Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan - 15 Days

Kailash Mansarovar With Muktinath Darsan cost 2025 | 2026
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max. Altitude Dolma la Pass 5,630 metres (18,471 ft)
  • Trip Start Kathmandu
  • Trip End Kathmandu
  • Trip Area Muktinath and Kailash Area
  • Nature of Trip Pilgrimage Tour
  • Major Activities Visit Muktinath Templem, Mount Kailash and Kailash Kora
  • Best Season May to June & September to October

About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Muktinath Darshan is a unique pilgrimage adventure set in breathtaking Himalayan scenery. This Kailash Muktinath Itinerary starts in Nepal and goes to Tibet, where the travellers meet the great Mt. Kailash, a mountain that Hindus and Buddhists believe to be home for Lord Shiva. 

The journey to Kailash and to the nearby Lake Mansarovar is not only a physical trek; it is also an inward spiritual expedition made even more significant by  glaciers, deep gorges, and worshipping peaceful holy lakes that give rise to a fulfilling inner journey.

The centre of this Kailash Yatra With Muktinath Temple Tour is Lake Mansarovar, often referred to as the highest freshwater lake known to man, as the lake is enclosed by snow-capped mountains. It's clear water encourages the believers to carry out various practices including bathing as part of rituals that remove all their sins. 

This Kailash Region is also featured with awe-inspiring natural scenery that elevates the attractiveness of the area, two quite different effects being felt by the visitors—one harsh, typical of high altitude, and another, soft, quite the opposite. These landscapes, in addition to the opportunity to see various species of plants and animals, turn this trek into a very rich naturalistic expedition.

One more element to the mystical charm of this place is the Muktinath Temple, which is erected in the name of Lord Vishnu and is situated in the Annapurna mountains ranges. Muktinath is known as a place which  is believed to provide moksha thus the place is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike making it a colourful melting pot of various religions. The temple is presented with 108 water taps called Muktidhara and serves as a religious place where people can wash away, not only their dirt but also their negative energy. 

In short, Muktinath and Kailash Parvat Pilgrimage Trip is not limited to the goal of reaching a certain place, rather it is aimed for a fulfilling experience aligned by fascinating shifts in culture and scenery. The sub-alpine vegetation, the rugged mountain passes, the breathtaking landscapes, and above all the diverse religious practices provide for a most unforgettable tour.

Highlights of Kailash Mansarovar Tour With Muktinath Temple Darshan

  • Sightseeing in Pokhara, including boating Phewa Lake, exploring Tal Barahi Temple, Davis Falls, and World Peace Pagoda.
  • Bathe at Tatopani [Natural Hot Springs], 4 hrs away from Pokhara.
  • Engage in Muktinath Darshan and explore 108 holy taps and eternal flame.
  • Explore high altitude lake, Mansarovar.
  • Scenic views of Mount Kailash, which is believed to be the portrayal of Hindu God, Shiva, and involved in religious and cultural rituals.

Kailash Parvat Facts

  1. Elevation:Mount Kailash is 6,638 metres (21,778 feet) above sea level.
  2. Sacred status: Holy in four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
  3. Unclimbed peak: Mt.Kailash has never been officially climbed on account of its religious significance.
  4. Shape: The mountain is in the form of a pyramid, having four almost symmetrical faces.
  5. Water source: It's the source of four major Asian rivers: the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali.
  6. Circumambulation Route: The 52-kilometre circuit of pilgrimage around the mountain is also called "kora" or "parikrama."
  7. Geologic Age: Some say it is 50 to 60 million years old; thus, in terms of geology, quite young.
  8. Visible from space: The details of Mt. Kailash-with its peculiar shape and isolation in its surroundings can even be viewed from outer space.
  9. Swastika Formation: On the southern face, there is a natural formation which looks similar to the sign of a swastika.
  10. Name origin: The Sanskrit name Kailash means "crystal", possibly because of the snow on its summit.
  11. Annual festival: Saga Dawa is celebrated at Mt. Kailash for Buddha's enlightenment, which happens every year.

More Information on Mount Kailash and Parikrama

Where is Kailash Mountain?

Kailash Mountain is located in the Kailash Range, which is part of the Trans Himalaya in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The mountain stands close to the town of Darchen in Ngari Prefecture and attains an altitude of 6,638 metres above sea level. The mountain is close to the sources of four of the longest rivers of Asia: the Indus River, Sutlej River, Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River. Its remoteness in southwestern Tibet makes it one of the most inaccessible and difficult-to-reach locations. The nearest major city, Ali, is some 330 kilometres to the east. Though unclimbable, Mount Kailash draws in thousands of pilgrims and adventurers yearly because of its spiritual and natural interest.

