How To Complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour in 10 Days? Complete Guide

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour in 10 Days
  • Rohit Subedi
  • Last Updated on Nov 27, 2024

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a challenging 10-day spiritual trip to Mount Kailash (6,638 m) in Tibet, that’s sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon. It’s both an arduous physical trek as well as a rewarding spiritual journey, providing glimpses of the Tibetan plateau and gigantic Himalayan peaks. From Kathmandu, the journey goes overland to the Nepal-Tibet border either through Dhunche/Syabrubesi or Timure/Rasuwagadhi, where after immigration formalities, we’ll drive across Kerung County – Saga for easier acclimatization. Acclimatizing your body to a high-altitude environment is fundamental for succeeding in this trek.

The Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash is a 52 km distance over three days; we start at Darchen 4,650 m. Trekking to Dirapuk (4,860 m) where you can have a great view of the North Face of Kailash. On the second day, you cross Dolma La Pass (5,860 m); it is the highest point of the route, and after, here is all downhill walking to Zuthulphuk. The final day of the Kora will be an easy, short trek, and then you will drive back to Kathmandu via Saga and Kerung.

The route spans from glaciers to wild plateaus, with unforgettable sceneries meeting Tibetan pilgrims and ancient monasteries that include meditation caves in Dirapuk Monastery. Though strenuous, Yatra is once in a lifetime and rewarding for spiritual significance and natural beauty. Herein is the full guide on how to complete Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 10 days from Nepal.

Table of Contents

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour Overview

  • Distance: ~52 km/32 mi (Kora or circumambulation trek)
  • Days Required: 10–14 days (including travel to/from the region and acclimatization)
  • Total Ascent: ~5630 m/18,471 ft
  • Total Descent: ~5630 m/18,471 ft
  • Highest Point: 5,630 m/18,471 ft at Dolma La Pass
  • Difficulty: Challenging (due to high altitude and rugged terrain)
  • Permits: Special Kailash Mansarovar Permit and Tibet Travel Permit are required. Additional visa processing for travel through China.
  • Cost Per Day: US$120–150 per person (includes transportation, permits, and meals in guided tours)
  • Guide: Mandatory for the Tibet region
  • Accommodation: Basic guest houses or tents along the route

How to Plan Kailash Mansarovar Yatra In 10 Days?

Mount Kailash Seen During Kailash Yatra
Holy Mount Kailash Seen During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

To complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 10 days, the best itinerary includes 3 free days at Kathmandu to get your travel permits because it is quite a long process. Plus, you can utilize that day for Kathmandu cultural heritage sightseeing, and those will be counted as official journeys. This itinerary deals with the precaution of acclimatization & easily reducing the altitude gain time. This is a chronological plan to make a proper yatra by reducing altitude sickness & other health issues possibilities, so here we provide you the best 10-day itinerary, which will surely help make your spiritual dream come true reasonably.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
  • Meet representatives
  • Hotel transfer
  • Welcome drink
  • Briefing about the Yatra

Day 2: Kathmandu Preparations

  • Chinese visa application
  • Optional activities:
  • Relax or shop in Thamel City
  • Full-day cultural tour (optional)
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Basantapur Durbar Square
  • Kumari Temple

Day 3: Kathmandu Sightseeing

  • Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Pottery Square
  • Nyatapola Temple
  • Siddhi Laxmi Temple
  • Golden Gate

Day 4: Drive to Mountainous Regions

  • Drive from Kathmandu to:
  • Dhunche (2000m)
  • Syabrubesi (1450m)
  • Or Timure (1983m)
  • Scenic drive through Nepalese villages
  • Overnight at local lodge

Day 5: Border Crossing to Tibet

  • Drive to Kerung County (2850m)
  • Cross Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi
  • Immigration and customs formalities
  • Meet Tibetan guide and driver
  • Acclimatization and local sightseeing

Day 6: Drive to Saga

  • Drive through Inner Tibet (220 km, 5-6 hrs)
  • Cross Brahmaputra River
  • Arrive at Saga (4540m)
  • Overnight at Saga Hotel

Day 7: Journey to Mansarovar Lake

  • Scenic drive to Mansarovar Lake (450 km, 6-7 hrs)
  • View of Holy Mt. Kailash and Rakshas Tal
  • Visit Dargyeling Monasteries
  • Overnight at Mansarovar Lake Side Lodge

