How Can i go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra From India?

How To Reach Mount Kailash From India? 

Mount Kailash in Tibet is a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpos, and draws pilgrims from all over the world. Several routes would make Mount Kailash come into reach of India, especially when the restriction on direct access would be removed. The most common trek is through Nepal, to the border town of Kodari, crossing into Tibet, and heading towards Kailash. Instead, travelers can fly into Lhasa and then drive to Kailash. For those wanting a more adventurous route, there could be organized treks from the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. As travel restrictions are eased, this multiplicity of routes has made it easier to traverse the revered Mount Kailash than before.

Kailash Mansarovar From India Route Option 1: Via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)

Mansarovar Yatra passing through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand is a historic and spiritually important route From India to Kailash Mansarovar. This is an organized route through the Ministry of External Affairs in association with Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN); the pilgrims can have an attractive and challenging tour, making it a journey that takes you to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The trip is about 15–20 days, starting from Delhi.

Guide to Reach Mount Kailash via Lipulekh Pass

Start from Delhi

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is organizing the Mansarovar Yatra, and you should join. This is where travel arrangements and orientation go on.

Travel to Kathgodam

The trek begins by train or road to Kathgodam in Uttarakhand.

Journey to Dharchula

Travel the road to Dharchula, a pretty city in the Kumaon region. It’s a big key stop for acclimatization.

Reach Gunji

Stay on a journey to Gunji acclimatization halt for medical check-ups.

Cross Lipulekh Pass

Make your way to the 3,500 m high altitude Lipulekh Pass at the tri-junction of India, Nepal and China.

Go to Tibet and then to Mansarovar.

That is to travel by road across the border with Tibet to Mansarovar Lake and then to Mount Kailash.

Kailash Mansarovar From India Route Option 2: Via Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim is the more approachable route to sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This journey is slightly less strenuous, thanks to its motorable tracks, which allow for senior citizens and those who wanted little or no trekking to enjoy this journey.

Nathu La Pass to Mount Kailash Step Wised Guide

Fly to Delhi

First, journey the way to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India.

Obtain Permits and Visa

One can apply through travel agencies or tour operators authorized by the Indian Government for Tibet’s necessary permit and visa.

Travel to Gangtok

Travel by flight to Bagdogra Airport from Delhi, then drive to the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok.

Proceed to Nathu La Pass

From here, you can either drive via road to Nathu La Pass at approximately 4,309 meters, where Sikkim meets the Chinese Tibet Autonomous Region.

Cross into Tibet

It continues into Tibet, China, after you have crossed the Nathu La Pass.

To visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

Take a road route from the border and across the roads ways, that are scenic, covering Lake Mansarovar and then the last destination, Mount Kailash, following the route for performing the yatra.

Kailash Mansarovar From India Route Option 3: Via Kathmandu, Nepal

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kathmandu, Nepal, represents India's most revered pilgrimage with a spiritual experience. The reason for this popularity is its accessibility and the chance to become absorbed in Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. In fact, the journey usually takes 12 to 15 days, depending on travel pace and itinerary.

Mount Kailash Step-Wise Guide to Reach Kathmandu.

Fly to Kathmandu

Start your journey by flying to Kathmandu Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport. The gateway to the pilgrimage is Kathmandu.

Obtain Permits and Visa

Kathmandu gives you safe permits and visas to Tibet through registered travel agencies or tour operators audited by the Indian government. These agencies help in the procedure and make sure that every documentation is monumental.

Rasuwagadhi/Syabrubesi Travel

A road journey from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border town of Rasuwagadhi/Syabrubesi begins. The trip itself typically takes 6 – 8 hours and is about 150 kilometers. The route presents you with beautiful views of the Himalayas and Nepali countryside.

Cross the Border into Tibet

On reaching Rasuwagadhi/Syabrubesi, complete Nepalese and Chinese migration and customs formalities and begin your passage over into China. Traveling over the border, go to the town of Kyirong (Gyirong) in Tibet, China. And this trip takes about one to two hours.

Proceed to Saga

From Kyirong, you continue by road to Saga, which is at an elevation of around 4,500 meters. Travelers get a chance to see some Tibetan culture and landscapes on this leg of the journey.

Reach Mansarovar Lake

Manasarovar Lake is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes; travel to it from Saga. It is a fascinating lake as it is a very religious place, and pilgrims find savour getting its chances to make a retreat and perform rituals.

Proceed to Mount Kailash

Journey to Mount Kailash, the centerpiece of the pilgrimage. The Kora is a pilgrim practice (taking a circumambulation around the mountain) believed to be a cleanser of sins and bring spiritual benefits.

