Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost Breakdown
  • Rohit Subedi
  • Last Updated on Aug 22, 2024

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour offers a deep spiritual journey while also being one of the destinations that interest adventurers from all over the world, beautifully merging spiritual fulfilment with moderate trekking challenges. While much less financially demanding compared to climbing Mount Everest, this holy pilgrimage does not come very cheap. The cost for a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can run from about $2,400 to $5,000 or more per person, depending on many factors.

While the journey invariably includes a parikrama or circumambulation of Mount Kailash, considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva, it also includes one of the most serene sights in the world: Lake Mansarovar. These two are of immense religious value for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon, and are the two main attractions that draw millions of pilgrims from across the wolrd.  The Yatra to Kailash brings together everybody, from a young professional looking for answers in his stressful lifestyle to old people who have been dreaming for most of their life to undertake this pilgrimage.

Some key factors play a role in the cost of this tour, among which, first and majorly, comes the route: either via Nepal or via China. The Nepal route has more trekking, which may sometimes affect transportation, accommodation, and guide service costs. The China route could have better travel conditions but is often more expensive because of the  higher permit fees and transportation.

It also depends on the length of the tour, normally 12-18 days. Logically, the longer treks add to expenses for accommodation, food, and guides, but the experience is much fuller, and the body gets much better acclimatisation to high altitudes.

Another critical consideration would be what services are included in the tour package. Those, including all services, from permits and visas down to guide support, porters, and medical support, normally turn out to be cheaper and provide peace of mind and better preparation for tough conditions.

The timing of tours may further affect the cost because the high season—usually from the May-to-September period—will have higher prices compared to the usual ones due to an increase in demand and favourable weather conditions. Other additional costs may include travel insurance, personal high-altitude trekking gear, and medical preparation/vaccination, if any.

For the Kailash Mansarovar Tour Preparation, along with the budget allocation, travelers should also be prepared physically. This being said, travelers should invest time and effort in preparing both the body and the mind. It typically means starting to train early, around 2-3 months before your departure day. The preparation becomes very important, knowing very well that the trek climbing that awaits pilgrims features high mountains and tough paths.

While the Kailash Mansarovar Tour implies a significant financial investment, in spiritual terms, it has been more than rewarding for most pilgrims and, in some cases, represents a lifetime of personal growth. If one is clearly aware of the different factors that go to decide the cost of the tour and makes a selection that does justice to both wallet and soul, this life-altering journey can be undertaken with the right kind of preparation and expectations.

Table of Contents

How Much Does the Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost in 2025-2026?

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost is $2,400 per person; however, we can expect a price jump as we get closer to the next few years. Transportation, food, accommodation, and support staff are normally included in the Kailash Mansarovar Tour package.

It offers options to suit the personal preference of the pilgrim and their budget. Some of the factors that could vary the price would be through accommodations available, transportation options, or any extra services required or offered.

Now, averaging out the costs of tours in 2024, it will come to about $2,200 - $3,000 for a Kailash Mansarovar Tour, with the real average being more like $2,400 when one books through the Nepalese travel agency. These will be higher in both 2025 and 206 because of increases  that may also occur with local regulations.

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour is undertaken as a major pilgrimage by hundreds of devotees, especially by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It includes visits to Mt. Kailash, considered sacrosanct in these religions, and Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.

This Kailash pilgrimage contains a considerable amount of physical endurance, as one is hiking at a high altitude in difficult terrain. Participants should be healthy and fit for a hard journey across inhospitable areas. Despite everything, thousands of pilgrims are attracted to this region every year by the spiritual significance of the area and natural beauty.

While the route has become friendlier over the years, so has the infrastructure and services along it, thereby allowing more types of participants to accomplish the pilgrimage. The result of all this is increased cost.

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour Package Cost vary greatly according to the selected route—via Nepal or Tibet—the number of days, category of accommodation, and other additional services. It is, therefore, very important for a coming pilgrim to research and choose appropriately.

With better infrastructure in place these days, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra  can be accessed more than ever before from Nepal. Mind you, careful planning and proper acclimatisation are essential with due regard for local customs and respect for the environment. 