Day 8: Arrival at Darchen

  • Morning sacred rituals at Mansarovar Lake
  • Barefoot Parikrama path
  • Drive to Darchen (4670m)
  • Visit Chui Gompa Monastery
  • Prepare for Kailash Parikrama

Day 9: First Day of Outer Kora

  • Trek from Darchen to Dirapuk (4860m)
  • 12 km trek (5-6 hours)
  • Start at Yama Dwar
  • Pass through Langmale Kharka
  • Overnight at Dirapuk Monastery

Day 10: Second Day of Outer Kora

  • Trek to Zuthulphuk (4670m)
  • Challenging ascent to Dolma La Pass (5,650m)
  • Visit Gaurikund and Parvati-steal
  • Overnight at Zuthulphuk

Day 11: Return Journey to Saga

  • Morning trek around Zutul-Phuk Monastery
  • Drive back to Saga (470 km, 7-8 hrs)
  • Overnight at Saga Hotel

Day 12: Return to Kerung

  • Drive back to Kerung (220 km, 5-6 hrs)
  • Scenic mountain views
  • Overnight at Kerung

Day 13: Return to Kathmandu

  • Border crossing
  • Drive back to Kathmandu (152 km, 7-8 hrs)
  • Reflect on the spiritual journey
  • Overnight at Kathmandu hotel

Day 14: Departure

  • Airport transfer
  • Departure from Tribhuvan International Airport

Where is Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Located?

Mt. Kailash is a holy peak lying 6,638 meters above the Kailash Range of the Trans Himalaya in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is near the tri-junction of China, India, and Nepal, with a reputation as an assemblage of sacredness in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Lake Manasarovar and Rakshastal are located close to this mountain. At 4,600 meters elevation, Lake Manasarovar is a high-altitude freshwater lake fed by streams and connected by the Ganga Chhu channel with the nearby lake, Rakshastal. Both mountains and lakes are pilgrimage sites, drawing devotees from the region who circumambulate Mount Kailash and visit Manasarovar for spiritual fulfillment. The area is of immense importance as the origin of four major rivers: the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali. Mount Kailash still hosts no climbers because of its deep religious importance, wherein ascending is banned.

How to Reach Mount Kailash For Kailash Parikrama and Charan Sparsh?

There are multiple ways through which you can reach Mount Kailash, depending upon your choice and convenience, by Road or Helicopter. The Yatra starts from Kathmandu, Nepal and further moves to Tibet till Mount Kailash & Mansarovar Lake.

Reaching Kerung County by Helicopter

For those who want to avoid maximum time on the road, the helicopter is the most convenient option, which will take you from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border (Kerung County), the starting point of Kailash Yatra. By taking a helicopter ride of 1hr approx, you save 2 days which would have been spent traveling on the road and get an aerial view of the beautiful Himalayas. Upon arrival, jeeps or vehicles arranged by the travel operator/hotel will further drive the journey ahead to Mansarovar.

Jeep Transportation from Kerung to Darchen

The road journey from Kerung to Darchen, the base town for Mount Kailash, is usually conducted in jeeps. The cost of this transportation is often included in most travel packages. However, if a traveler decides to split from the group for any reason, they will need to pay separately for jeep transportation. Typically, the group price for jeep transport from Kerung to Darchen ranges between CN¥ 2,500 (US$ 368) to CN¥ 3,500 (US$ 515). This cost is for the entire group and it gets divided among the travelers. Under normal circumstances no other transportations are needed unless unforeseen contingencies like accidents happen.

Jeep Transportation from Kathmandu to Kerung Border

On arrival at Kathmandu a representative of Adventure Altitude Treks will meet you. The journey from Kathmandu to the Nepal/China border at Rasuwagadhi requires two separate jeep arrangements; Nepali jeeps are used between Kathmandu and the border, but with different drivers meeting you for each Jeep. You will use the same vehicle all trip once in Tibet. The cost per group jeep Kathmandu/Kerung is about US$500 per Jeep, so if people in your group hire privately until this point, there can be an additional cost of between $40-50 (this may be higher if there is only one or two people as we will have to cover full costs) per person based on groups size for transfers. At Kerung, another new local Tibetan Jeep/driver takes over on the other side. It continues throughout Tibet, so all luggage/equipment and expedition supplies have to be transferred into this vehicle.

Detailed Transportation Process

Driver and Logistics

The journey also includes a unique mode of transportation.