Kailash Mansarovar From India Route Option 4: Via Lucknow and Nepalgunj

A unique scenic route, The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lucknow and Nepalgunj genuinely opens a new path to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The way of this journey combines air travel, road tripping and helicopter rides, making for different pilgrim experiences. The entire trip normally lasts around 9 to 12 days, depending on the chosen itinerary or the speed at which you’re traveling.

Guide to Reach Mount Kailash via Lucknow and Nepalgunj step by step

Fly to Lucknow

First off, get on a domestic flight from wherever you are to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. This route is convenient enough to start from Lucknow.

Travel to Nepalgunj

The road from Lucknow to Nepalgunj, a border town in Nepal. It takes 5 hours, and the ride covers approximately 180 kilometers. It was arranged overnight accommodation in Nepalgunj.

Fly to Simikot

The next day, board a flight from Nepalgunj towards Simikot, the administrative capital of Humla District in Nepal. Stunning views of the Himalayas, and it only takes about 45 minutes.

Helicopter Ride to Hilsa

From Simikot, a helicopter takes you to Hilsa, a village near the border between Nepal and China, in 25 minutes. It is this segment that must be crossed in order to enter Tibet.

Cross the Border into Tibet

Once arrived in Hilsa, cross into the Tibetan part of China, called Tibet. It involves walking over a bridge over the Karnali River and clearing immigration hurdles on both sides.

Drive to Taklakot (Purang)

Then cross into Tibet and drive to Taklakot (or Purang, according to some sources), a town at about 3,900 meters. Along that path, you can see some of Tibet’s culture and landscape.

Proceed to Manasarovar Lake

When you take off from Taklakot, you drive on the road to Mansarovar Lake, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. On equal footing is of immense religious importance and also a place where pilgrims can rest and conduct rituals peacefully.

Reach Mount Kailash

Then you go to Mount Kailash, the place of pilgrimage. Pilgrims make the Kora (circumambulation of the mountain) to cleanse oneself of one's sins and gain spiritual benefits.

Kailash Mansarovar From India Route Option 5: Via Lhasa, Tibet

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa, Tibet, gives pilgrims a beautiful, authentic spiritual journey flanked by Tibetan cultural experiences. The well-established infrastructure of this route makes it a more comfortable pilgrimage. That journey could take 15 to 20 days, as long as you choose the itinerary and travel pace you prefer.

Guide to Reach Kailash Mansarovar Via Lhasa

Fly to Kathmandu

When you start your journey, fly from your country of residence to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. However, the primary gateway for the pilgrimage is Kathmandu.

Obtain Permits and Visa

Get required permits and visas to Tibet from the Indian registered travel agencies or tour operators working in Kathmandu. The best thing is that these agencies help out with the application, and everything with the paperwork is in order.

Fly to Lhasa

A direct flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, from Kathmandu. Flight time is about 1.5 hours and the passengers can see the Himalayas.

Acclimatize in Lhasa

When you arrive in Lhasa take a few days to acclimatize to the high altitude. Take in some of the country’s most important Tibetan cultural sites, the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, among others, during this time. Acclimatizing for a journey to higher elevations is important for a safe journey.

Travel to Shigatse

The road journey to Shigatse starts from Lhasa, the second largest city in Tibet. The drive is close to 350 kilometers, and it takes about 6 to 7 hours as you drive through pretty landscapes and Tibetan villages.

Proceed to Saga

Proceed your trip from Shigatse- to the town of Saga, with an altitude of around 4500 meters. This part of the tour provides visitors with some experience of the Tibetan people and geography.

Reach Mansarovar Lake

Proceed from Saga to Mansarovar Lake, which is essentially one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is a sacred sight with divine importance that is a perfect place for vacation and prayer for believers.

Proceed to Mount Kailash

As the last leg of the trip, travel to Kailash, the main attraction of the pilgrimage. Many performers or devotees practice the Kora, a ritualistic walk around the mountain with the intention of washing away one’s sin. 

Is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open in 2025 For Indian Passport Holders? 

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian citizens has been suspended as of Jan 2025 on account of ongoing geopolitical tensions as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilgrimage is suspended, as it has been since 2019 because it is particularly important to the spiritual lives of many. Recently Indian and Chinese officials, including Foreign Affairs Ministers from both countries, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, talked and took up the issue of the resumption of Yatra. However, they have not announced an official statement and dates for the reopening of Kailash Yatra From India Yet. 

Some tour operators, meanwhile, are accepting bookings for the 2025 Yatra, with tentative dates and routes. They consist of road trips, helicopter tours and rides all the way to Lhasa. Once travel restrictions are lifted, these bookings are provisional. As the situation is changing, prospective pilgrims are recommended to keep in touch regarding this Yatra via official channels and also consult widely reputed tour operators for the status of the Yatra From India.

