Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not a journey; it is a journey of faith, devotion, and self-discovery. Mount Kailash is one of the holiest mountains at 6,638 meters (21,778 ft), and has been worshipped for centuries by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
Pilgrims believe that a single circuit around this sacred mountain can purify a lifetime of sins. The serene Manasarovar Lake near this mountain is believed to possess supernatural powers of purification.
Your yatra starts in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. You will go sightseeing in the cultural beauty of this ancient city, and you will pay a visit to the holy temples before you take off.
At this point, the trip gradually leads to the Nepal-Tibet border, where the magic starts. The journey shows the spectacular Himalayan views, highland plains, and isolated Tibetan villages that give one a feeling that they are moving back in time.
Every day, you will be getting used to the altitude and will be preparing your body and mind for the final trek around Kailash.
The climax of the yatra is the Kailash Kora, a holy 52-kilometer trek around the great mountain in three days. It is not an easy journey because you will go through elevated trails such as Dolma La (5,650 m), but each stride will be a blessing.
The view of Kailash soaring above and the pilgrims chanting makes you feel strong even. On the path, there are holy places where pilgrims can pray, meditate, and feel more in touch with the divine.
Next, there is the Manasarovar Lake with its transparent waters and snow peaks mirrored in them, the ideal location to meditate, and have soul-touching experiences that you will stay with you forever.
This is a pilgrimage of devotion, adventure, and exploration of the culture. Through good logistics, guidance, and well-planned acclimatization, the yatra is safe, comfortable, and a thoroughly rewarding experience.
It is more than a pilgrimage and an opportunity to rediscover yourself in the lap of the Himalayas.
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Nepal will be the experience that will remain with you forever.
Kailash Mansarovar lies in China (formerly Tibet) in Ngari prefecture, the Tibet Autonomous region of China. It lies in the Gangdise Shan mountain range of the Transhimalaya in the western part of the Tibetan Plateau, in the northernmost Himalayas.
Kailash Mansarovar Lake is also located near the mountain. It is a high-altitude freshwater lake in Burang County, Tibet. It is about 20-30 km from the Kailash Mountain, depending on the route.
Mount Kailash is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Hindus believe it to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, which is the reason most Kailash tourists are originally Indians.
There is also the Mansarovar lake nearby, which is believed to have been created by lord Brahma and holds immense spiritual significance for purification and blessings.
Kailash Mansarovar yatra is a highly spiritual pilgrimage journey undertaken by devotees who trek for days through challenging terrain to circumambulate Mount Kailash (also called Parikrama/Kora).
Devotees visit Mansarovar Lake with the belief that this sacred act cleanses sins, fulfills wishes, and leads to spiritual liberation.
After a long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic restrictions, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially resumed from 2025.
Issuing the permit and visa process for Kailash Mansarovar started from 19 June 2025, for the first batch of Indian pilgrims. They entered the Tibetan border through the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand.
However, the journey faced several challenges, including delays in visa processing and sudden disruptions near the Nepal–Tibet border. There were even cases of stranded pilgrims in Kathmandu and Saga.
Despite all the challenges, slowly and gradually, the pilgrimage is starting to regain momentum and to continue for the 2026 season.
2026 is considered a very special year for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as it falls in the Tibetan Year of the Horse. Horse Year comes only once every 12 years.
There is a strong belief that completing Kailash Kora in a Horse Year is equal to completing 12 Kora. It is also believed that the pilgrims are blessed with multiple spiritual merits compared to normal years.
In 2026, the full moon dates for the Saga Dawa Festival and trekking season align perfectly, making this year even more auspicious.
Darchen hosts grand events throughout the year during Horse Year. Some pilgrims even call it the “Mahakumbha of Kailash”.
After years of closure due to COVID, this will be the first Horse Year. So, this trip might be the once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Don’t miss the chance.
The best time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is from May to October. Most pilgrims prefer these months because the high-altitude trails are clearer, less snowy, and more accessible.
From May to June (summer), the snow begins to melt, the weather is mild, and the trails open up, making the journey smoother. This period also coincides with the Saga Dawa Festival, a sacred celebration that adds deep spiritual significance to the yatra.
Even during the monsoon months (June–July), the pilgrimage can be undertaken because the region lies in a rain shadow zone, meaning monsoon rains have little impact on the route.