It does have to be added that compared to other Nepal treks, Kailash is also much more inaccessible. In point of fact, visiting the region of Kailash is generally banned for passport holders of the Indian government, making the pilgrim trip all the more complicated and requiring special consideration in cost and logistics issues. The prospective pilgrim would have to research the most current regulations, obtain permits, and budget accordingly for this unique and normally very tightly restricted pilgrimage.

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Packages and their Cost

Package 1: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - 10 Days Cost and Itinerary

Among all the spiritual journeys to one of the most holy sites of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, this 10-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra stands in regard. It takes pilgrims to awesome landscapes across Mount Kailash to a height of 6,638 metres, considered the residence of Lord Shiva or Buddha Demchok. This package contains an energetic and challenging three-day trek—Kora—to Mount Kailash, 52 km round, attaining heights of up to 5,860 metres at Dolma La Pass. This holy adventure is available at different prices according to group size: 

  • 4-6 people : $2400 per person
  • 7-10 people : $2275 per person
  • 11-14 people : $2300 per person
  • 15-20 people : $2024 per person

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

Day 2: kathmandu sightseeing

Day 3: Kathmandu Sightseeing (Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square)

Day 4: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, Syabrubesi, or Timure (2000m / 127 km / 6 hrs)

Day 5: Drive to Kerung County. (2850m/ 55 km / 1 hr 45 min)

Day 6: Drive to Saga (4540m/ 220 km – 5 to 6 hrs)

Day 7: Drive from Saga to Mansarovar Lake (4590m/ 450km – 6 – 7hrs)

Day 8: Drive to Darchen (4670m/ 35km – 1hrs)

Day 9: First Day of Outer Kora – Trek to Dirapuk (4860m/ 12 km trek/ 5-6 hrs)

Day 10: Second Day of Outer Kora – On to Zuthulphuk (4670m) with Trek to Dolma La Pass (5,650 m / 22 km / 8-9 hrs)

Day 11: Drive to Saga (4550 m – 470 kms – 7-8 hrs)

Day 12: Drive back to Kerung (2850 m – 220 km – 5 to 6 hrs)

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (1400m/ 7-8 hr / 152 km)

Day 14: Departure

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost Breakdown
Mansarovar Lake

Package 2: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via Helicopter - 10 Days Cost and Itinerary

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is a 10-day journey to one of the most holy sites in Hinduism, through a faster and easier route. The journey by air and land routes has been so planned as to expedite the same in view of the time constraint of the pilgrim.

It will start from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by flight, then to Simikot by another flight. Then take a helipad ride to Hilsa and then by land cruiser to the Tibet border, to Lake Mansarovar, and finally to Mount Kailash for parikrama.

This includes an ascending visit to the 6,700-metre Mount Kailash via Helicopter, considered very sacred by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. The journey, therefore, offers a memorable opportunity to the people who wish to have great views and spiritual experiences. One should note, however, that this kind of extreme ascendancy may be linked at the end with altitude sickness. The cost of this helicopter trip starts at US$ 6,500 per person.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu (1,400m)

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Fly to Nepalgunj (150m / 1 hr flight)

Day 3: Fly Nepalgunj – Simikot (2,910m / 1 hr flight) – Hilsa (3,720m / 20 min helicopter) & Drive to Taklakot (4,025m / 37 km / 1.5 hrs)

Day 4: At Taklakot (4,025m) – Rest Day

Day 5: Drive to Manasarovar Lake (4,590m / 277 km / 5-6 hrs)

Day 6: First Day of Outer Kora – Visit Ashtapad & Trek to Dirapuk (4,860m / 12 km trek / 5-6 hrs)

Day 7: Second Day of Outer Kora – On to Zuthulpuk (4,670m) with Trek to Dolma La Pass (5,650m / 22 km / 8-9 hrs)

Day 8: Drive to Hilsa (3,720m) - Simikot (2,910m) via Taklakot (4,025m) (Total journey approximately 330 km / 7-8 hrs drive + 20 min helicopter)

Day 9: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m / 1 hr flight) & Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m / 1 hr flight)

Day 10: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport (1,400m)

Visa And Permit Cost Related to Kailash Pilgrimage Tour

Special planning and preparation are needed for Pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash—more so in securing the required permits and visas. By the same token, one must understand that entering the area of Kailash is very regulated and all permit procedures have to be done by an approved travel operator. As a pilgrim, you would pay multiple permit fees to legally enter the Tibetan terrain.

