Deep in the heart of Tibet sits one of the most sacred places on Earth, Kailash Mansarovar. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and adventure seekers travel from India, Nepal, and around the world to complete the holy journey known as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This sacred site is not just a mountain, it is a spiritual experience that touches your soul forever.
Whether you are a Hindu devotee seeking liberation, a Buddhist pilgrim honoring a sacred mountain, or simply an adventurer chasing the roof of the world, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know for 2026. From routes and permits to packing lists and health tips, we have covered it all in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Kailash Mansarovar is a combination of two divine elements, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Mount Kailash rises to an altitude of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), while Lake Mansarovar sits at an altitude of approximately 4,590 meters (15,060 feet). Together, they form one of the most spiritually powerful destinations on Earth.
According to Hindu belief, Mount Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that bathing in Lake Mansarovar washes away all sins from this life and past lives. The Lake Mansarovar holy dip is one of the most emotional and transformative rituals a pilgrim can experience. Even a sip of its water is said to purify the soul.
For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is the dwelling place of Demchok, a deity representing supreme bliss. The Buddhist sacred mountain Kailash has been a pilgrimage destination for Tibetan monks for centuries. Jains also revere the mountain as the place where their first Tirthankara attained liberation.
This is the most important question every traveler asks: How to reach Kailash Mansarovar? There are primarily three routes to reach Kailash Mansarovar, and each has its own unique experience, terrain, and duration. Choosing the right route depends on your physical fitness, budget, and available time.
The Lipulekh Pass route is the most traditional Indian route to Kailash Mansarovar. It enters Tibet via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 5,334 meters. This route is operated under the government-organized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra managed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Nathu La Pass route offers a more comfortable journey using motorable roads for most of the trip. This route goes through Gangtok in Sikkim and crosses into Tibet via Nathu La. It is a government-managed route and uses SUVs for much of the journey, making it suitable for older pilgrims.
The Nepal route to Kailash Mansarovar is the most popular route for international tourists and Indian pilgrims in 2026. Travelers fly into Kathmandu and then travel overland or by flight to the Tibet border at Kerung (Gyirong). From there, the journey continues by road through the Tibetan plateau.
If you are an Indian citizen asking how to go to Kailash Mansarovar from India, you have two government-operated options | the Lipulekh Pass route and the Nathu La Pass route. Both are managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the Indian Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Chinese authorities.
The Indian government runs an official Kailash Mansarovar Yatra program every year. Applications open on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Portal (kmy.gov.in). Selection is done through a computerized draw system, and preference is given to first-time applicants and senior citizens.
Getting the right documents is very important for a smooth Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Here is a basic checklist every Indian pilgrim must prepare well in advance:
The Nepal route to Kailash Mansarovar is widely considered the most accessible and flexible path in 2026. Unlike the Indian government routes that operate in fixed batches, the Nepal route can be arranged through licensed Nepali tour operators year-round (within the open season). This makes it the top choice for independent travelers and international pilgrims.
Many travelers opt for the Lhasa to Kailash overland tour as an extension of the Nepal route. After arriving in Kathmandu, they fly to Lhasa (Tibet’s capital) and then drive overland to Kailash Mansarovar over several days. This option allows for better acclimatization and includes iconic Tibetan landmarks along the way.
For those with limited time or physical constraints, a helicopter tour to Kailash Mansarovar is available via Nepal. Helicopter services fly from Simikot or Nepalgunj to Hilsa (Nepal-Tibet border), then overland to Mansarovar. However, the Tibet restrictions mean helicopters cannot fly directly to the mountain.
Planning a detailed itinerary is essential for a successful Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Below is a well-tested 18-day itinerary via the Nepal route, which is the most popular option for 2026. This plan includes adequate acclimatization days, the sacred Parikrama, and a Lake Mansarovar visit.
The first half of your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is all about getting there safely and acclimatizing properly. Kathmandu is your staging ground, use these days wisely to prepare gear, collect permits, and rest. The drive from Kathmandu to Kerung takes about 7–8 hours on a winding mountain road.