Kailash Mansarovar yatra includes a journey through high-elevation areas and requires proper preparation. You should also know what kind of prior experience you should have to safely complete this trek.
The journey is open to almost everyone if they are medically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges.
First-time trekkers: Even if you are a first-time trekker without prior trekking experience, you can join, but make sure you have built stamina by jogging, hiking, and regular walking. Stamina and a healthy body are very important because your yatra includes walking 6-7 kilometers (3-4 miles) of daily trekking above 4,500 meters (14,764 ft). This distance looks normal, but in high elevation, every step is hard, so focus on building leg strength, improving lung capacity, and practicing long-distance walking on uneven terrain before departure.
Experienced trekkers: People with prior trekking experience can do this trek. The only problem is high elevation, and walking will not stress experienced trekkers. However, they should become accustomed to high-altitude living, basic lodging, and limited medical support. Prior trekking knowledge will help with pacing, hydration, and acclimatization, which are essential on this route.
The yatra requires a higher level of physical fitness than ordinary treks because of the altitude, the long walking ways, and the uneven terrain.
Physical fitness: To be able to join this yatra, you should have good cardiovascular health, stamina for continuous walking, and no serious joint problems. The terrain is not technically difficult, but good physical fitness is a must.
High altitude preparation: Focus your training specifically on walking above 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) because altitude sickness is the real risk. Also, focus on lung strengthening and gradually expose yourself to elevation, if possible. Additionally, learn to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness, and remember to maintain proper hydration by drinking 3-4 liters of water.
Health is a critical factor in the Kailash Mansarovar yatra as the region has very limited medical facilities, and evacuation is costly.
Doctor’s Consultation: It is better if you consult with a doctor and know about your condition. The doctor examines your blood pressure, heart health, lung function, and endurance capacity. It also becomes easy for us to provide you with medical care in case of accidents.
Travel Insurance: High altitude travel insurance is strongly recommended. It covers medical emergencies, vehicle evacuation, and hospital expenses. Without insurance, the cost of evacuation from Tibet to Nepal can be extremely high. So, insurance gives both financial protection and peace of mind.
The yatra is not just physical and mental but also a test of mental strength, patience, and adaptability.
Positive mindset: A Calm and positive attitude helps yatris endure cold weather, long drives across barren landscapes, and very basic living conditions. Likewise, a spiritual mindset allows participants to focus on the purpose of the journey rather than the hardships along the way.
Group Dynamics: Since the yatra is done in groups, cooperation, discipline, and mutual support are essential. Following guides’ instructions, maintaining pace with the group, and helping fellow yatris in difficult stretches create a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Positive group interaction also enhances the overall spiritual and cultural experience.
All the nationalities require going through a similar process since you are going from Nepal. You will require a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit, which are both arranged by us.
For the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, you will need the following documents.
The quality of accommodation depends on the location. Accommodation is very basic and varies depending on the stage of the journey because the route passes through both urban towns and remote areas.
Here in Kathmandu (Nepal), you will be staying in a standard, quality hotel room with private rooms, proper beds, attached bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and buffet meals.
In Kerung, you will be staying in small guesthouses or hotels with twin/triple sharing rooms, limited hot water, common toilets, and simple meals.
On the Tibetan side, the accommodation varies from place to place, as Saga offers slightly better guesthouses with shared room facilities, limited electricity, and hot meals. Darchen provides small hotels with basic comfort, including twin/triple rooms, hot and delicious meals, hot water, electricity, and internet. While Dirapuk and Zuthulphuk offer very basic guesthouses in dormitory halls during the parikrama, with no heating, dry toilets, and only minimal facilities.
Meals in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are very simple, vegetarian, and designed to be light and energy-giving because of the high altitude and long trekking routes.
Foods mostly include a vegetarian diet because pilgrims don’t eat non-veg, but there are still non-veg food options too.
Breakfast usually includes Tsampa porridge, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee, Tibetan tea, and soup for warmth.
Lunch includes rice, chapati, soup, boiled potatoes, pickles, and noodles.
Dinner includes rice, vegetable curry, and Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup). The availability and variety of food options depend on the remoteness of the location. In places like Kathmandu and Lhasa, you get almost all kinds of foods, from Western to local.
Before setting off on your yatra, there is a pre-trip meeting that includes many important topics.
Firstly, one of our representatives will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transfer you to the hotel. There you will freshen up and will be called to your office at Himalayan Masters (Saat Ghumti, Thamel).
