Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - 16 Days

Embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritual and adventurous journey like no other. To ensure a fulfilling and well-prepared experience, it’s important to have key information readily available.

In this section, we provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you plan and prepare for the yatra, ensuring a smooth and enriching pilgrimage.

Where is Mount Kailash?

Regarded as not just a mountain but also one of the most revered religious places across several religions for several regions, let’s find out where is Mount Kailash located? It is located in the Tibet Autonomous region of China.

It is located in the remote western part of the Tibetan plateau, and in the Kailash Range that stretches all the way from India to Tibet. The exact location of Mount Kailash is at 31.0675° N latitude and 81.3119° E longitude, which makes it a part of the Burang County (also known as Purang County).

The Ngari Prefecture is home to Mount Kailash and it lies near the unique trijunction of three countries: Nepal, India, and China. This peak is known to be the heart of the Trans Himalaya Mountain Range, and the Kailash range is also known as a counterpart to the Himalayas.

Standing tall at an impressive altitude of 6,638 meters (21,778 ft), Mount Kailash is a rather significant and distinctive peak given its symmetrical shape as well as its unclimbed status.

Considered to be the spiritual center of the world by many, Mount Kailash is present between Lhasa and Shigatse in Tibet. It lies at a distance of approximately 1,400 kms from Lhasa.

It is also near the source of some of the longest and most significant rivers of Asia, including Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali, along with Mansarovar Lake which is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.

Surrounding the Kailash range are the other attractions of Mt. Kailash Tour, and other significant peaks like the Naimonanyi Peak and other high altitude desert regions and vast open space which creates a contrast to the snowcapped peak of Mt. Kailash.

How to reach Kailash Mansarovar?

While not as easily accessible, there are many religious faiths that converge here and hence thousands of people make their way to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar each year.

There are many routes that lead the pilgrims from all across the globe to Kailash Mansarovar, and the most popular Kailash Mansarovar routes are via Nepal, India, and via Tibet itself.

While the overall challenges during the Kailash Tour significantly vary based on the route that you have taken, it is important to equally prepare for all the routes. Below are the key Kailash Mansarovar Yatra routes:

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Route via Nepal

Nepal is one of the main gateways for those heading to Mount Kailash, offering both overland and trekking options. The most popular route is now through Kyirong as it provides a relatively smoother travel experience.

Travelers embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong via the Rasuwagadhi border. After completing border formalities, the journey continues overland through Tibetan villages, passing Saga and Mansarovar Lake before reaching Mount Kailash.

For those wanting a more adventurous escape, there’s the Simikot-Hilsa route. This journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Simikot.

From there, trekkers experience a 5-6 day trek through Nepal’s remote Humla district, offering an authentic rural experience. After reaching Hilsa, the final Nepalese village on the border, pilgrims cross the Karnali River into Tibet. The journey then proceeds to Taklakot (Purang) before reaching Mount Kailash.

Kailash Tour via Lhasa, Tibet

Pilgrims starting their journey from Lhasa can travel overland, passing through key Tibetan cities such as Shigatse, Saga, and Darchen. Darchen serves as the starting point for the Kailash Parikrama (Kora). Various transportation options are available, including jeeps, SUVs, and shared buses.

Kailash Yatra via India

Indian pilgrims most commonly travel via the Lipulekh Pass, starting from Uttarakhand. The journey begins in Dharchula, followed by Gunji, and then crosses the Lipulekh Pass into Tibet. From there, the overland journey continues through Tibetan towns like Taklakot.

A newer route has also been established via Sikkim, where pilgrims travel to the Nathu La border post and enter Tibet. The route then follows through Tibetan towns such as Shigatse and Saga before reaching Darchen.

Each route offers a unique experience, but all require careful planning, preparation, and endurance for the spiritual journey to Mount Kailash.

Best Time to go on Mount Kailash Tour

With the countless challenges already present on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you would rather not like to increase these challenges ten folds by visiting during the wrong season.

You should go on the Mount Kailash Tour during the months of May, June, September, and October as they offer the most pleasant weather conditions for your trek and they are the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

During these months, most of the roads are accessible and the climatic conditions are stable too. The clear skies will also offer you majestic views of the Trans Himalaya Mountain range.

The clear days are also great for people willing to circumambulate Mount Kailash, i.e. perform Kora. You can also visit during the months of May or mid-June as it is the time of Saga Dawa festival.

During this time, you will see many Buddhist pilgrims collected here to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautam Buddha. Therefore, you can have a unique opportunity to witness vibrant cultural festivities and join thousands of pilgrims from around the world.

However, it is advisable not to visit during the months of July or August as this marks the monsoon season and the roads will be experiencing many landslides and other blockages.

Kailash Parikrama

Also known as ‘Kora’, Kailash Parikrama refers to the circumambulation of Mount Kailash which is an important pilgrimage activity during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra across religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion.

Mount Kailash is also famous for its unclimbed status as pilgrims don’t climb the peak but rather perform Kora to gain spiritual enlightenment, honor their gods, and cleanse their souls.

