Xoilapu Kangri is a 5,606 m peak in Xizang, in China, within the Kailas Range of the Transhimalaya on the Tibetan Plateau in Central Asia. It is also known as Xuelapu Gangri, xue la pu gang ri and 雪拉普岗日.
It ranks 44th by elevation among the 75 named peaks of the Kailas Range. The mountain rises in Nartang township, in Xaitongmoin County, where high, dry plateau terrain and mountain passes shape travel and access.
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Xoilapu Kangri belongs to the broad chain of Central Asia, then the Tibetan Plateau, the Transhimalaya and finally the Kailas Range. It lies in China, in Xizang, within Nartang township of Xaitongmoin County. At 5,606 m it is a high alpine peak on a cold, open plateau landscape where travel is shaped by passes, ridges and long distances between settlements.
The surrounding terrain is typical of the high Tibetan uplands: sparse vegetation, broad slopes, and a network of high passes rather than forested valleys.
The nearest named passes and peaks show how isolated the summit is within a high mountain corridor:
These nearby passes are all lower than Xoilapu Kangri, and the closest ones lie only a little more than 6 km away to the southwest. The mountain is therefore a higher point above a pass-crossed upland rather than a summit isolated from all relief.
Within 25 km, the highest named peaks are Nyingchupabo at 5,268 m, 23.2 km to the northeast, and Chagzamugbo at 5,088 m, 23.2 km to the west. From the summit, these would be the main nearby high points in the wider view, though the intervening ridges and weather can limit visibility.
Because the surrounding terrain is already high, the skyline is likely to be a mix of nearby passes, rounded ridges and scattered peaks rather than a single dominant massif. The summit sits above the local passes, so the outlook would be over a broad plateau landscape.
Xoilapu Kangri is part of the Kailas Range, which spans China and India. The range’s highest peak is Nyainqêntanglha Feng at 7,162 m, and it lies 236 km to the east of Xoilapu Kangri. The Kailas Range contains 75 named peaks, and Xoilapu Kangri ranks 44th by elevation among them.
That position places it in the middle of the range’s named summits rather than among its highest points. Even so, at 5,606 m it is well above the surrounding passes and remains a serious high-altitude mountain in the Transhimalayan system.
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for most of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 5 °C on average at the summit, while January is the coldest month at about -15 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing are limited to June, July, August and September. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 400 mm, with roughly 145 mm in July and about 0 mm in January.
At this elevation, weather hazards usually include strong wind, rapid temperature drops, snow or sleet even in the warmer season, and poor visibility after storms. The dry winter months can bring very cold, clear conditions, while summer brings the main moisture and the most changeable weather.
The most practical window is usually the period when the summit is above freezing on average: June to September. These are also the months when snow cover and cold are generally less severe than in winter, although storms and wind can still affect travel. July is the wettest month, so early summer or early autumn may offer a better balance between temperature and precipitation.
Outside this short season, the mountain is likely to be colder, drier and more exposed. At 5,606 m, even a summer visit requires preparation for snow patches, frozen ground and strong sun at altitude.
The mountain lies in a high plateau environment where vegetation is usually sparse and low-growing. In sheltered places you can expect alpine grassland, hardy shrubs and patches of bare rock and scree, with snow lingering on shaded slopes and near the highest ground. The landscape is shaped more by altitude and dryness than by dense plant cover.
Wildlife in this part of the Tibetan Plateau is generally adapted to cold, open country. Animals are often elusive and may include high-altitude grazing species, small mammals and birds of open terrain. Human use is likely to be light and spread out, with travel concentrated along passes and tracks rather than through forested valleys.
At 5,606 m, Xoilapu Kangri is a high-altitude objective where a certified mountain guide is sensible for anyone without strong experience in cold, remote terrain. In China, the national alpine body is the Chinese Mountaineering Association, and established guiding companies include Tibet Vista (Lhasa). Foreigners visiting Tibet need a Tibet Travel Permit, issued only with a guided tour from a Tibet-based agency; border areas such as Everest North and Kailash require extra permits.
Guided trips in this region usually cover transport, permits, local logistics and support for altitude travel. Costs depend on trip length, group size, nights in huts or camps, and equipment needs. For technical or remote ascents, an IFMGA/UIAGM-certified guide is the standard to look for.
This is a high mountain in a cold, exposed part of the Tibetan Plateau, so altitude, wind and rapid weather changes are the main concerns. Acclimatisation matters, as does carrying clothing for freezing conditions even in summer. The open terrain can make navigation straightforward in good visibility but difficult in snow, cloud or strong wind.
For mountain rescue in China, the emergency number is 120 for ambulance; police are 110 and fire 119. A satellite device or phone with a reliable network can be useful, but it should not replace careful planning and conservative timing.
Xoilapu Kangri is 44th highest among the 75 named peaks of the Kailas Range. The nearest higher major point in the range is the high point of the range itself, Nyainqêntanglha Feng, 236 km to the east. The mountain also sits above a cluster of high passes, with the closest being just over 6 km away.
Its position in Xizang places it on the high Tibetan Plateau rather than in a densely settled mountain district. That combination of altitude, dry climate and pass-crossed terrain gives it a very different character from lower, more forested mountain regions.
How high is Xoilapu Kangri? It rises to 5,606 m.
Where is Xoilapu Kangri located? It is in China, in Xizang, within Nartang township of Xaitongmoin County.
Which mountain range is it part of? It belongs to the Kailas Range, within the Transhimalaya on the Tibetan Plateau.
What are the nearest passes and peaks? The closest are Nam La and Goyoin La to the southwest, both a little over 6 km away, followed by Na La and Tazi La to the north.
Is there water on the way to Xoilapu Kangri? The area is high, dry and pass-crossed, so water is usually limited. Plan to carry 1.5–3 litres for a day, and treat any snowmelt or stream water before drinking it.
When is the best time to go? June to September is the main window, because the summit is above freezing on average in those months.
How does mobile coverage work there? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.
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