Introduction to the team
You will be introduced to the guides who will help you throughout this yatra.
Itinerary overview
The entire day-to-day program is explained, highlighting acclimatization points, long travel days, and parikrama details.
Document collection
Passports, permits, visa copies, and other required documents are verified and collected for smooth border clearance.
Gear and Equipment Distribution
Items like duffel bags, jackets, and water bottles are distributed and explained.
Health and Safety Briefing
We provide instructions on altitude precautions, use of oxygen, emergency protocols, and communication arrangements.
Dietary Arrangements
Food plans, vegetarian menus, and hydration guidelines are explained so yatris know what to expect.
Q&A Session
Pilgrims can ask questions about packing, health, travel routes, or personal concerns, ensuring clarity before departure.
With Himalayan Masters, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra costs $2,990 per person, which includes all transport, permits, accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and a guided tour of Kathmandu.
The 15-day pilgrimage begins in Kathmandu, crosses over via Rasuwagadhi–Kerung, and reaches Saga, then Mansarovar Lake. It is followed by the Parikrama around Mount Kailash via Dirapuk and Zuthulphuk, before returning.
The journey offers a mix of hotel stays in the cities and basic teahouses or monastery lodges along the higher altitude parikrama route.
| Day | Route/ Itinerary | Sleep Altitude |
| 1st | Arrive in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel, Yatra Briefing | 1,400 m/4,593 ft |
| 2nd | Kathmandu Sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) | 1,400 m/4,593 ft |
| 3rd | Drive Kathmandu to Nepal-Tibet Border (Rasuwagadhi) | 1,814 m/5,951 ft |
| 4th | Drive from Rasuwagadhi (Nepal) to Kerung (Tibet) | 2,774 m/9,101 ft |
| 5th | Drive from Kerung to Saga (Tibet) | 4,640 m/15,223 ft |
| 6th | Drive from Saga to Mansarovar Lake (Tibet) | 4,582 m/15,033 ft |
| 7th | Mansarovar Parikrama and drive to Darchen (Tibet) | 4,575 m/15,010 ft |
| 8th | Drive to Yam Dwar and Parikrama (trek) to Derapuk (Tibet) | 4,900 m/16,076 ft |
| 9th | Rest Day at Derapuk – Hike to Charan Sparsh (5,500 m/18,045 ft) | 4,900 m/16,076 ft |
| 10th | Parikrama (trek) to Zuthulphuk (Tibet) via Dolma La Pass (5,650m/18,536 ft) | 4835 m/15,863 ft |
| 11th | Parikrama Conclusion and Drive to Saga | 4,640 m/15,223 ft |
| 12th | Drive from Saga to Kerung | 2,774 m/9,101 ft |
| 13th | Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu | 1,400 m/4,593 ft |
| 14th | Extra Day in Kathmandu | 1,400 m/4,593 ft |
| 15th | Transfer to the Airport for Your Final Departure or Trip Extension | – |
As soon as you land in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll need to issue a Nepal visa on arrival. There, one of our Himalayan Masters’s team will be waiting for you at the airport. We will be welcoming you to Nepal for one of the most exciting tours/yatra of your life.
This will be all on your first day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Then, we will transfer you to your hotel in a private car. We provide accommodation in one of the best hotels as per your preference.
If you are already in Nepal, even outside Kathmandu Valley, we provide shuttle service, too. Just let us know when and where.
Once you arrive at your hotel, you can freshen up and have some food, tea, and others. Then, if time allows, we’ll meet for a short briefing session in our office at Saat Ghumti, Thamel.
During the briefing, we will explain to you about the route and what to expect on the route. We’ll also be collecting your passport for the visa application process and permits.
However, if you arrive Nepal at the evening, then we’ll have our briefing the following day.
Meanwhile, you can stroll around the colorful streets of Thamel and do some shopping for the tour.
: Hotel (5 star)
: 20-30 min Driving
For those planning a yatra in 2025 or 2026, we suggest you register in advance, usually at least 45-60 days before departure.
Also, make sure you register through licensed tour operators who are authorized to run Tibet travel. The Chinese government only issues permits through registered travel agencies.
For registration, you need to submit:
Furthermore, although you do not require a medical certificate, make sure that you are physically fit. It would be better to consult with your physician if you have any problems or if you’re fit to take this journey.