Of these must-haves, the Tibet Travel Permit will cost you around $50 to $100 per person, and the Kailash Entry Fee runs from $30 to $50 per person. These are just two out of several permits you have to pay for on this journey, and hence, it would be best if these were accounted for in the total cost.

The standard time for processing a visa is 15 days. Note that in most cases, the visa procedure is not operated on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Take this into account in your trip plan so that all the documents will be ready before your departure.

  • Standard Processing (5 days): It's approximately 150 USD for several nationalities.
  • 3 days of Urgent processing: about 200 USD for various nationals.

These permits will be obtained with the help of your local guide. These combined permits cost about 90 USD in total. Now, let us see what exactly are the costs and requirements to get each type of visa and permit for the Kailash pilgrimage. The table below shows the permit cost breakdown and its description.

Visa and Permit Type

Cost (USD)

Notes

Chinese Entry Visa (Regular)

$30 - $155

Varies by nationality

Chinese Entry Visa (U.S. Passport)

$140

 

Chinese Entry Visa (Canadian Passport)

$75

 

Express Service Fee

$20

Additional per visa

Rush Service Fee

$30

Additional per visa

Tibet Travel Permit

$36 - $67

250-450 CNY per person

Kailash Entry Fee

$30 - $50

Per person

Alien's Travel Permit

$6

50 CNY per person

Military Permit

$15 - $45

100-300 CNY per person

Foreign Affairs Permit

 

Cost not specified

Combined Additional Permits

$90

Includes Alien, Foreign Affairs, and Military Permits

Regular Visa Processing

$150

5 processing days

Urgent Visa Processing

$200

3 processing days

Chinese Entry Visa and Cost

The first step in your journey is to get a Chinese Entry Visa. You'll need to get this from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in your home country or country of residence before travel. Note that China does not have any online visa application system, e-visa, or visa-on-arrival system. In most countries, you will have to apply for all kinds of visas in person at an embassy.

The "L" category is the standard visa category for tourists visiting China. This visa is also a prerequisite if one is going to apply for other permits required for Tibet. The cost of the visa will vary depending on your nationality and which country you are applying from. It also depends on the number of entries required and whether you opt for an express service.

Below is the cost in US dollars for a Chinese Single Entry Visa, when procured with standard service:

  • Holders of U.S. Passport – US$ 140
  • Holder of Canadian Passport – US$ 75
  • Holder of Other Nations Passport – US$ 30 to US$ 155, based on the country of issue

The nationals of the following countries are exempted from the China Visa fee: Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Maldives, Micronesia, Pakistan, Slovakia, and the Republic of Montenegro.

For Express Service: Additional express fee of US$ 20 per visa. Similarly, for Rush Service an additional rush fee of US$ 30 per visa is applied. 

Note: Please note that the Chinese Visa fee CANNOT be paid in cash or by personal check. The payment method is accepted by Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check, or Credit Card. Note that Chinese Embassies only accept MasterCard and VISA credit cards.

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and Cost

The Tibet Travel Permit is a document that no foreign visitor can enter Tibet without, let alone visiting, Mount Kailash. The Tibet Tourism Bureau issues this document, and one can never get it without the assistance of a licensed travel agency. Hence, applying for a TTP through a reliable travel agency is always advisable. Also, it costs 250-450 CNY per person, which is equivalent to about US$36-67 per person.

Alien's Travel Permit

This permit is for places in Tibet outside of the Lhasa region, into which Mount Kailash falls. The Alien's Travel Permit is issued by local authorities in Tibet and has to be applied for by a registered travel agency. The Alien's Travel Permit costs 50 CNY, or about US$ 6 per person.

Restricted Area Permit and Cost 

This Military Permit is required to be able to see some areas in Tibet that are under military jurisdiction, for example, Ngari (Mount Kailash and Mansarovar), Nyingchi, and Chamdo. The military authorities in Tibet issue this permit, and it is possible to obtain it through a licensed travel agency only.

The Military Permit will cost 100-300 CNY per person, which is equivalent to about US$15-45. Since the application takes such a long time, you should let your tour operator know as early as possible so that they can apply prior to your trip to Tibet.