Kailash Mountain Yatra
Front View of Kailash Mountain While Doing Charan Sparsh

Mount Kailash History

Ancient Origins and Spiritual Significance

Kailash Parvat is among the oldest mountains in the world and has been wrapped in thousands of years of history with spirituality and ancient traditions. It bears immense importance across many religions. Hinduism states it is the home to Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods in Hinduism. To Tibetan Buddhists, the mountain plays an important role in their cosmology. Apart from this, Mount Kailash is considered a sacred place by the indigenous Bon religion of Tibet, as well as by Jains, who link it with the enlightenment of their first Tirthankara. Probably because of this convergence of spiritual significance, Mount Kailash has become the focal point for pilgrims from various faiths. A tradition of circumambulation around the mountain, though better known as Kailash Parikrama or Kora, has been continuing for centuries and attracts devotees from all parts of the world who attempt this serious but spiritually rewarding journey.

Mythological Stories and Legends

History is embroidered richly in myths and legends about Mount Kailash, passed down through generations. In Hindu mythology, the mountain houses not only Lord Shiva but is where he performs the Tandava cosmic dance symbolic of the wheel of creation, preservation, and destruction. Yogic traditions speak of Kailash as a repository of spiritual energy, something like a big library of cosmic knowledge. Buddhist lore speaks of Milarepa, the most revered Tibetan yogis, as having ascended to the peak, riding on sunbeams. Jain scriptures speak about the mountain regarding the liberation of Rishabhadeva, their first Tirthankara. All these interlinked stories from various religions have joined together to give Kailash a reputation as a cosmic axis Mundi-a point where heaven meets earth.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra From India Status 2025
Presently, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India is closed, and from Kathmandu in Nepal, Indian pilgrims can continue this holy tour. They drive from Kathmandu to Kerung Country via Saga, Mansaropbvar, and Darchen, continuing into Tibet to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Although this route is a bit circuitous and may be more expensive, it allows the Indian pilgrims to complete their religious obligations now that the routes from India have been shut.

Available Departure Dates for Kailash Mansarovar From India, US and any other countries For 2025

Month

Departure Dates

Status

April

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Available, Book Now

May

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

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June

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

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July

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

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August

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Available, Book Now

August (2nd set)

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Available, Book Now

September

7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

Available, Book Now

September (2nd set)

14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Available, Book Now

How To Go To Mount Kailash?

As Nepal acts as the stepping stone for any Kailash trip, you'll have to visit Nepal on the way to the holy mountain. Based on the basic Mount Kailash itinerary, it goes via Kerung and takes about 15 days or so in total. The itinerary of the route looks somewhat like what has been given below in a detailed view:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
  • Day 2: Early morning flight to Pokhara and drive to Tatopani (5-6 hours)
  • Day 3: Tatopani to Muktinath for darshan & back to Jomsom (5-6 hours)
  • Day 4: Jomsom to Pokhara (5-6 hours)
  • Day 5: Pokhara sightseeing and flight back to Kathmandu
  • Day 6: Drive to Kerung
  • Day 7: Drive to Saga
  • Day 8: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar
  • Day 9: Trek to Darchen
  • Day 10: Trek to Zuthulphuk from Lake Mansarovar via Dolma La Pass
  • Day 11: First day of Outer Kora – Trek to Dirapuk
  • Day 12: Second day of Outer Kora – Onto Zuthulphuk
  • Day 13: Drive to Kerung
  • Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu
  • Day 15: Final departure

If you prefer only Kailash Parvat Darshan and Parikrima Tour or just Visit to Muktinath Temple then yopu can go though the Cost and Itinerary details of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - 10 Days or Muktinath Temple Jeep Tour 8 Days

Main Highlights Places and Things You Will Do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is a holy Pyramid-shaped mountain at 6,638m revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. Considered the dwelling place of Lord Shiva and the meditation spot of Milarepa. Devotees make the arduous kora around its base. There is Spiritual atmosphere with fantastic views of its north face.

Manasarovar Lake

A freshwater high-altitude lake of 4,550m altitude which to Hindus and Buddhists alike is a sacred lake. According to Hinduism, bathing and drinking its water purifies the soul. Monasteries with Mount Kailash views line the shores. For many pilgrims, a parikrama ritually circumnavigates by vehicle for about 90 km.  