Once all your documents are verified, a further travel permit, all other Chinese visas, and documents will be issued. Know that the Chinese Government does not allow a solo permit for Kailash Parikrama, so you need to have at least a group of 5.
Since demand is very high, we suggest starting the process early.
According to the Chinese government’s rules, you will need a group of at least 4 people for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Taking on a yatra to the Kailash Mansarovar independently is illegal and restricted. So, to include yourself in a group or have your own group is a must.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is done mostly on Chinese land, and so you will need Chinese yuan. You can get Chinese Yuan exchange in the tourist hub Thamel in Nepal, or as soon as you cross the Nepal-China border.
Your journey includes crossing some of the remotest sections of Tibet, so expect patchy coverage. In major cities like Kathmandu and Lhasa, expect seamless mobile networks. There is no reliable coverage along the high plateau and during the kora.
Nepali SIMs like NTC and Ncell work seamlessly in Nepal, but when you cross the Nepal border, you must activate international roaming for Tibet, yet service can be patchy, so buy data packs upfront and confirm roaming is activated with your operator.
Wi-Fi is widely available only in major hotels and cities such as Kathmandu and Lhasa, while guesthouses, rest houses, and camping sites on the Kailash route rarely provide Wi-Fi.
Many international messaging and social apps are blocked or limited in China, so install a reliable VPN on your phone to use apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and similar services.
Carry at least one high-capacity power bank, 20,000 mAh or larger, plus a smaller spare, a small solar charger for emergencies, short cables, a USB-C PD power bank if you need to charge a laptop, and a multiport charger to share limited sockets. Stay ready to charge your phones and power bank. Avoid using your phone constantly to conserve battery.
The Yatra includes walking past the Himalaya range and to the higher Tibetan plateau. Your Yatra starts from Kathmandu, Nepal, where the weather remains mild.
The peak time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is May to October, where the temperature in Nepal ranges from 15° to 24° Celsius on average.
However, the summer months (June to August) can be a little warmer, with temperatures ranging above 35°C. In contrast, winter months (November to March) present Kailash with harsh weather conditions.
Especially in higher elevations, the temperature can drop below -30°C, partnered with chilly air and heavy snowfall, often blocking the road. To compensate, the region offers some of the best mountain views.
As you move towards the higher Tibetan plateau, the surrounding starts getting cold. Reaching the Rasuwagadhi border will make you feel slightly cold.
Once you cross the border and head towards your first stop, Kerung at an elevation of 2,774 meters (9,101 ft), the surrounding feels very cold.
Weather and temperatures aren’t big challenges since you will be taking acclimatization seriously.
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra difficulty is rated as moderate to difficult. This has been attributed to the high altitude and distance covered during the Kora.
Much of the pilgrimage is done by road and short walks, but the most significant part is the Kailash Kora, a 52 km walk around Mount Kailash. This is a 3-day trek through rugged and rocky roads, little streams, and high mountain passes.
The most difficult one is Dolma La Pass, which is located at 5,660 meters (18,570 feet). It takes endurance, time, and adequate acclimatization to cross this pass.
The challenge is also presented by the elevated altitude. It rises to more than 5,600 meters, and this could be a cause of mild altitude sickness to some pilgrims. Risks can be minimized by proper preparation, a steady pace, and hydration.
The Kora is also physically challenging since it requires walking through rough and rugged areas, in cold and windy seasons, yet any average person with a strong mind can undertake the challenge.
Furthermore, the rest of the yatra that is not in the Kora is very comfortable and scenic, which includes the drive between Kathmandu and the Nepal-Tibet border.
For those who are unable to walk around Mount Kailash, covering approximately 52 km (32 miles), hiring a horse is an option.
Although it incurs an extra cost, for pilgrims with health concerns, especially the elderly, Kailash Kora on Horse is a comfortable option.
Horses are available for hire from Darchen, accompanied by a handler. They will help you cross steep and high-altitude sections like Dolma La Pass. However, you might have to walk on some steep and rocky trails.
The cost of a 3-day horse ride can be around NPR 75,000 (approximately $550). Its cost can go high or low depending on the season, availability, and local arrangements.
Therefore, be absolutely sure you really need to hire a horse before doing so, because the amount you pay is non-refundable.
It is one of the most important aspects of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra because the journey takes pilgrims from the lowlands to high-altitude terrain within a few hours.