Foreign Affairs Permit

Apart from Military Travel Permission, a Foreign Affairs Permit is necessary to visit remote and highly sensitive places like Mt. Kailash and Eastern Tibet. Such a permit for visiting western Tibet, which includes Tholing and Tsaparang, is issued by the Lhasa Foreign Affairs Office or the Cultural Antiquities Department.

This permit is normally processed within 10-15 working days, and applications for it must be made through a travel agency with a Chinese Group Visa/China visa and a copy of your passport. Since this permit takes time to be processed, apply well in advance of your trip to Tibet.

What Permits Are Required for Kailash Mansarovar Helicopter Tour?

A Helicopter tour of Kailash Mansarovar will require the same permit as for the Jeep tour. Without these permits, the entry of travellers is illegal in the region of Tibet, and these have to be procured through an authorised travel organiser only. The key documents include the Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. Before the applications of these permits, an individual must also have a Chinese Entry Visa.

From above it’s very clearly, the Tibet Travel Permit is a must for all foreign nationals entering Tibet, including those flying via Helicopter to Mount Kailash. The Alien's Travel Permit enables visiting places out of Lhasa. The Military Permit is required while visiting military places; under the military is Ngari, and Mt. Kailash is located there. The Foreign Affairs Permit is needed for places remote/sensitive like Mt. Kailash.

Permit approximate costs:

  • Chinese Entry Visa: $30-$155, depending on nationality
  • Tibet Travel Permit: $36-$67
  • Alien's Travel Permit: $6
  • Military Permit: $15-$45
  • Combined Additional: $90 (including Foreign Affairs)

Average Accommodation Cost for Kailash Mansarovar Tour

The average cost of accommodation during a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is different for different types and places of accommodation. It roughly adds up to $200 for the whole tour package to a tourist and already gets added, usually, to the overall price of the tour.

Accommodation during the journey ranges from the most basic type of guesthouses to traditional Tibetan homestays. The price of a single room in more minor towns in Tibet and regions closer to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are usually in the range of 40 to 60 Yuan per night, or $4 to $9 USD.

Staying with a traditional Tibetan family, if available along the tour route, is usually not more expensive than a local guesthouse: the price will be 50 Yuan per night for a single room, or about $7-8 USD.

Noticeably, while accommodation is always available in the tour package, food is never included. Meal provisions are not provided by the tour operators since there is no large range of food choices available in the accommodations one stays in.

Please be informed that prices are seasonal in nature and may vary according to specific settings of the tour. It is for this reason, therefore, always confirm with your tour operator the final price and what it includes.

Kailash Parvat Tour Cost Breakdown
Accommodations in Kailash Yatra Route

Food Cost and Pricing

In the Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage, food expenses and arrangements form a very important factor. While accommodation, in most of the cases, may be an inclusion in the tour package, meals are usually an independent arrangement due to the nature of the journey.

The average price of dinner would be 20 Yuan ($3), while for breakfast, it would be 10-20 Yuan ($1.5-$3). That must give a fair idea regarding the meal prices, though it has to be kept in mind that the food arrangements are quite different from what the usual tourists face.

On the way, there are very few guesthouses, with very basic facilities, since these are very remote and rugged routes. Under these circumstances, meal service or arrangements are not available in the guesthouses. However, better tourism service providers can provide food to pilgrims.

A Nepali cook team follows the group for the entire journey and prepares all three meals daily. This way, pilgrims can have familiar and appropriate food during their travel. Depending on the size of the group, the support team to support large groups may be as high as 10 members: guides, cooks, and other supporting staff. A team of 3-5 may facilitate small groups.

It should also be noted that meals provided are usually vegetarian and respect the dietary needs and preferences of many pilgrims who attempt this spiritual journey.

Although some restaurants will be available along the way, the food choice is usually limited. Food like fried rice may be on most menus. Most of these restaurants will have menus in both English and Chinese. If the pilgrims cannot understand the menu, the guide will be there to translate for them and help in ordering food.

Extra expenses must, therefore, be allowed for drinks and additional snacks. It is a good idea to bring some known snacks along from home or to purchase them in Nepal before the commencement of the journey as during the tour, there may not be as many options.