Mansarovar location: Where it is Situated?

Lake Mansarovar is a sacred freshwater lake from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China at the foot of Mount Kailash. One of the world's highest freshwater lakes, it sits at around 4,590 meters (15,060 feet) above sea level. About 940 kilometers (584 miles) to the southeast of Lhasa city, the capital of Tibet, the lake is near Mount Kailash, which is considered the center point of the universe in many religious traditions.

In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bön, Mansarovar is extremely important. Created in Hindu mythology it is believed it was made by Lord Brahma and is considered to be a source of spiritual purification. Pilgrims often take this difficult journey to this sacred place, where they often bathe in clean waters to wash their sins and drink from the lake to attain spiritual enlightenment.

It has great geographical significance because it is the source of many other rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and Karamali. Even to this day, Lake Mansarovar continues to amaze and amass devotion in those both in its vicinity and in prayer in far-off places.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra From India Distance, Duration, and Cost

Routes to Kailash Mansarovar from Major Indian Cities

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Bangalore

Bangalore → Lucknow → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Bangalore begins with a trip that takes us through air travel and overland transfer. It’s usually a 9 to 10-day trip, starting with a Bangalore to Lucknow, India flight, and so on. The road to Nepalgunj, followed by a flight to Simikot, is the next part from Lucknow. From Simikot, pilgrims take a helicopter ride to Hilsa, a border town in Nepal. Going by way of Tibet's border and road brings one to Taklakot, then Lake Mansarovar. The scenic flights and overland traveling on this route provide one with an important taste of the land’s topography/regions and spiritual importance.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Chennai

Chennai → Lucknow → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar

Although the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes a similar route for the pilgrims from Bangalore as for the pilgrims from Chennai, it all starts with a flight from Chennai to Lucknow, India. Travelers from Lucknow move to Nepalgunj by road and then by flight to Simikot. Helicopter tours for pilgrims lead them to the town of Hilsa on the border between Nepal. From Tibet, the road continues to Taklakot and then to Lake Mansarovar. The scenic flights and overland elements complement one another nicely to give you a complete feel for the region's lands and spiritual importance.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Delhi

Delhi → Lucknow → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar

As per the Ministry of External Affairs approval, the authorized route that is available to Pilgrims from Delhi on their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Lipulekh Pass route. The trip starts at Delhi Airport leading to Lucknow Airport, India. Travelers from Lucknow go by road to Nepalgunj and Simikot by plane. Pilgrims in Simikot catch helicopters to Hilsa, a border town in Nepal. Once across the border into Tibet, the road journey continues to Taklakot and then to Lake Mansarovar. The most interesting way to see Tibet is on this route, which combines scenic flights and overland travel, which gives you an excellent picture of the landscape and spiritual meanings of Tibet.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Ahmedabad or Lucknow 

Ahmedabad → Lucknow → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar

One of the official routes vetted by the Ministry of External Affairs on which pilgrims from Ahmedabad can take the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Lipulekh Pass route. The trip starts with a flight from Ahmedabad to Lucknow, India. Travelers from Lucknow reach Nepal Gunj, where they take a road journey to Simikot and have a flight there. Pilgrims ride in a helicopter from Simikot to Hilsa, a border town in Nepal. A road journey from the border to Tibet takes you to Taklakot and on to Lake Mansarovar. A combination of scenic flights and overland travel, this route takes the best of the region’s landscapes and relates them to the geographical and spiritual meaning of that place.

Which Is The Best Kailash Mansarovar Yatra From India Package and Itinerary?

Options for Indian Travelers if Kailash Yatra is Open

Kailash Yatra From India Package Option 1: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - 10 Days

This 10 Days of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package covers a complete pilgrimage experience that begins from Kathmandu and passes through the Tibetan plateau, passing through the place of holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The stops to acclimatize the travelers to the high altitudes come before the actual journey in Saga and Kerung. Pilgrims will be allowed to cleanse themselves at Lake Mansarovar and travel the spiritual Kailash Parikrama or walkers around Mount Kailash. The itinerary strikes a balanced mix between trekking rigor alright with enough rest and is more likely for lads who are of good health, are adventurous in spirit. 

Cost For Indian Passport Holders

Kailash Mansarovar 10 Days Yatra From India 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 Yatra From India Package Option 2: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

A Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is an expedited pilgrimage to please devotees, looking to complete their journey faster but without the loss of the spiritual experience. Travelers take a flight to Nepalgunj beginning from Kathmandu, and this is from where a flight to Simikot and then to Hilsa, near the Tibet border, over a helicopter. It includes days spent acclimatizing to high altitudes on either side of the watershed in the lovely district of Purang (Taklakot). Rituals can be performed at Lake Mansarovar, and visits to Mount Kailash with an opportunity to undertake the Kailash Parikrama become possible for the pilgrims. For those with time constraints or indifference to physical exertion, this package is ideal – providing a combination of convenience and spiritual satisfaction. 