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath Temple Tour
Holy Muktinath Temple Front View

A holy place for Hindus and Buddhists, it stands at 3,710m above sea level. There are 108 water spouts around the temple where devotees are allowed to perform ritual cleansing. It boasts of an eternal flame considered to be an embodiment of the goddess of fire, Jwala Mai. The panorama of the Annapurna range can also be viewed here. It is a combination of Hindu and Buddhist architecture and ways of life.

Pokhara

Pokhara is the adventure capital of Nepal. Phewa Lake with Annapurna range backdrop in all its serenity. Various temples, caves, and waterfalls surround Pokhara. The city is also the starting point of various treks in the Himalayas with Lively nightlife with a number of food options.

Kailash Parikrama

Three-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash: it is 52 kilometres long and crosses Dolma La Pass at 5,636 metres. This is spiritually a very important journey across holy sites and facing challenging terrains. It offers unique views of the sacred mountain and landscape around it.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan Cost 

  • 1 Person: $3800, Per Person
  • 2 People: $3650 per person
  • 3-5 People: $3300 per person
  • 6-10 People: $2850 per person

For the breakdown of the Kailash Yatra Cost go though our blog "Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost"

Itinerary
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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Muktinath Temple Tour Cost and Detailed Itinerary

Kailash with Muktinath Yatra: $3800 The spiritual tour combines the Muktinath Temple and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The holy journey of Muktinath begins in Nepal, from where one can visit the sacred flame, along with 108 water spouts coming out of bull-shaped heads. Further going ahead to Tibet for challenging Kailash Parikrama along with the holy dip in Lake Mansarovar, the high-altitude journey takes around 14-16 days and renders some truly spectacular sights of the Himalayan range with some intense spiritual ventures. This is a transformational pilgrimage that balances physical endurance with spiritual enrichment amidst the strikingly beautiful landscape of the Himalayas. 

  • AccommodationHotels
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude/Time1400 m/ Free Day

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our staff will welcome you and help you in driving you to the hotel. After setting up into place and having some rest, a short briefing about the trip will be given by the guides.

This is the period when you should raise your queries and make appropriate clarifications about the Kailash Yatra With Muktinath Temple Tour Program so that you are absolutely ready to commence the adventure without any hitches. The last meeting over, you may continue leisure pursuits for the balance of the night at the hotel in readiness for a new and thrilling undertaking.

  • AccommodationTea Houses
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time1190 m/ 5-6 Hours

You will depart for Pashupati Darshan in the morning on this day and then take a flight to Pokhara (200km). The city is a tourist's paradise, full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (Lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

From Pokhara, we will head towards Tatopani [Natural Hot Springs], which takes around 3 to 4 hours. Tatopani is one of the major resting spots for trekkers during the Muktinath and Annapurna Circuit Trek. By this time, we will already be inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, where we can enjoy the massive beauty of flora and fauna of the region.

  • AccommodationTea Houses
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time3710 m/ 5-6 Hours

Day 3 will start with an early morning trek from the village of Tatopani enhanced by the presence of natural hot springs in the direction of Muktinath intending to capture all the impressive scenic beauty on the way. This is a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist faiths which is believed to be a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is known here as Muktinath the “Liberation God.” 

The temple is surrounded by 108 water taps installed inside the temple’s premises known as Muktidhara and two holy water bodies in which pilgrims perform a ritualistic dip considered to absolve sins and bequeath one with divine knowledge. Naturally enclosed within the magnificence of the great Annapurna Mountains, no amount of words can justify the uplifting experience that is Muktinath to every single individual who makes a visit.

Once your journey of the spirit is over, you will retreat back to Jomsom, and this time enjoy the beautiful sceneries as well. We also wish there would be no other thoughts and only breathtaking views and rich culture of the region to dwell on for some time, especially, after such a meaningful day, before finally ending the journey in Jomsom.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time822 m- 5-6 Hours

On Day 4 of your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan Tour, you will travel from Jomsom, a little town that is strategically located in the Kali Gandaki Valley and acts as an entrance to the upper Mustang region. Jomsom offers aspects of nature and culture that are impressive, particularly the view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges.

The drive from Jomsom to Pokhara is marked with beautiful settlements and valleys that invite the curiosity of tourists to the cultural way of life of the Gurung and Thakali people. As you land, the high dry area gives way to the beautiful green hills of Pokhara.

As you reach Pokhara, you will be welcomed by the calmness of the lakes, the busy streets filled with shops, and the Annapurna range towering over everything as if to guard the place making it easy to unwind.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time1400 m/ 30 Minute Flight

Today, you will have a chance to explore the beautiful sights of Pokhara. More specifically, you will be boating in Phewa Lake and visit the severed Hindu Temple, Tal Barahi, located on an island inside the lake. You will also visit the beautiful World Peace Pagoda where one can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, the snow-capped hills including Machhapuchhre, and also visit Davis Falls.