Is Wifi and Network Available on Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

Although there is no WiFi provided in the guesthouses along the Kailash Yatra Trail, it is possible to use mobile data. Nepali SIM cards like Ncell and NTC or Nepal Telecom SIMs work for most of the way. Buying data packs for these SIMs while still in Kathmandu would be a good idea so that you have some connectivity on the route.

Also for the Tibetan stretch of the trip, there are local SIMs available that work from Mt. Kailash down to Kerung. These offer a means to stay in touch with colleagues/ family/friends while on this stretch of the yatra. Travellers should be prepared for variability in the network coverage in remote areas and take appropriate steps; this may involve off-line type apps and downloading what information is needed beforehand.

Nepal Telecom (NTC) Data Packages

In rural areas, it's mostly Nepal Telecom, so trekkers use it the most. It offers 3G services available in many places. However, the connectivity depends on the weather and altitude of the region. They have various 3G/4G data packs, day packs, and unlimited packs. Thus, travellers can choose accordingly. These would help trekkers opt for a system which best fits their needs and budget. In detail, one needs to provide a photocopy of a passport or identity card and a passport-size photograph in order to obtain the NTC SIM card. The nominal price is Rs 100 ($1).

Ncell Data Packages

Ncell is famous for its faster and more reliable data service; it has a "Visit Nepal SIM," especially for visitors. Former and latter providers have different packages, starting from hourly to monthly packages with some extra features such as free minutes and SMS.

It is advisable to buy data packs for these SIM cards before leaving Kathmandu to stay in touch during the journey. Though the network availability will be less in remote areas, still, with a local sim card, you stand a very good chance of staying in touch with near and dear ones during the Kailash Parvar Tour. Prices of Nepali sim card Internet data packs are as below.

Duration

NTC Price (NPR)

NTC Data

Ncell Price (NPR)

Ncell Data

Additional Features

1 Hour

24

Unlimited Voice + Data

25

Unlimited

-

1 Day

49

Unlimited (1Mbps)

50

Unlimited

-

1 Day

89

Unlimited (5Mbps)

30

1 GB

-

3 Days

-

-

65

2 GB

-

7 Days

109

5GB

150

5 GB

-

7 Days

199

12GB

200

4 GB

Nonstop (FB, IG & YT)

28 Days

299

7GB

299

7 GB

-

28 Days

999

Unlimited (5Mbps)

999

50 GB + 10 GB Social

Unlimited Call

Kailash Mansarovar Tour: Transportation Cost

This pilgrimage includes various modes of travel, each at a different cost. Following is all the transportation cost—the jeep expenses—and other available options if a person requires special attention during the Kailash Parikrama

Transportation Type

Cost Range

Notes

Jeep (Kerung to Darchen)

CN¥ 2,500-3,500 (US$ 368-515)

Per group

Jeep (Kathmandu to Kerung)

$500

Per group

Jeep (Kathmandu to Kerung)

$40-50

Per person

Horse/Yak at Mt. Kailash

Up to CN¥350 (US$ 52)

Per animal per day

Yak keeper/Horseman

CN¥ 300 (US$ 44)

Per person per day

Jeep Cost from Kerung to Darchen

This leg of transportation from Kerung to Darchen is usually already included in most of the tour packages. However, there are some scenarios whereby the jeep transportation has to be paid separately by individual travellers:

  • In case any tourist gets separated from the group for whatsoever reason, he or she will be responsible for their own jeep transportation expenses.
  • Moreover, if an unexpected situation or emergency arises and requires further transportation, then an extra charge will have to be paid.

Under normal circumstances—when everything goes according to plan—no supplementary transportation costs are incurred for this leg. In this regard, for a group of travellers, the jeep cost from Kerung to Darchen stays generally within a certain range. The minimum would usually be something like CN¥ 2,500, and the maximum up to CN¥ 3,500.

This price structure mostly applies to the group as a whole and not on a per-person basis. Such a collective pricing policy, when applied, will make the journey quite economical for large groups by splitting the cost among its participants. As travellers plan their Kailash Mansarovar yatra, they should bear in mind this kind of group-based pricing, which, at times, drastically alters the overall cost of transportation from Kerung to Darchen.