Cost For Indian Passport Holders

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via Helicopter From India Outline Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Day 2:Helicopter Flight to Ghatte Khola and Drive to Kerung

Day 3:Drive to Saga (6 Hours)

Day 4:Drive to Lake Mansarovar (6–7 Hours)

Day 5:Drive from Lake Mansarovar to Darchen

Day 6:First Day of Outer Kora – Trek to Dirapuk

Day 7:Second Day of Outer Kora – Trek to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass

Day 8:Third Day of Outer Kora – Trek to Darchen and Drive to Saga

Day 9:Drive from Saga to Kerung

Day 10:Helicopter Flight Back to Kathmandu

Kailash Yatra From India Package Option 3: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan - 15 Days

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Muktinath Darshan – 15 Days is an ideal pilgrimage tour plan, which is, in fact, make two-point Yatra. Indeed, the visit starts in the city of Kathmandu, where we will first visit the Pashupatinath Temple. The slow and long walking thus led the pilgrims to Pokhara and fly to Jomsom from there, after which they had to travel by road to reach the famous Muktinath Temple to pay their respects and perform some rituals there. The expedition goes back to Kathmandu and then over the rough, hilly track to reach Lake Mansarovar. The holy rituals here can be performed before starting for Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama in Darchen, the starting point. If you are fit and healthy, wanting to gain a truly spiritual experience between the walks and submerging into culture, then this itinerary has been created for you. 

Cost For Indian Passport Holders

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan From India Outline Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival In Kathmandu (1400 m) and Transfer To Hotel - Free day

Day 2:Pashupatinath Darshan and Early Morning Flight To Pokhara (822 m) and Drive To Tatopani (1190 m) - 5/6 Hours

Day 3:Tatopani (1190 m) to Muktinath (3710 m) darsan & Back To Jomsom (2720 m) - 5/6 Hours

Day 4:Jomsom (2720 m) To Pokhara (822 m) - 5/6 Hours

Day 5:Pokhara Sightseeing (822 m) and Flight Back To Kathmandu (1400 m) - Varies

Day 6:Drive to Kerung County. (2850m/ 55 km / 1 hr 45 min)

Day 7:Drive to Saga (4540m/ 220 km – 5 to 6 hrs)

Day 8:Drive from Saga to Mansarovar Lake (4590m/ 450km – 6 – 7hrs)

Day 9:Trek to Darchen (4670m/ 35km – 1hrs)

Day 10:Trek To Zuthulpuk (4790 m) from Lake Manasarovar via Dolma La Pass (5630 m) - Full day

Day 11:First Day of Outer Kora – Trek to Dirapuk (4860m/ 12 km trek/ 5-6 hrs)

Day 12:Second Day of Outer Kora – On to Zuthulphuk (4670m) with Trek to Dolma La Pass (5,650 m / 22 km / 8-9 hrs)

Day 13:Drive back to Kerung (2850 m – 220 km – 5 to 6 hrs)

Day 14:Drive to Kathmandu (1400m/ 7-8 hr / 152 km)

Day 15:Final Departure from Kathmandu (1400 m)

Options for Indian Travelers if Kailash Yatra is Not Open

Kailash Yatra From India Package Option 1: Kailash Mansarovar Door Darshan - 5 days

In the Kailash Mansarovar Door Darshan - 5 Days, pilgrims can have an opportunity to see the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar from an aerial perspective. The journey starts in Kathmandu, from where passengers take a chartered flight with fabulous Himalayan Nepal views. This tour includes highlights of the Aerial 'Door Darshan' of Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva's abode, peaceful Lake Mansarovar and glimpses of Mount Api and Mount Saipal. It is especially ideal for those who are physically unable to take the rugged overland journey, senior citizens, or simply people who don’t have enough time. It provides a spiritually enriched experience without too much strenuous trekking for a wider audience. 

Cost For Indian Passport Holders

Kailash Mansarovar Door Darshan - 5 days Outline Itinerary

Day 1:Pick up from Kathmandu airport, Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2:Visit Pashupatinath, Gujeshwari&Budanilkantha, Fly to Nepajgunj, Pick up and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3:Early morning, pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport. Fly to the territory of Nepal-Tibet Dur Darshan of Kailash / Mansarovar for approx. 01 hour and back to Nepalgunj airport. Pick up and transfer to the hotel.

Day 4: After breakfast, drive to Nepalgunj Airport and Back to Kathmandu and Shopping.

Day 5:Final Departure Back To your Hometown