After an amazing day of exploration, you will take a flight to Kathmandu. While flying high over the beautiful sceneries, think back to your adventurous trip in the intrepid Annapurna region, which brought so much internal peace, beautiful views, and culture.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time2850m/ 1 hr 45 min

Following breakfast at the hotel we will leave for Kathmandu and commence a picturesque coach drive to the Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi. The drive along the highway is enhanced by Country scenic views and lasts around seven hours. Upon landing, our personnel will take care of customs processes, making sure that Tibet, being an autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China, is entered without any hitches.

You will have time to eat lunch after which you will take a bus or a van to the other side of the border, towards the tiny Tibetan town of Kerung. As they will be ready for adventures in Tibet, a guest house would be used for dinner and rest before the next day.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4540m/ 5 to 6 hrs

On the seventh day, you will begin a picturesque drive of 160 km starting from Kerung to Saga. This drive promises lots of mesmerising landscapes and beautiful scenery featured with roaming clouds. As you drive up into the mountains, the high elevation changes and the visual landscape changes from hills to valleys filled with snow and alpine plants. A five hours drive that is sure to remain etched in the mind for long as it offers sprawling views of the foothills of the great Himalayas.

This section can even range in weather conditions with the highest altitude being the coldest with the lowest temperature experienced at the bottom of the hill. It is advisable to carry warm layers, especially that the mountain weather is very cool and brisk. Right after you reach Saga, you will rest at a comfy lodge nestled in the greenness of nature before gearing up for the next part of the journey.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4590m/ 6 – 7hrs

Following a generous meal in the guesthouse, we commenced a picturesque drive which lasted seven hours in parts and covered a distance of 466 kilometres from Saga to the Holy Lake Mansarovar. Reaching Lake Mansarovar, you will get the opportunity to perform Pooja and Hawan ceremony at this place which is believed to be of great significance for many people. The calmness near the lake in conjunction with the snow-covered mountains provides a perfect environment for deep thought and even prayer.

Lake Mansarovar which is famous for being a beautiful lake with amazing views is one of the most sacred lakes in Asia. This place, which is also known as mount Kailash Range, is not only associated with religion. The landscape surrounding the lake is an interesting combination of dry high altitude deserts and hilled terrain with wildlife like the yaks of the Himalayas and other birds migrating here. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4670m/ 1hrs

On the ninth day of Trip to Mount Kailash With Muktinath Temple Itinerary, you will start our day with a morning breakfast by the serene shores of Manasarovar. Then, you’ll set off for the sacred Mansarovar Parikrama by Land Cruiser. During this spiritual journey, you may choose to stop at a revered spot to take in a holy dip in the sacred Lake Manasarovar along with performing the Pooja and prayer to Lord Shiva in this holy ambience.

In the afternoon, you will start a scenic ride to Darchen which lasts about three hours and covers a total distance of 110 Kilometres. Upon reaching Darchen, you will spend the night in a nice guesthouse getting ready for the continuation of the pilgrimage.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time5630 m/

A robust breakfast fuels us for the adventure, and in around 6 to 7 hours, we shall have covered a distance of 12 kilometers with a trek. All the gears and equipment will be carried by yaks, allowing you to concentrate on the journey and the magnificent views of the terrain. You will be able to take in the glorious views surrounding the region as you make headway towards the next destination and you will be guided by professional guides.

This day is also probably one of the challenging times in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan Tour as we must pass Dolma La Pass at 5,630 metres (18,471 ft) above sea level . Dolma-La pass is very high strap and the weather is usually very changeable with the threat of a whiteout snowstorm and so quite caution is taken. Before we further our hike, we will make a detour to Gaurikund for a spiritual visit. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4860m/ 5-6 hrs

To kick off this day, we will have light morning refreshments before proceeding to a 22- kilometre hike. We will be crossing over Dolma La Pass once more, therefore, trekkers must be ready for the harsh climate as the weather conditions are quite uncertain at Dolma La Pass. Situated at an elevation of 5400 ft, this pass brings one of the major challenges during this journey.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time5,650 m/ 8-9 hrs

The Kailash Parvat Outer Kora Exploration ends with 12 km of walking from Zutulpuk. You will admire magnificent scenery around the outer Kora as you will be amazed by the beauty of the view from the Dolma La Pass whose glaciers are glistening in the sun and the meditative lake. 