The elevation reaches from 2,700 meters (8,900 ft) at Kerung to 5,600 meters at Dolma-La Pass. This sudden elevation gain increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Without proper acclimatization, symptoms like headache, dizziness, and fatigue can occur, and if those symptoms are ignored, life-threatening conditions like High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) can occur.
We, Himalayan Masters, ensure safe acclimatization by scheduling rest days in Kerung and Derapuk. It allows the body to gradually adapt to thin air.
Our guides closely monitor health conditions, provide first aid, and advise on pacing, hydration, and rest.
Your safety is our first priority. So, we will be in touch 24/7.
Your journey includes so many challenges, like crossing high passes, going through snowy trails, altitude sickness, and accidents. Injuries like knee pain, sprains, or more severe cases of altitude sickness might occur.
For that, Himalayan masters always assist in every way possible. Our guide will address your health problem and ensure your safety.
Medical assistance, like vehicle transport to the nearest health care and on-the-spot first aid, is provided. All these measures are available according to the severity of your health problem.
Your accommodation and meals are covered by Himalayan Masters, but your major expenditure comes when buying water bottles, souvenirs, and offerings and ritual items for Puja.
The two best seasons for the Kailash Mansarovar yatra are Spring (May-June) and Autumn (September-October). Regardless of the season, the harsh landscape and high altitude are always an issue. For this reason, you must pack accordingly.
You should pack clothes like warm jackets, thermals, comfortable trekking pants, t-shirts, gloves, a woolen cap, socks, and a raincoat. Sturdy boots, sandals, and slippers. Make sure you carry your medications in a waterproof bag. Carry your documents like permits, photocopies, and some local currency.
Due to Chinese government restrictions, solo travel to Kailash Mansarovar is not possible.
The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has strict travel rules, so all foreigners are required to be in a group of a minimum of 4 travellers and associated with authorized agencies.
Likewise, most of the tours in Tibet are to access the sacred Kailash. So, you will need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien’s Travel Permit, and a Military Permit. And these permits are only issued to groups.
Similarly, a Chinese visa for Kailash is only issued as a Group Visa. Therefore, solo entry is impossible unless you have any special conditions or a request.
However, if you do not have a group, you can contact us. Then, we will arrange a group for you.
The Chinese group visa process usually takes about 2-4 working days in Kathmandu.
After you arrive in Nepal, your tour operator submits your documents to the Chinese Embassy. Then, biometric details and papers for a group visa are processed. The embassy remains closed on weekends, Saturday and Sunday.
During these three days, pilgrims are required to be in Kathmandu or within Nepal territory, as passports are kept at the embassy until the visa is issued.
In the meantime, you may want to explore Kathmandu or Pokhara, or take a tour to Chitwan National Park. Or, you might want to go for day hikes around Kathmandu Valley. Hikes around Shivapuri or Nagarkot allow you to prepare before the high-altitude Kailash Yatra.
Additionally, you can shop for gear, warm clothing, and exchange currency. Customize these waiting days as per your wish, and prepare for the overall yatra.
Like Nepal, the Government of India has officially resumed the Mount Kailash Yatra via Lipulekh Pass. Starting from June to August 2025, several trips are organized through the Lipulekh-Tibet route. The route first passes through Nepali territory and then to the Tibetan plateau.
For Indian citizens, the registration process is managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and can be done through an online application system. To make the process more accessible and transparent, the Indian government started an online application system in 2015.
After the application is placed, the selection is done through a computerized lottery system. It has been a crucial step in limiting the group slots. Furthermore, once selected, further medical and documentation verification is conducted.
This reopening has been a remarkable step towards one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Indian Hindus and Buddhists.
Due to health concerns and strict border controls, after a long closure from 2020 to 2024, Kailash Parikrama Yatra reopened in 2025.
A few changes in visa policies have been made by the Chinese government. Previously, group visas were issued for large numbers, but now a minimum of four people must apply together.
During COVID, some Nepali and Indian tour operators even organized mountain flights over Mansarovar to offer distant darshan experiences.
Furthermore, some Nepali villages, such as Lapcha (located in Namkha Rural Municipality, Humla), offered pilgrims a distant view of Mansarovar and Kailash.
However, these distant pilgrimages and mountain flight didn’t even come near to the actual Parikrama and Mansarovar experience.
Participants between the ages of 12 and 18 can either be accompanied by a parent/guardian or submit a letter of parental consent.
