management initiatives also encouraged the local governments to set up the garbage disposal site and dustbin in critical areas.
Free Health Check-Up Camp
2025 September 6-9
From 6 to 9 September, Kailash Foundation is committed to supporting the well-being of pilgrims and local communities in the remote Himalayan region of Mount Kailash. To fulfill this mission, Kailash Foundation is organizing a Free Health Check-up Camp from September 6 to 9, 2025. This humanitarian initiative aims to provide essential medical services, health consultations, and emergency care in an area where healthcare facilities are scarce.
Event Schedule and Activities
September 6-8, 2025: Manasarovar and Darchen (Health Camp)
• The health camp will operate at two strategic locations: Lake Manasarovar and Darchen, ensuring that both pilgrims and local communities have access to medical care.
• Medical specialists, doctors, and healthcare volunteers will provide:
1: General health check-ups
2: Basic treatments and first aid
3: Altitude sickness management
4: Consultation on travel health and preventive care
5: Distribution of essential medicines
• This initiative will serve hundreds of pilgrims performing the Kailash Kora (Parikrama) and residents of the region who have limited access to healthcare due to the high-altitude terrain and extreme weather conditions.
September 8, 2025: Free Hot Lunch at Kailash West Face
• A special meal distribution will be arranged at the West Face of Mount Kailash-one of the most sacred viewpoints of the Kora.
• Pilgrims and travellers often experience fatigue, cold, and hunger during the journey, so Kailash Foundation will provide a free hot lunch to support their energy and well-being.
• The meal will consist of nutritious, warm food and drinks, ensuring that participants stay hydrated and nourished.
September 9, 2025: Gathering at Dolma La Pass (Tea & Coffee) & Closing Ceremony
• The final gathering will take place at Dolma La Pass (5,630m/18,471ft), the highest and most spiritually significant point of the Mount Kailash Parikrama.
• Tea and coffee will be served to pilgrims, volunteers, and medical staff, allowing everyone to reflect on the journey and celebrate the successful completion of the health camp.
• A brief closing ceremony will be held to thank the doctors, volunteers, and supporters who made the campaign possible.
Why is this health camp important?
Limited Healthcare Access: The region around Kailash & Manasarovar has almost no permanent medical infrastructure, making access to healthcare difficult for locals and pilgrims.
Altitude and hazardous Conditions: Many visitors suffer from altitude sickness (AMS), dehydration, and exhaustion, requiring immediate medical attention.
Community Development: The camp helps local communities receive medical attention, improving their long-term well-being.
Who will be involved?
Medical Team: Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers trained in high-altitude medicine and emergency response.
Volunteers: Dedicated individuals helping with organization, logistics, and patient support.
Local Guides and Support Staff: Assisting with translation, transportation, and outreach to ensure smooth operations.
Kailash Clean Campaign
2025 September 8-14
Mount Kailash is not just a mountain; it is a divine place that is considered as one of the most sacred mountains in the worlds. Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar for spiritual purposes, performing the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) around the holy mountain.
However, due to the high number of visitors, pollution and waste accumulation have become serious issues in the region. This clean-up camp aims to preserve the natural and spiritual purity of Kailash by removing litter and educating visitors about environmental responsibility.
How Will the Clean-Up Camp Be Conducted?
Camp Duration: September 8-14, 2025
Location: Various key sites along the Kailash Parikrama route and Lake Manasarovar
Organized by: Kailash Foundation
Each day, volunteers and participants will clean specific areas and also conduct awareness sessions for pilgrims.
Daily Schedule of Clean-Up Camp
September 8: Darchen & Lake Manasarovar Clean-Up
• Darchen is the place from where pilgrims gather before starting the Kailash kora.
• Lake Manasarovar is a sacred lake where people take a ritual bath and perform prayers.
• Volunteers will collect plastic waste, old prayer flags, and food wrappers left behind.
• Awareness sessions will be conducted to educate visitors about responsible waste disposal.
September 9: Diraphuk Clean-Up
• Diraphuk (4,950m) is an important stop on the trek, where people stay overnight.
• Due to its cold climate and high altitude, waste doesn’t decompose easily and the team will remove litter from trekking trails and resting spots.
September 10: Second Day of Clean-Up at Diraphuk
• The focus will be on hard-to-reach areas that require extra effort to clean and volunteers will sort waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials for proper disposal.
September 11: Meditation Camp
• A break day for spiritual rejuvenation.
• A meditation and prayer session will be conducted to promote inner peace and mindfulness.
• A discussion on the importance of nature conservation in spirituality will be held.
September 12: Dolma La Pass Clean-Up
• While Kailash Parikarma, Dolma La Pass is one of the most challenging points.
• Many pilgrims leave plastic bottles, broken walking sticks, and prayer flags here.
• Volunteers will carefully remove waste while maintaining respect for religious artifacts.
September 13: Zuthulphuk Clean-Up
• Zuthulphuk is the place where the pilgrims will end the Kailash kora.
September 14: Final Day of Clean-Up at Zuthulphuk
• The last clean-up activities will ensure that all waste is properly collected, sorted, and taken to disposal points and volunteers will conduct a final awareness session for pilgrims and local communities.
Why is the Clean-Up Important?
Preserving the Sacredness of Kailash
• Mount Kailash is not just a mountain; it is a divine place that is considered as one of the most sacred mountains in the worlds.
Protecting the Environment
• Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are located in a fragile high-altitude ecosystem where waste takes longer to decompose.
• Cleaning up helps prevent pollution and protect the natural beauty of the region.
Maintaining Clean Water Sources
• If they get polluted, it affects both the local wildlife and pilgrims who use the water for religious purposes.
Preventing the Spread of Diseases
• Waste left in open areas can attract animals, contaminate water sources, and spread diseases.
• Proper waste disposal helps keep the region hygienic and safe for future visitors.
Setting an Example for Responsible Tourism
• Many people visit Kailash every year, and if we promote eco-friendly habits, it can inspire future travelers to respect nature and keep holy sites clean.
The Impact of the Clean-Up Camp
By organizing this Clean-Up Camp at Kailash, we can:
- Restore the purity of this sacred site
- Ensure a cleaner environment for future pilgrims
- Inspire a culture of eco-friendly pilgrimage
- Protect the unique high-altitude ecosystem