The Mount Kailash Kora trek is the spiritual heart of the entire journey. The Parikrama of Mount Kailash is a 52 km circuit around the sacred mountain completed in 3 days. Day 2 of the Kora, crossing the Dolma La Pass at 5,636 meters, is the most challenging and spiritually significant part of the entire trip.
The Kailash Mansarovar permit process is one of the most critical and often confusing aspects of planning this journey. Since Tibet is part of China, all foreign visitors, including Indians, require special permits to enter. There is no permit-free entry into Tibet, and the rules are strictly enforced.
The first step in the Kailash Mansarovar permit process is obtaining a Chinese visa for Kailash Yatra. Indian pilgrims on government routes receive a group visa for Tibet arranged by the MEA. However, if you are traveling via Nepal independently or through a private tour operator, you need an individual Chinese tourist visa.
The Tibet travel permit is separate from your Chinese visa. Even if you already have a Chinese visa, you cannot enter Tibet without this permit. The Tibet travel permit is arranged by your licensed tour operator in China or Nepal and cannot be applied for individually.
Beyond the basic Tibet travel permit, travel to Kailash Mansarovar requires two additional permits, the Aliens’ Travel Permit (ATP) and the Military Area Permit. These are obtained in Shigatse or Lhasa by your tour operator and are presented at police checkpoints along the route.
A medical fitness certificate for Kailash is mandatory for all pilgrims, regardless of route. This certificate must confirm that you are physically and medically fit to undertake high-altitude trekking. The oxygen level at Kailash and surrounding areas is roughly 40–50% of sea-level oxygen, which puts significant strain on the heart and lungs.
When pilgrims ask how much the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra costs, the answer depends greatly on the route chosen, the type of package, and the level of comfort desired. There is no single fixed price, costs vary based on operator, group size, accommodation type, and services included.
A standard Kailash Mansarovar package price typically includes Tibet permits, Chinese group visa processing, accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services. It does NOT usually include your international airfare to Kathmandu or Delhi, personal gear, travel insurance, or tipping.
The Indian government MEA route is heavily subsidized, making it the most affordable way for Indian citizens to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost 2026 for the government route covers accommodation, food, medical support, ITBP escorts, and permit fees.
Choosing the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar is critical to your safety and enjoyment. The high altitude, extreme weather, and remote location mean that only a few months of the year offer safe travel conditions. Planning your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra outside the recommended season can be dangerous.
Kailash Mansarovar weather in May/June is widely considered the best for pilgrimage. The skies are clear, temperatures are manageable (0°C to 15°C at Mansarovar), and the roads are fully open. May and June also coincide with the Saga Dawa festival — one of the holiest events in Tibetan Buddhism.
September and October offer a beautiful alternative window for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The monsoon has passed, the skies are crystal clear, and the landscape turns golden. Temperatures begin dropping by late October, so plan accordingly.
Understanding the altitude of Mount Kailash and its effects on the human body is essential before you begin your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The altitude of Mount Kailash is 6,638 meters, but even the Parikrama base at Darchen sits at 4,700 meters, well above the threshold for altitude sickness in many people.
The oxygen level at Kailash and the surrounding areas is a major concern for all pilgrims. At Dolma La Pass (5,636 m), the oxygen level at Kailash region is about 50% of what you breathe at sea level. This can cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which, if untreated, can become life-threatening.
Proper acclimatization during Kailash Yatra can mean the difference between a successful pilgrimage and a medical emergency. Most responsible tour operators build acclimatization days into their itineraries. Here is what you should do:
This is a very important question: Is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra safe for heart patients? The short answer is: it depends on the individual’s condition and must be decided with a cardiologist. The extreme altitude, physical exertion, and cold temperatures put significant strain on the cardiovascular system.