  • The first part from Kathmandu to Kerung Border will be in a Nepali jeep with a local driver.
  • At the Kerung Border, travelers transfer to another waiting jeep. Sherpa guides from Nepal help to switch luggage and important items to the new vehicle.

Additional Transportation Considerations

Travel coverage is usually limited when it comes to mishaps. You should expect to cover any other journey that you might involve yourself in without an expectation because the standard package only considers your intended journey with no hiccups.

Driver Expenses

The daily cost for a driver includes:

  • Fuel
  • Accommodation
  • Salary

Transfer Logistics

  • Nepali driver accompanies travelers from Kathmandu to Kerung Border
  • At the border, a new jeep and driver take over the journey
  • Luggage and travel essentials are transferred between vehicles

When to Book Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? 

To do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the best months are July, August and September. You should book your trip a minimum of 3 to 5 months before, as permitting and planning are required.

July

  • Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
  • Climate: Moderate; occasional rains
  • Sunrise: Around 5:30 AM
  • Sunset: Around 8:00 PM
  • Highlight: Clear views of Mount Kailash after rains.

This month the monsoon starts in this region. You will find light to moderate rain, but due to rain, everything looks very fresh and green during this time, which adds beauty to the place. The weather remains cold, making it easy to trek. Rain will not disturb much on your trip, just a few drizzles here and there, but you get a clear view of Kailash from morning till night, along with beautiful Mansarovar Lake. This month is good if you want a less crowded tour but pretty good weather.

August

  • Temperature: 6°C to 14°C
  • Climate: Cooler; less rainfall
  • Sunrise: Around 5:45 AM
  • Sunset: Around 7:45 PM
  • Highlight: Lush landscapes and calmer weather.

August is a great time to visit as the moderate temperatures and lower rainfall make sure everywhere stays lush and green, and – most importantly – it clears up the sky. The temperature is still nice for trekking. It’s a bit like you get some of the wet season-washed feeling with more stable weather.

September

  • Temperature: 2°C to 12°C
  • Climate: Cool and dry
  • Sunrise: Around 6:00 AM
  • Sunset: Around 7:30 PM
  • Highlight: Crisp weather with fewer crowds.

September brings out the most peaceful and calmest month of the year in Yatra. The weather will remain dry and coo. September offers crystal-clear and blue skies with outstanding panoramic views of Mount Kailash. Autumn is just around the door, and the fresh air of September is very good for pilgrims and nature lovers.

Tibet Kailash mansarovar Yatra Visa Process and Cost

Tibet Travel Permits and Visa Requirements

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP):

Tibet Travel Permit is the main paper for entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. This permit is mandatory for all foreign travelers, including the pilgrimage tourists to Mount Kailash. The TTP can only be processed through licensed travel agents in Tibet.

Alien's Travel Permit: Required to visit areas outside the Lhasa region (including Mount Kailash). Issued by the local Tibet authorities and has to be arranged through a registered travel agent.

Military and Foreign Affairs Permits:

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar are in sensitive zones, so military and foreign affairs rulers, we have to get a Military Permit & Foreign Affairs permit, which we can facilitate through a travel agent who will arrange a trip for us to Tibet.

Chinese Group Visa: All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) need to apply for a Chinese Group Visa. You need to fill out an 11-page visa form in the China Visa Center and biometric fingerprints and wait for visa processing. It will take 2-3 working days.

Inner Line Permit (for Indian Citizens):

Indian citizens intending to travel overland through the India China border will require an Inner line permit to be issued by Indian authorities.

Visa Processing Time and Cost

Processing Time:
The visa and permit application process takes around 15 days. Note that Tibet visa offices do not process applications on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) or public holidays.

Cost:
The visa fee for traveling to Tibet is 60 Yuan. Additional charges may apply for permit processing and travel agency services.

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

Key Steps for Permit and Visa Application

Submit Documents:

Travelers have to apply for group visas, and those requests are accepted and issued only through recognizably established travel agencies. Applicants must send their passport, program of stay and two photographs 3×4 cm taken against a white background by fax or ordinary post.

Group Permit Approval:

The travel agency will release the group entry permits along with a sponsor granted document for the travel.

When to Apply Permits For the Kailash Yatra?