Unfortunately, the higher altitude areas tend to be cold and frosty even in summer with falling rocks and rough terrain adding to the difficulties faced in the trekking.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time2850 m/ 5 to 6 hrs

On the 13th day, you will be driven down Darchen from where you will head towards the holy Lake Mansarovar whose serene atmosphere is sure to be unforgettable. Laid back in the comfortable environment, you will then go back to Paryang.

You will then proceed to Nyalam from Paryang which is the last place you will visit in Tibet. The return journey takes the same route in order to allow for easier navigation. The entire stretch of the journey will be made more enjoyable with the captivating scenic view that one will experience of course. The last day in Tibet will be spent in a guesthouse located in Nyalam.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast- Lunch- Dinner
  • Altitude/Time1400m/ 7-8 hr

Today, we will be travelling to Kathmandu from the Kerung border. Upon completing all the customs requirements on the other side, it will be possible for you to board a vehicle on the Nepali side and commence your return to Kathmandu. The road trip along the same route takes around five hours providing yet another opportunity to appreciate the beautiful landscape along the way.

As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be whisked off to the exact hotel where you will spend the night, thus enabling you to enjoy a warm and soothing rest after the long journey.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude/Time1400 m/ Free Day

Today is the final day of Kailash Parvat, Mansarovar and  MuktinathYatra. Our travel representative will lead you to Tribhuvan International Airport, where you go through all legal formalities and then bid farewell to Nepal.

 

Not satisfied with this regular itinerary?

Are you interested on planning custom trip? Feel free to contact us.

Cost Details
What's Included
  • All transportation and sightseeing are provided in connection with the tour itinerary referred to.
  • All Teahouse/hotel accommodations for the tour, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Tibet visa, entrance permission, and Kailash Parikarma admission fee.
  • Best available hotel or guesthouse, including two nights of parikarma.
  • An English-speaking Chinese guide.
  • Throughout the tour, a super luxury bus or van will be used.
  • Pickup and drop-off from Kathmandu to Kerung via jeep.
  • First aid kits, maps, and so on
  • Parikarma of the Holy Lake Manasarovar
  • We give a duffel bag; down Jackets should be returned after the tour.
  • Nepali SIM Card With 10 GB Data Plan.
  • Water purification tablets.
What's Excluded
  • Airfares to Kathmandu and back
  • Urgent visa fees
  • Nepal visa expenses for NRI/foreigners
  • Travel/medical insurance
  • Cost of evacuation in the event of an emergency.
  • Personal expenses include phone calls, shopping, washing, cold/hard beverages, tipping, etc.
  • Any additional services, such as extra vehicles, hotel stays, or tourist trips not listed in the schedule.
  • Single room supplement in Kathmandu.
  • Horse and porter fees if hired for kora or parikrama (should be paid directly to the horse herder or porter).
  • Extra expense in the case of a landslide, etc. for hiring additional vehicles or porterage
  • Hotel charges in Kathmandu for early return from Tibet or further stays in Kathmandu.
  • Additional cost due to natural
Useful Info

Best Time For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra With Muktinath Darshan

Adi Kailash and Muktinath Darshan is a Holy trip which every pilgrim should go on at least once in their lifetime. It is not only of religious significance to the devotees but highly beautiful as well. When planning your pilgrimage to Nepal, it is worth considering the season of the pilgrimage in order to make a safe and enriching journey. Out of all the seasons, Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are considered as the best seasons to undertake this auspicious journey due to the fair weather and clear paths.

Spring [March to May]

Spring serves as an additional visual beauty which compliments the Kailash Mansarovar with Muktinath Darshan as the snow melts in this season and a green cover of vegetation can be seen. The region then gets filled with a mixture of flowers and foliage which makes the trip worth it. In this season the temperatures are gentle sitting at around 10°C-15°C (50°F-59°F) during the day time, whereas at night they can drop to between -5°C and 0°C (23°F-32°F). These favourable temperatures enable the pilgrims to walk along the paths without any hindrances, taking in the rich spirituality of the hallowed places.

It is during spring that physical activities such as trekking become more favourable since the season is more pleasant for outdoor activities. Extreme conditions do not have to worry the pilgrims, as they can all engage in the spiritual practice. As if to supplement the cause in spring, the air is clean and frosty encouraging everyone to go on the pilgrimage, making it the most preferred season for such activities.

Autumn [September to November]

Autumn is another best time for going to the Mount Kailash and Muktinath Tour. The weather is pleasant, the scenery is fresh, and the moderate temperature helps to calm the pilgrims. The average daytime temperatures during autumn are between 8°C and 12°C (46°F and 54°F), which are ideal for hiking and other explorations. The clear sky presents unobstructed views of mount Kailash and lake Mansarovar that are usually covered with clouds in the other seasons.