If you have any of the following conditions, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra may pose serious risks, and you must consult a qualified cardiologist or physician before applying:
If your doctor gives you a qualified clearance, certain precautions can reduce the risk for heart patients on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Nepal route, being fully motorized, is significantly less physically demanding than the trekking routes from India.
The Mount Kailash Kora trek, also called the Parikrama of Mount Kailash, is a 52 km clockwise circumambulation of the sacred mountain. For Hindus and Buddhists alike, completing this Parikrama of Mount Kailash is believed to wash away the sins of a lifetime. Completing 108 Koras is said to bring enlightenment.
Dolma La Pass significance in the Parikrama of Mount Kailash cannot be overstated. At 5,636 meters, Dolma La is the highest and most sacred point of the entire Kora. Named after the goddess Dolma (Tara), it is at this pass that pilgrims symbolically leave behind their ego, sins, and attachments.
Not everyone can complete the entire Mount Kailash Kora trek on foot, and that is completely fine. Yaks and horses are available for hire at Darchen for those who need assistance. Porters are also available to carry your daypack during the Kora.
A well-packed bag and a fit body are your two most important tools on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Many pilgrims underestimate how physically demanding this journey is. Here is a complete packing list for Kailash Yatra and a guide to fitness preparation for Kailash Yatra.
Fitness preparation for Kailash Yatra is not optional, it is a necessity. The journey involves walking up to 22 km in a single day at altitudes above 5,000 meters. This is not a casual holiday hike. Your preparation should begin at least 3 months before departure.
Packing smart means knowing what to leave behind. Overpacking is a common mistake that adds unnecessary weight and stress during the Mount Kailash Kora trek.
Beyond its physical grandeur, the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash is what draws millions of hearts toward this remote corner of Tibet. The Hindu pilgrimage to Kailash has been mentioned in ancient texts like the Puranas, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. According to scriptures, this mountain is the center of the universe, the cosmic axis or “Meru.”
For Hindu pilgrims, the Lake Mansarovar holy dip is one of the most emotionally charged moments of the entire journey. Taking a bath in the ice-cold waters of Mansarovar, even a brief immersion, is said to purify the soul across multiple lifetimes. Many pilgrims weep openly during this ritual.
The Hindu pilgrimage to Kailash is rooted in thousands of years of sacred tradition. Lord Shiva is said to meditate eternally at Mount Kailash, and his divine energy permeates the entire region. Ancient sages and saints like Adi Shankaracharya are believed to have made this sacred journey long before modern roads existed.
The Saga Dawa festival is the holiest Buddhist festival in Tibet and falls in the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar (usually May or June). During the Saga Dawa festival, all merit accumulated through prayer and pilgrimage is said to be multiplied manifold.
The total duration of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra varies by route. The Nepal route takes approximately 15–18 days, including the Kora, while the Indian government routes via Lipulekh or Nathu La take 21–24 days. The Lhasa to Kailash overland tour can take 12–14 days if you fly into Lhasa first. The Mount Kailash Kora trek itself is 3 days, and the rest of the time is spent traveling to and from the mountain. Plan carefully to include acclimatization days, as skipping these increases the risk of altitude sickness significantly during your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
No, Indian citizens cannot travel independently to Kailash Mansarovar. Tibet does not permit individual travel for any foreign national, including Indians. All visitors must travel as part of an organized tour group. Indian pilgrims have two options, apply for the government-run MEA batch yatra or travel via Nepal with a licensed Tibet-approved tour operator. A Tibet travel permit and a Chinese visa for Kailash Yatra are mandatory regardless of the route chosen. Solo travel or individual backpacking in Tibet is strictly prohibited by Chinese authorities, and violations can result in deportation.
For first-time pilgrims, the Nepal route to Kailash Mansarovar is the most recommended option. The journey is fully motorized (except the Kora itself), making it significantly less demanding physically than the trekking routes from India. The Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar distance is approximately 900–1,000 km by road, and the route allows for proper acclimatization during Kailash Yatra. It also offers more flexibility in dates and group sizes. First-timers should choose a reputable operator offering a standard or luxury Kailash Yatra package that includes good accommodation and a qualified guide.