Start the application process at least two months before your planned departure. Arrive in Kathmandu at least 2-3 working days before your Yatra so as to complete all visa formalities. Prepare for delays and carry extra money to take care of any additional days' stay. If you follow these steps & work with a licensed Kailash tour operator, you will be able to make your visa/travel permits easily, thus fulfilling your dream journey to this sacred Mountain.

At What Checkpoints Will The Permits Will Be Checked?

Checkpoint 1: Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Border (Overland Tour)

If you are entering Tibet from Nepal for an overland tour, then the first checkpoint where your permit will be verified is at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border. Here, you will have to show your Tibet Travel Permit to border officials at the border who will then allow you to continue further into Tibet. Your travel guide- provided by the Kailash operator, will keep your permits with him/her, and a copy of the same will be shared with you so that you don’t face any hassle during your journey in Tibet.

Checkpoint 2: Simikot-Taklakot Border (Helicopter Tour)

For people who are taking a helicopter tours, the permit shall be checked at the Simikot-Taklakot border. This check post is particularly for those entering Tibet from Nepal by helicopter, and your permits will be checked before you enter Tibet.

Checkpoint 3: Lhasa Gongga Airport (Direct Flight from Kathmandu)

When you take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will have to go through a PA checkpoint at the Lhasa Gongga Airport when you land in Tibet. The PA officer will check your permit and make sure that everything is in order and that you are allowed entry into the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Entry Points from Mainland China

In case you are entering Tibet from mainland China, your permit will be checked at different points like airports or train stations and during the journey there may be other times too when you might have to produce the permit.

How Much Money Do I Need for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Kailash Parikrama and Charan Sparsh?

For a complete cost breakdown of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra options in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in different ways in short:

                                       - 3-5 pax tour $2,299

                                       - 6-10 pax tour $2,199

                                        - 11-20 pax tour $2,099

                                        - 21-30 pax tour $1,899

If you budget around $3,000 for the standard 10-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, that should be enough money to cover your pilgrimage, including transportation, accommodations and necessities. The larger the group size more cost savings on Group Tours.

For the detailed cost breakdown on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra go though our blog Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost. In this blog you get all the detailed information about the things like Foods cost, accommodation costs, insurance costs, transportation costs etcs. 

Accommodations on The Kailash Mansarovar Tour

Accommodations on the Kailash Mansarovar tour are basic. They are meant for travelers, pilgrims and adventurers. Depending on the location and package type you choose. Overland or Heli. It is not luxurious, but there is enough comfort to make your journey a good one.

Accommodation Cost

Accommodation for a single room is the total cost of the entire package is around 200 Dollars. Also, a single Night stay is within the range of 40-60-50 Yuan per Night. Please note that it۪s only an accommodation, you will have to bear your meal expense yourself.

Hotels and Guesthouses:

Modern hotels with attached toilets are now available in Taklakot, Saga, and Darchen. In some areas, hotels offer better facilities, such as Western-style toilets, although most still use common Asian squat toilets.

On the Overland route, Kathmandu, Kyirong, and Dongba/Saga hotels have attached toilets, whereas Syabrubesi is dormitory accommodation with common toilets. On the Heli route, Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Purang Town rooms have attached toilets.

At Kathmandu and Lhasa, you will be staying in hotels. At Saga, Darchen, you will be accommodated in guest houses. At Lake Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Zutulpuk, accommodation is more basic. In some places, portable toilet tents are provided as permanent toilet facilities are not available. During the Kailash Parikrama, open Air Dug – Pit toilets have to be used, which many times are unhygienic.

Toilet Facilities

Toilet facilities vary greatly with location. In Taklakot, Saga and Darchen, many now have attached bathrooms with either high-tech ‘Western’ or Asian squat-type toilets. In other more remote areas (Mansarovar, Dirapuk and Zutulpuk), using a tented portable toilet is normal practice unless staying in a basic hotel. While on the Parikrama open air ‘long drop’ type loos will be in use – and these may not be very pleasant

Electricity and Charging Facilities

There is electricity in most of the hotels and guest houses but only in a few places like Saga. The power and water supplies in these places are available on a fixed schedule. Remote areas, such as Mansarovar and during the Parikrama, are equipped with solar lighting systems/ emergency lights etc. Mobile charging points are available in rooms in hotels but not in dormitories or rest houses. A universal adapter is required for your travel to Nepal or Tibet, it’s also advised to carry a good quality power bank/extra batteries for devices.