Most of the pilgrims also prefer this season as the weather is more or less stable and there is little chances of rain or snow affecting the activities. The paths are better organised and the surroundings are quieter hence the spiritual practice is easier. This time the region’s nature is very beautiful. Tired green fresh air and warm affection all around increase the feeling very peaceful and devotional.

Off-Season Trek

Winter Season (November to March)

In the cold months, especially winter, the area surrounding Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar experiences severe cold and snowfall, thereby making the trails difficult and dangerous to navigate. The temperature drops tremendously, almost to about -20 degrees Celsius at nights, and even during the day, the temperature remains below zero degrees.

The Muktinath region which is at high altitude is very unwelcoming in winter with persistent cold and frozen surfaces deterring access to the temple. Ultimately, the winter season is not the best period for embarking on such a holy expedition due to various safety concerns and logistical hindrances.

Monsoon Season (July to August)

The monsoons offer even further hardships to visitors embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar and Muktinath tour. Monsoon rains leave the trails muddy, landslides and floods occur hampering travel plans and making trekking routes dangerous.

Due to heavy rains increasing, visibility also is hampered, in most cases blocking the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, apart from making the journey more difficult.

Difficulty Level of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Muktinath Darshan

Trip to Mount Kailash With Muktinath Temple is one of the tough pilgrimages that require a lot of mental and physical fitness from a person. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, situated in the western Tibet Autonomous Region of People's Republic of China bear a lot of religious importance to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers in equal measures.

This tour includes crossing steep slopes and hazardous weather, one of the most challenging pilgrimages on earth. Hundreds of thousands of devotees take the Yatra each year irrespective of the challenges towards winning blessings and fulfilling spiritual satisfaction.

One of the major aspects of this journey is the challenge of high altitude. The journey begins from Kathmandu in Nepal and the altitude gets to a height of more than 5,000 metres gradually. This level of altitude has the threat of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which may cause headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and exhaustion among others. It is advisable for proper acclimatisation to take place.

Spending 2-3 days in Kathmandu or lower altitude prior to the expedition is recommended. Medicines for the AMS should also be used and the journey should be done slowly in order to avoid any illness.

This tour imposes considerable physical requirements Upon the participants. The skirt of Mount Kailash referred to as Kailash Kora, is a 52-kilometre balance circumnavigating, which would take nearly three days by foot.

The terrain is rough and quite frozen, with a lot of boulders to climb over hence the need for one to be moderately fit. Devotees should be ready to walk for a very long time and carry out other intricacies in consideration of the high altitude of the Tibetan plateau.

For those who have made up their minds to complete the Yatra, it is essential to start physical preparation, at least, a few months before the date of the pilgrimage. Activities such as cardiovascular workout, strength building, and endurance training would aid in getting ready for the rigours of this pilgrimage.

Things To Consider

Accommodation:

During the Kailash Yatra with Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour, accommodations in the capital city are offered in comfortable hotels or guesthouses. These places come with Wi-Fi, hot showers, and comfortable beds, in Kathmandu. These places also provide for a brief rest before the commencement of the Pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, providing facilities ranging from cheap motels to expensive hotels. Most of these hotels also have restaurants serving local and international cuisine as well as providing launderette services, especially after a long journey.

However, in the course of the journey to more remote regions, the places of accommodation become more basic while still attending to the minimal requirements expected by travellers. For places such as Kerung and Darchen, the available lodges and guesthouses provide clean rooms alongside a few basic beds where guests may get some sleep.

Further into the wilderness near Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, the evolution of accommodations takes on a different form with the use of tents or basic tea houses. Such wenes are more in a deprived setting but these tents come with some features like drinking water and also a tent where worshippers can share meals and food with each other and also hold conversations involving their religious practices. The community’s ability to offer such simple services makes the entire tour more spiritual since the travellers feel elevated and attached to something greater.

Food During The Journey:

During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, with Muktinath Darshan, you get to choose from a list of food items depending on their liking and demands. While undertaking the voyage in the first phase in Nepal, tourists are offered dishes native to Nepali cuisine, including those of Dal Bhat, Tarkari, stewed dumplings known as momos, and noodles known as Chowmein. As they proceed with their pilgrimage, these culture-based meals are served at rest or boarding places along the way. It is easy to get a vegetarian meal since some people prefer eating vegetarian food or are under obligation to avoid meat throughout the Yatra.