Jeep Cost from Nepal Side

Travellers on this Kailash Pilgrimage should be aware that there are additional transportation costs when starting the Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage within Nepal; however, this is included in almost all the tour packages. A jeep drive from Kathmandu to Kerung Border is a very important part of the travel; average group rates are around $500. If one were to separate this cost by head, then it comes to somewhere between $40 and 50. 

Though normally, this cost is already added to the gross package cost, it would be prudent on the part of the travellers to check this with their tour operator so that no unwanted surprises await them. This leg of the journey is an important leg because it acts as a transition point between Nepal and the Tibetan part of the pilgrimage.

Alternative Transportation (Horses or Yaks) During Kailash Parikrama

There are horses available for those pilgrims who have been compelled by physical frailty or exhaustion to traverse on horseback rather than by foot. Here's what you need to know when using horses during the parikrama:

  • One has to inform the guides of the requirements for horses once one reaches Mansarovar.
  • One should specify how many people would be requiring the services of horses during the parikrama.
  • Not listing your name for horse transportation at Mansarovar may cause guides not to arrange horses from their side.
  • Guides will prepare a list and order a number of horses through the local association.
  • Horse transportation normally starts from Yama Dwar, where the association will get the horses ready.
  • The system of ordering horses starts from Mansarovar itself, where travellers will also take lunch.
  • 40 km from Mansarovar lies the Darchen, where the night stay will be.
  • After breakfast, all the porters and horses will be arranged according to needs, followed by briefing from the guides of Tibet regarding rest camps and accommodations.

Costs vary from region to region for the hiring of pack animals. The highest rates seem to be at Mt Kailash for both horse and yak hire:

  • Horses/Yaks: CN¥350 per animal per day (US$ 52)
  • Yak keepers/Horsemen: CNY 300 (US$ 44) per person per day

It is also important to note that travellers are also liable for the return cost of animals as well as their handlers.

If i Fall sick will the Kailash Yatra Cost Increase? 

Kailash Yatra is a tiring pilgrimage undertaken at high altitude in totally remote areas of the Himalayas. While the tour operators and the local authorities are rightly taking precautions for the pilgrims' safety and well-being, one must understand the financial implications in case you fall ill during this journey.

It is not only about guiding facilities all along the Kailash route at all major stops up to the Kerung border, but these trained professionals are ready to help you in any situation, from medical emergencies to personal assistance. You will need no extra payment for it; pay only if you fall sick and require their help.

However, if you get sick and happen to be separated from your group, you'll just have to put up with a couple more expenses. This includes a split visa fee of 60 Yuan. Again, this is mainly applicable only if you really have to return separately home from the group either because you're sick or some other reason that separates you from the group; otherwise, it doesn't apply.

Now, supposing you fall sick at Darchen, which is your starting point for Kailash Parikrama, things are a bit different. If you are feeling unfit to move further in the trek, then the travel company will retain a cook with you there in Darchen. Usually, this is included in your package and is not an extra cost. However, it is always good to check such situations with your tour operator in advance.

And if at some point you feel well enough to retreat from parikrama after moving from Darchen, staff will be arranged to escort you back there. In most cases, all this is covered in your package. 

Ambulance Transportation Cost

In more serious medical conditions requiring evacuation, there is a rescue van made available through assistance by the government. This transport through an ambulance costs another 500 Yuan per person. While this adds to the cost again, this is a very essential service indeed that saves lives from time to time in case of emergencies.

Worth noting are the possible extra costs; these can underline the need for good travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and evacuation. Many travel operators advise, even insist on this kind of insurance for a Kailash Yatra.

Guide Service for Kailash Mansarovar Tour

If one joins a Kailash Mansarovar Tour, then normally, guide services are already incorporated into the group tour cost. This package just makes life easy for the pilgrims and also ensures that experienced guides, accredited by the government, are always available along the way. The Tibetan authorities, in liaison with the permit issuance department, allocate the guides in relation to the number of travellers in each group. In this case, the system ensures that every group has the right number of guides to care for them all through their pilgrimage journey.

How Much Does it Cost?

In the case of group travel, no extra charge has to be paid for Tibetan guide service since that forms part of the overall package cost. In the case of individual travel, things become different. If you apply for permits as an independent traveler, extra payment for guide service needs to be made. The government will provide a Tibetan guide, and the compensation must be paid in accordance with its requirements. A personal guide normally costs CN¥ 500–800 per day(US$ 74–118). This is compensation for his expertise and his local knowledge and help during your journey.