Wifi and Sim Cards

Wifi will be easily available in the Nepal regions. Wifi is not accessible in most of the guesthouses in the Tibet region, and Mobile data packs should be used for connectivity. For the Tibet side, you can buy a Nepali local SIM card like NTC or Ncell to stay connected from Kailash to Kerung.

Food on The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 10 Days

Vegetarian meals are provided on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Nepali chefs who travel with the group. There aren’t many guesthouses en route, and they’re very basic, so the team organizes all meals. Regardless of if you’re in a large or small group, the guides and cooks will take care of your meal requirements. In larger groups, a team of 10 support staff (including cooks/guides) help out, while there are about 3-5 support members in smaller groups.

All meals are freshly prepared with vegetarian options if required. There are a few local restaurants only offering sample dishes such as fried rice, which can be ordered as a guide and have English and Chinese descriptions on the menu. Should there be any language difficulty, your guide will help with translations.

Here’s an approximate budget for dining:

  • Dinner: 2 Yuan (basic meal)
  • Breakfast: 10-20 Yuan

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Food Menus for 10 Days

Meal

Items Included

Time

Tea/Coffee

Tea, Coffee

6:00 AM

Breakfast

Tea/Coffee, Bread, Jam/Honey, Cornflakes, Muesli, Puri-Sabji, Rice Pudding, Poha, etc.

6:30 AM

Lunch

Rice, Pulao, Roti, Sabji, Dal, Rajma, Pickle, Salad, Papad, Juice (Lunch only), Fruits, etc.

1:00 PM

Evening Hi-Tea

Tea, Coffee, Soups, Popcorn, Biscuits, Pakoda, etc.

5:30 PM

Dinner

Rice, Pulao, Roti, Sabji, Dal, Rajma, Pickle, Salad, Papad, Fruits, etc.

7:00–7:30 PM

Meal Costs: You can manage dinner for as low as 2 Yuan, while breakfast costs range from 10 to 20 Yuan. Drinks are also cheap, hence making the trip reasonable. With the Nepali cooking team and guides supporting you in meals, you can focus on your spiritual journey without worrying about meal logistics. Find our more on what you will be eating on your Kailash Mansarovar tour here - What Do You Eat During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour? Foods Options

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Distance and Altitude Coverage

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Altitude Profile
A Graph Representing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Altitude Profile

Route

Distance

Duration

Altitude

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

-

-

1400 m

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

-

Full day sightseeing

1400 m

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

-

Full day sightseeing

1400 m

Day 4: Kathmandu to Dhunche/Syabrubesi/Timure

127 km

6 hours

2000 m

Day 5: Drive to Kerung County

55 km

1 hour 45 minutes

2850 m

Day 6: Drive to Saga

220 km

5–6 hours

4540 m

Day 7: Saga to Mansarovar Lake

450 km

6–7 hours

4590 m

Day 8: Drive to Darchen

35 km

1 hour

4670 m

Day 9: Trek to Dirapuk (Outer Kora, Day 1)

12 km

5–6 hours

4860 m

Day 10: Trek to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass (Outer Kora, Day 2)

22 km

8–9 hours

5650 m (highest point)

Day 11: Drive to Saga

470 km

7–8 hours

4550 m

Day 12: Drive back to Kerung

220 km

5–6 hours

2850 m

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu

152 km

7–8 hours

1400 m

Day 14: Departure

-

-

1400 m

What should a Pilgrims do if they lack the energy to complete the Kailash Parikrama?

If a pilgrim does not have the energy to complete Kailash Parikarma, then they can take the help of a horse as a mode of transport. However, it is important that once you reach Mansarovar, you inform your guide about the requirements of horses. You should also clearly mention the number of people who would require horses at the time of Parikrama, or else the guides will not be able to arrange for them. The guides work with one association, and horses are ordered in advance by them, which generally get at Yama Dwar, i.e., the starting point for horse yatra during Parikrama.

Once the horses are hired, the Group will drive for a lunch break at Mansarovar and then reach Darchen - a 40 km drive where an overnight stay takes place. The next day, the horses with luggage and horsemen or yak men will be ready after breakfast. Tibetan Guide will let you know how many halts you will have to make each day, along with halt points names and which type of accommodation you would get.

Please note that hiring horses or yaks is quite expensive at Mt Kailash by paying locally in cash, i.e., about CN¥350 (US$52) per animal per day, including an additional CN¥300 (US$44) per yak man or horseman per day and also return journey days of animals & their handlers has to be paid by travelers that come to a higher amount.