As the journey extends to high altitudes therefore the food on the Kailash trip of 10 days changes but still it is of high quality. Unequally backwoods areas where dry and wet suffer a few easy noodles, soups and rice-composed meals become. Most of the lodges and the teahouses found along the way offer fresh hygienic meals to the pilgrims, which makes sure that they are well fed and ready for another journey.

Communication & Internet

Basic telecommunication services, as well as advanced means of communication such as the internet, are available while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most of the hotels provide free internet to their clients. It means you can communicate quite conveniently before going on the trip. But during your tour to Muktinath, the internet and communication services will be limited. So it advised me to purchase a NTC or Ncell sim card and data/voice packs for using internet services. You can use the Nepali sim for the internet during your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra too.

When you continue this yatra, as in many respects, in particular, the areas surrounding Kailash and Mansarovar, mobile and internet facilities and other signals diminish. In this segment of the trek, some travellers, who in this aspect may be more adventurous than the others, use satellite phones for communication as they allow flexibility of use irrespective of the place the trekker is in.

Guides and Porters

To ensure that everything goes according to plan and that the entire activity is safe, each participant on the Muktinath With Adi Kailash Tour must hire a certified guide.

There was a change in the policy on trekkers or climbers access within Nepali range on April 1st, 2023 when Nepal Tourism Board announced that trekking in Nepal compulsorily requires licensed guides. Taking guides along ensures the compliance of your yatra with discipline of the area and thus it becomes possible to enhance the enjoyment without compromising on safety.

Porter service, on the other hand, is often necessary during the Yatra to ease the physical demands. Due to the high altitude and rugged terrain, exhaustion from carrying excessive weight can set in very fast. The porters take rest from you carrying the baggage and you only concern yourself with the processes of acclimatisation and getting the work done.

Since they know how the region is, they will also see to it that your things are safely done away with meaning you will not take time in seeking for them at the end of the trip. If one wishes to enjoy their inner self with the right amount of physical strain, it is always better to go for guides and porters.

Permits for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Muktinath Darshan

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit

No travellers are allowed to take the Muktinath Darshan part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit. This is of course because the Muktinath Temple is situated in the Annapurna region.

ACAP entry permits are subject to regulations and charges depend on nationality as follows: For international trekkers, the charge is Rs. 3000, for SAARC nations’ trekkers Rs. 1000 and for Nepali trekkers the charge is Rs. 100. This serves to support the conservation and promotion of sustainable tourism in the Annapurna region and thus protect its scenery and wildlife.

TIMS Card

Trekking Muktinath also requires the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. The purpose of the TIMS card is to ensure that all trekkers are accounted for and are safe. It costs Rs. 2000 per individual and is available for both group-organised trekkers and solo trekkers.

Tibet Travel Permit

All international pilgrims who wish to visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar are directed to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit, a required document for entering the Tibetan Autonomous Region. This document is provided by the Tourism Bureau of Tibet and facilitates travel to the Tibetan region, which includes the Mount Kailash region for foreigners. Therefore, it is necessary to apply for it beforehand as it is the only authorization of its kind which allows foreign visitors to travel within Tibet, which also includes Mount Kailash region.

Alien’s Travel Permit

It should be noted that besides the Tibet Travel Permit an Alien’s Travel Permit is also a compulsory document when travelling to destinations other than Lhasa and this includes the Kailash and Mansarovar regions. This permit allows one to go to more interior areas of Tibet and can be applied for once you have arrived in Lhasa. It’s issued to foreigners by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and is one of the most important documents during the Kailash Mansarovar Trip.

Military Permit

For certain regions within Tibet including Ngari region where Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake reside, travellers are also required to secure a Military Permit. Such a document is important as these regions belong to military controlled areas. In the event that there are plans to travel to excluded zones within the military the appropriate permit will have to be obtained in advance, typically through a licensed travel agency, prior to travelling to Tibet.

Foreign Affairs Permit

The Foreign Affairs Permit is a document that should be integrated in the traveller's itinerary whenever he decides to go to very inaccessible and delicate regions of Tibet such as Mount Kailash or eastern Tibet. This document is provided by the Foreign Affairs Office in Lhasa to facilitate the travellers which is very useful in terms of diplomacy and security. This has been rendered essential in visiting these areas of conservation owing to their history and world political affairs.

Inner Line Permit

Indian citizens intending to travel to Kailash Mansarovar from the border of India and China are also required to possess Inner Line Permit. Such a permit enables travel to designated regions situated on the border between India and China for Indian nationals inside India.