The Kailash Mansarovar permit process requires multiple documents. You need a valid Chinese visa (or group visa for Tibet for Indian government route pilgrims), a Tibet travel permit (TTP), an Aliens’ Travel Permit (ATP), and a Military Area Permit. These permits are all arranged by your licensed tour operator and cannot be obtained individually. Your passport requirements for Kailash Yatra include a passport valid for at least 6 months. A medical fitness certificate for Kailash is also mandatory. Ensure all permits are in order before departure, as checkpoints along the Tibetan highway are strictly monitored.
Dolma La Pass is located at 5,636 meters (18,490 feet) above sea level and is the highest point of the Parikrama of Mount Kailash. Yes, it can be dangerous if you are not properly acclimatized. The oxygen level at Kailash and particularly at Dolma La is approximately 50% of sea-level oxygen. Altitude sickness, hypothermia, and dehydration are real risks. The Dolma La Pass significance is immense spiritually, but physically it demands prior fitness and acclimatization. Take it slow, drink plenty of water, carry snacks, and rest frequently during the ascent. Descend immediately if you develop severe headaches or cannot breathe normally.
Yes, a helicopter tour to Kailash Mansarovar is available via Nepal. Helicopter services operate from Nepalgunj or Simikot to Hilsa (near the Tibet-Nepal border), significantly reducing travel time and physical demand. The helicopter tour to Kailash Mansarovar is ideal for elderly pilgrims, those with medical conditions, or those with limited time. However, it is important to note that helicopters do not fly directly to Lake Mansarovar or Mount Kailash itself due to Chinese airspace restrictions. After reaching the border, the remaining journey to Mansarovar Kailash is done by road. The Mount Kailash Kora trek still requires walking.
The Saga Dawa festival is the holiest month in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It falls in the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, typically in May or June. In 2026, Saga Dawa is expected to fall in late May or early June, exact dates will be confirmed by the Tibetan calendar authorities. During the Saga Dawa festival, the area around Kailash Mansarovar sees a surge in Tibetan pilgrims performing the Kora. It is considered the most auspicious time to complete the Parikrama of Mount Kailash, as spiritual merit is believed to be multiplied many times over during this sacred month.
Your packing list for Kailash Yatra must cover extreme weather, high altitude, and limited facilities. Essential items include: a high-quality down jacket, waterproof trekking boots, thermal layers, a sleeping bag rated to -15°C, trekking poles, a pulse oximeter, Diamox (consult your doctor), personal medications, ORS sachets, high-energy snacks, UV-blocking sunglasses (mandatory at altitude), and SPF 50+ sunscreen. Carry original permits and passport copies in a waterproof bag. For the Mount Kailash Kora trek, limit your daypack to 10–12 kg. Your tour operator will typically carry group supplies in a vehicle. Avoid cotton clothing entirely.
The Lake Mansarovar holy dip holds deep significance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Hinduism, it is believed that taking a dip in Lake Mansarovar, which is considered the mind of Lord Brahma, cleanses all sins accumulated over multiple lifetimes. Even drinking or touching the water is said to grant spiritual merit. For Buddhists, Manasarovar Kailash is considered a sacred site where ancient sages meditated for millennia. The Lake Mansarovar altitude of 4,590 meters makes the early morning dip an extremely cold experience, but pilgrims consider the discomfort to be part of the sacred offering. Many describe the experience as transformative and deeply emotional.
To apply for the Indian government-organized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, visit the official MEA portal at kmy.gov.in when applications open (usually between January and March each year). Fill in the online registration form with your personal details, passport information, and medical history. A medical fitness certificate for Kailash from a NABH-accredited hospital is mandatory at the time of application. Selection is done by a computerized lottery system, and government approval for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is granted through the MEA directly. Batches depart between June and September. If selected, you will receive detailed instructions on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route, preparation, and documentation by the MEA well before your departure date.