What Happens If I Fall Sick During the Kailash Yatra?

If you fall sick during the yatra, guides at most places en route Tibet-Kailash, such as Kerung Border and a few more important halts are provided to help the travelers in need. If your illness doesn’t allow you to continue with the Group, then you will have to get separated and pay a “split visa fee” of around 60 Yuan for administrative alterations. Still, there is no charge if you return along with the Group.

Unwell After Reaching Darchen

If you become unwell upon reaching Darchen and feel that you can't continue with the trek, your travel agency will provide you with the services of a Cook at Darchen, who will take care of you till the other members return from their parikrama. Once you have recovered, if you wish to rejoin the group again and are later unable to continue en route to Christian Monastery because of health problems, we will arrange transportation back to Darchen, where again a Cook will be made available to look after your well-being. This system gives people who do happen to fall ill on yatra a chance & also ensures good support service at such places for all yatris.

Ambulance Transportation Options

In the event of an emergency, rescue vans are available through the government to transport ill or injured travelers. The cost is 500 Yuan per person and the purpose is to get people moved quickly to a safer place or somewhere with better medical care.

Additional Costs For Sick Travellers

Yes, if travelers become sick during the Kailash Yatra, then there are few charges that need to be paid from their pocket. Visa split charge: if someone has to take a visa split because of staying behind in some Chinese city or hospital, then the cost for it is 60 Yuan. Ambulance charges, in case somebody has to use an ambulance during parikrama (kora) and for return to Taklakhad, then the cost for it is 500 Yuan per person.

Travel Insurance for Kailash Mansarovar Tour 

Travel insurance is important for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. However, it doesn’t work in Tibet. The insurance covers work in Nepal only till the Kerung border. In Tibet, no bills or documents are provided to claim insurance, so it is not useful there. For the journey, it is advised that you take travel insurance, because of the worst road conditions in Nepal. You can arrange your country travel insurance, or it can be taken here in Nepal itself at around 3600 NRS for the Kailash Mansarovar trip. This will cover you up to Kathmandu only – Nepal side part, remain peaceful in emergency or accident cases. Though Travel Insurance works best while you are in the Nepal portion of Tibet, one needs to prepare with alternative financial management as no Insurance paper would be processed there.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tips

Where to stay before and after the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour?

Before and after the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you will be accommodated for a total of 4 nights in Kathmandu with your Kailash Mansarovar tour package. These hotels in Kathmandu are well chosen to give you a comforting atmosphere to gear up and recover from the trip.

A Kathmandu hotel will be where you spend 4 nights (as part of the package).

What's Not Included

  • Single room supplement in Kathmandu.
  • Additional hotel charges for early returns from Tibet la, the returns from the trek, or any reason that is not mentioned in the program.

For those who prefer to arrange their accommodation or simply want to explore Kathmandu further, we can subtract US$ 100.00 per person from the above cost. We recommend you book with one of our recommended hotels. We can advise you on some names of hotels if you would like to reserve on your own. We still suggest staying around Thamel because it has several best hotels in town and there are many good restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centers and book shops as well. Also, we operate our trips mostly from Thamel as well, so it will be more convenient for your trip preparation if you stay in the Thamel area.

Recommended Hotels

  • Budget: Oasis Kathmandu Hotel, Shangrila Boutique Hotel
  • Mid-range Hotel: Blue Horizon, Hotel Thamel Park
  • Luxury: Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, The Dwarika’s Hotel

Guides and Porters on Kailash Mansarovar Tour

Hiring guides and porters is an integral part of the Kailash Mansarovar tour, with specific arrangements depending on the country and travel circumstances.

Porters

They will help you to carry your personal belongings during the trek so that you do not need to worry about anything during your journey. Each porter can carry 15–20 kg of weight, and it usually costs around $20 per day. Two travelers are allowed to hire one porter which makes it very economical. However, do not forget to tip them, as most of their income is from such tips.

Guides

In Nepal, it’s pretty much obligatory to hire a guide through a local agency for safety and liability reasons. Agencies ensure that all their guides are registered and insured. The going rate for guides is $30 per day. You don’t have to pay for their food or accommodation. Be sure to meet your guide in person first to make sure you get along and that he or she speaks good English.