Horses or Yaks During Kailash Parikrama

Muktinath and Kailash Parvat Pilgrimage
Yaks Grazing in The Field Enroute To Kailash Parvat Yatra

Horses or yaks are provided during Kailash Parikrama for those pilgrims who are physically unfit or too tired. Arrangements for horses start at Mansarovar, and one needs to intimate the requirement to the guides there. If one does not do so, no horses might be provided. Horses, in general, wait at Yama Dwar, whose services are managed by local associations. The horse or yak hire costs about CN¥350 (US$52) per day, with handlers charged at CN¥300 (US$44) a day. Pilgrims are also expected to pay the return costs of the animals and their handlers.

What If You Fall Sick During Kailash Yatra

Included Medical Assistance

Most of the tour packages come forward with guiding facilities along the Kailash route at all major stops right up to the Kerung border. Trained professionals remain prepared to help you regarding a medical emergency or personal assistance. You won't need to pay any extra money unless you fall sick and require their service.

Additional Costs for Separating from the Group

Extra costs that you might incur if you become sick and need to leave your group to recover:

  • Split Visa Fee: You will also have to pay for a split visa fee that is 60 Yuan. This mainly applies when you need to return home separately from the group, in case of sickness or any other reason.

  • Other potential Costs: Other costs may be: Not included but may involve extra fees related to independent transportation or accommodation in cases where one would need to leave the group at some point in time.

Falling Sick at Darchen

Now, if you get sick at Darchen itself, the starting point of Kailash Parikrama, things are different:

  • Normally, the travel company will arrange a stay at Darchen when you are in unfit conditions to proceed for the trek with a cook. The service is normally included in the package without extra charge.

  • Such situations are to be better discussed with your tour operator beforehand to avoid possible extra charges.

FAQs
  • Not all are qualified to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The number of voyagers should fall between 7 and 70 years of age and fit enough to withstand such a rugged landscape and high altitude.

  • Even though there is a high altitude and uneven landscape involved in this Yatra, potential risks can always be minimized with good preparation, acclimatisation, and physical fitness. Altitude sickness can be one of the common apprehensions, but most pilgrimages finish their journey without problems, provided necessary precautions are taken.

  • Kailash is a holy mountain of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Bon, and Jainism. It was not to be climbed because it is a spiritual centre and domicile for gods.

  • Some NASA experts claimed to see lights near the top of Mount Kailash. Some claim such phenomena may be due to magnetic forces of the area that create strange lights and appearances.

  • From Pokhara to Kailash Mansarovar, the normal practice would be visiting Muktinath Temple Via Jomsom and then flying or driving up to the Nepal-Tibet border and then continuing with guided tours. Most of the pilgrims are crossing over into Tibet via Nepalgunj, Simikot, and Hilsa.

  • Kailash Mansarovar Yatra should be undertaken from May to September, and this is a decent time when weather and routes are accessible. The monsoon seasons are to be avoided due to heavy rains and landslide problems.

  • Yes, good physical fitness is a must. High-altitude training and medical check-ups are advisable before embarking on the Yatra. Spiritual and physical challenges require mental preparation.

  • Accommodations are super basic on Yatra, comprising guesthouses, camps, and small lodges at different sites on the route. The facilities are really simple yet serve the main purpose of shelter and meals.

  • The whole Yatra normally takes 10 to 15 days from the preparation to the final darshan at both Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. It includes travel time, acclimatisation, and darshan at both Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

  • Many pilgrims combine the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Muktinath Darshan. Muktinath is also a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists, and the usual journey begins with a trip to Nepal by air or overland via Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What Our Clients Say...
  • A
    Anita SharmaUnited Arab EmiratesSeptember 26, 2024
    rating star

    Once in a Lifetime Pilgrimage

    Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Muktinath Darshan-a journey far above all expectations. High-altitude trekking is very demanding but rewarding, too. One can feel the spiritual energy at these sites. Proper acclimatisation is a must in such cases. The tour was quite good, striking a balance between adventure and pilgrimage, unfolding a beautiful landscape with deep-rooted cultural insights-what an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and physical endurance.

    Google
  • J
    John CarterAustraliaSeptember 03, 2024
    rating star

    A Journey of Spiritual Awakening

    A very exciting tour and pilgrimage tour with adventure at altitudes. Mount Kailash Kora was hard to trek; Muktinath was very emotional-interestingly sacred. Spectacular vistas of the Himalayas on the way there. Be ready for altitude sickness, but a unique pilgrimage site in a lifetime. Lifetime expedition for thrill and spiritual seekers.

    TrustPilot
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