Porter service

Like guide services, porter services for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour are usually offered as part of group tour packages. Actually, porters form an integral part of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra since they help these pilgrims manage their belongings, which becomes necessary in view of the difficulty of the stretches of the trek. The number of porters in each group depends on the size of the group and the amount of luggage.

How Much Does it Cost?

In the case of group pilgrimages, the porter price is normally included in the package price, so no extra fee needs to be paid by the pilgrim separately. This allows adequate support to be available without each pilgrim having to negotiate or arrange for a porter.

Travel Insurance Cost Considerations for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage

When designing a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra plan, one should be aware of how travel insurance can help in this very special travel. Much as one has to take travel insurance, standard policies exclude coverage within Tibet. This is a peculiarity that requires careful consideration when arranging your insurance for the trip.

Your travel insurance will only properly cover you for the Nepal part of the journey up to Kerung, which is the border town between Nepal and Tibet. Insurance is more particularly advisable for the journey up to Kerung because of the challenging road conditions en route. You have two primary ways through which you can be insured: through your home country's insurance providers or by purchasing a policy here in Nepal.

For those opting to obtain insurance, specifically in Nepal for Kailash Mansarovar, the insurance fee is currently at 3,600 Nepalese Rupees. Such a local policy would be applicable for your entire journey; however, it should be remembered that this only works up to the Tibetan border.

The reason behind this no insurance coverage in Tibet is quite practical: the Tibetan authorities simply do not issue any paperwork, be it bills or receipts, that might be required for an insurance claim. This lack of paperwork makes processing claims for any incidents occurring in Tibet null and impossible.

Given the circumstances, the best deal on travel insurance you can get is that which fits best and serves you well on Nepalese soil. This gives you protection toward contingencies, medical emergencies, and other issues related to travel while on Nepalese soil.

All Questions Answered on Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost

How much does it cost to go to Kailash from Nepal?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package cost from Nepal varies from $2,400 to $3,500 per person. Normally, it includes transportation, overnights, meals, permit, and guide services into a 12-to-15-day journey; however, it might vary with the type of itinerary, group size, and accommodation standard.

What does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost from India?

The cost can range from ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 per person for Indian pilgrims, including one-way transportation from Delhi, accommodation, food, permit, and guide services. Of course, all this will depend on the route chosen via Nepal or China and also on the duration of such a tour.

Are Indian passport holders allowed to go to the Kailash area? 

No, Indian passport holders can no longer directly visit the Kailash Mansarovar area since recent policy changes. That is because the Chinese government has set restrictions on allowing access to Indian pilgrims via this route.

What factors influence the cost of a Kailash Mansarovar tour?

The major factors that influence the cost are the routes—either from Nepal or China—the duration of your tour, accommodation standards, and the services included. Other conditions are seasonal conditions, the size of your group, or any other extra activities or side trips. This would go in line with the overall itinerary and type of transportation used, either by helicopter, jeep or on foot, which may also impact the overall cost.

Are there any hidden costs in Kailash Mansarovar tours?

Whereas there can be transparency on the part of some reputable tour operators, some costs just do not get really included in the base price: International visa fees, travel insurance, personal equipment and clothing for the trek, tips to guides and porters, and whatever personal expense one may incur. Carefully review what is included in your package and budget accordingly for these extras.

How can I save money on a Kailash Mansarovar tour?

To save the money on the Kailash Mansarovar Tour one can always go for basic accommodations and join a bigger group tour to trim down expenses. Chances of getting better prices are higher during the shoulder season, early May or late September. 

Rohit Subedi

Rohit Subedi

Hailing from the scenic expanse of Chitwan in Parsa, nestled adjacent to the enchanting Chitwan National Park, Mr. Rohit Subedi graces Adventure Altitude Treks as a seasoned Senior Accountant. Since his induction in 2018, immediately following the attainment of his master's degree, Rohit's journey has been marked by excellence. Elevating his role, our company entrusted him with the mantle of Tour Coordinator, specializing in crafting unparalleled journeys across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.