Tibetan Guides

Kailash employs Tibetan guides and they are provided by the government when you apply for permits. In the case of a group tour, the guide’s charges are included in the package. Even if you are an independent traveler, a guide is allocated to you at the time of getting the permit from the government, which would cost around CN¥ 500–800 (US$ 74–118) per day.

It’s common practice to tip your guide as it shows appreciation towards their hardwork and knowledge.

What Are The Risks During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour? 

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most spiritually fulfilling journeys, but it also poses a lot of challenges and risks. Pilgrims are advised to know about these dangerous aspects in order to have a safe and satisfying journey.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) 

Altitude sickness is one of the biggest dangers on the Yatra because of the extreme elevations. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are located at heights of over 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) with certain parts of the journey exceeding altitudes of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). AMS can strike even if you are physically fit or young. Symptoms include frequent headaches, dizziness, especially when standing up from a sitting position, nausea and vomiting, in addition to general fatigue and difficulty sleeping. To minimize chances, you should take it easy and acclimatize gradually since, after 3000 meters, each additional altitude gain affects your body much more drastically than before. Carrying Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets helps prevent AMS but must be done under a doctor’s medical advice.

Harsh Weather Conditions

The weather in this area is so unpredictable. You could experience significant temperature drops, high wind and even snowfall. It can be below to well below freezing at night. Having the proper thermal clothing, waterproof outerwear and good hiking boots is essential, as you will still face harsh conditions even in summer.

Stomach Problems

Many people face stomach problems during the Yatra. This happens because most people do not eat well while on the Yatra, either due to ignorance or intentionally, and therefore face digestion problems. Secondly, at several places in the Yatra, diarrhea-like conditions can occur due to contaminated water etc.; therefore, one should carry suitable medicines from home. Food and water safety is a major concern during the Yatra. Consumption of contaminated food or water can cause stomach problems like diarrhea. It is best to drink only boiled or purified water and eat simple, freshly cooked vegetarian meals. A water purification mechanism like a Lifestraw bottle or water purification tablets must be carried.

Medical Emergencies & Accessibility

Healthcare facilities are not easily available in the remote locations of the Yatra. Medical emergencies such as extreme AMS, injuries or serious illnesses will be very difficult to cope with in these regions and rescue and evacuation, including medical evacuation/ helicopter rescue, would be costly and difficult. An all-inclusive travel insurance policy that suits high-altitude trekking will be necessary.

Other Informations Related to Kailash Yatra Cost

Trekking Gear

Quality trekking gear is of the utmost importance on the Yatra for your safety and comfort in this harsh environment. The following is a general guide on personal gear costs, depending on the quality and brand:

  • Clothing: Layered thermal wear, a waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy boots, gloves and a hat will come between $150-500. Backpacks and Accessories: A good backpack, trekking poles and other necessities such as headlamps and water bottles will add another $100-300.
  • Sleeping Gear: Though tour operators often provide tented accommodations and sleeping arrangements, some travelers prefer to bring their sleeping bags (packed with down or synthetic insulation), which can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.
  • Other Essentials: Personal gear like sunscreen, sunglasses, first-aid kits, and water purifiers can add another $50 to $100 to your tab.

Hiring Pack Animals (Yaks or Horses)

Yaks Carrying Goods Enroute to Kailash
Yaks Carrying Goods like gas cyinders, drums etcs Enroute to Kailash Yatra

Given the high altitude and the tough trek, it is advisable to arrange for pack animals like yaks or horses to carry your heavy luggage so that you can concentrate on the spiritual and magical journey of the Yatra. The approximate costs are as follows:

  • Yak Hire: Each yak carries about 30-40 Kg and costs around $10-$20 per day. Since singly you can’t control a Yak (it has to be led by a companion), a minimum of 02 yaks have to be hired, even for small loads.
  • Horse Hire: Horses are slightly more expensive than yak; charges are $15-$25/day. One horse will require one horseman at an extra cost.
  • Yak Keepers: A yak handler who manages up to three yaks charges an additional $10–$20 daily.

Porters

Porters can be hired for a fee of $15–$30 per day to carry smaller loads or provide extra assistance, which is particularly useful for older or physically weaker walkers. The distance and weight a porter carries will determine the cost.

If you go through a reliable trekking operator, they already provide most of the shared gear – tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and cooking equipment as per your package, which means there’s not a lot you’ll have to spend on. But it’s advisable to check about what’s included in your tour package.

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.