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva along with his consort Mata Parvati, and it is believed that completing the Kailash Parikrama releases devotees from the cycle of rebirth.

Similarly for Buddhists, the mountain represents the spiritual center of the world- axis mundi, a physical manifestation of Mount Meru and is home to the deity Demchok.

In Jainism, it is where the Jain pioneer Rishabadeva attained enlightenment, and in the Bon religion, it is the residence of the goddess Sipaimen. Therefore, each religion performs Kailash Parikrama based on their own beliefs.

The Kailash Parikrama is a three-day trek covering rugged terrains and high-altitude passes. The journey is physically and mentally demanding, with altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters.

Pilgrims must acclimatize, stay hydrated, and pace themselves. Despite its challenges, the Kailash Parikrama is a profound experience, offering a chance to connect deeply with nature and one’s spirituality.

Kailash Mansarovar Tour on full moon day

While visiting Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be auspicious throughout the year, a fascinating fact about mount Kailash is that it is believed that experiencing the majesty of the peak on a full moon day is extra auspicious for pilgrims.

It is believed that the spiritual energy of the place becomes much higher on the full moon day. On the other hand, the stunning reflection of a full moon along with Mt. Kailash on the pristine Mansarovar Lake makes the view ten times more enchanting.

Visitors can plan their trek and align it to coincide with a full moon day when the tranquil environment, illuminated by the glowing moonlight, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a great opportunity for devotees as well as photographers seeking the mystical ambiance of the region.

Fitness requirement for Kailash Mansarovar Trek

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a rather challenging journey with some of the most daunting routes, navigating challenging terrains, and crossing a significant altitude of above 5,500 meters.

Therefore, to tackle this journey along the challenging Himalayan landscape, proper physical preparation is a must. Physical preparation becomes of utmost importance to have a successful and comparatively smooth trekking experience.

You should start your preparations well in advance, at least 3 months prior to the trek. Engage in proper workout routines to make it easier to deal with the steep ascents and descents on many parts of the trek, especially while crossing the Dolma La Pass, work on your legs.

Do strength training and focus on your core muscles, calf muscles, shoulder, and your back to make long hours of walking easier. Also do cardio workout and activities like dancing, swimming, running, and climbing and getting down the stairs.

This makes your cardiovascular system and respiratory system much stronger and trains it to adapt to the challenging high-altitude conditions of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Along with proper research about altitude sickness during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is also important to acclimatize well during the trek. Make sure that you are eating a nutritious diet.

Stay hydrated and maintain a gradual ascent. Your body needs time to acclimatize to higher altitudes, so follow the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” If you notice any symptoms related to altitude sickness, immediately descend and rest well.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Nepal

Nepal is one of the main gateways for those heading to Mount Kailash, offering both overland and trekking options. The most popular route is now through Kyirong as it provides a relatively smoother travel experience.

Travelers embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong via the Rasuwagadhi border. After completing border formalities, the journey continues overland through Tibetan villages, passing Saga and Mansarovar Lake before reaching Mount Kailash.

For those wanting a more adventurous escape, there’s the Simikot-Hilsa route. This journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Simikot.

From there, trekkers experience a 5–6-day trek through Nepal’s remote Humla district, offering an authentic rural experience. After reaching Hilsa, the final Nepalese village on the border, pilgrims cross the Karnali River into Tibet. The journey then proceeds to Taklakot (Purang) before reaching Mount Kailash.

While there was another route to reach Mount Kailash from Nepal via Nyalam, due to the 2015 earthquake, the route via Nyalam and the Friendship Bridge is no longer operational. Therefore, the Kyirong route and the Simikot-Hilsa trek are the most popular choices.

Also, there are many permits that you need to have for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal. And you will need at least 4 to 5 working days to obtain the necessary Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit.

Therefore, it is crucial to arrive in Kathmandu early for biometrics and the visa application process. So, plan your trip accordingly.

Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is quite subjective, and estimating it can be a tough job as it depends heavily on the duration of the tour, mode of transportation chosen, route, tour operator, and the kind of experience that you are seeking.

For the overland travelers, the travel cost might come much less than those taking a helicopter ride to Kailash. While an overland journey from Nepal might cost you anywhere between USD 3,000 to 4,000 per person.

The cost also depends on the services included like accommodation, meals, permits, logistical aspects, guides, and support that are required to ensure a smooth experience.

Extra expenses for Mount Kailash Tour

Besides the main cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you will also need to set aside a certain amount for the extra expenses for Mount Kailash tour. These expenses can include a variety of cost like:

• Tipping for guides and porters, typically $5 to $10 USD per day.
• Personal gear, such as trekking poles, warm clothing, and hiking boots.
• Meals in Kathmandu before and after the tour.
• Travel insurance, which should cover high-altitude trekking.
• Additional snacks, beverages, and souvenirs along the route. It’s wise to budget for these extras to avoid surprises during the trip.

Accommodation during Kailash Tour

Mount Kailash is located in a rather remote corner of Tibet, which leaves the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with basic as well as limited facilities, especially when it comes to the accommodation options.

Although there are quite a few accommodation options along the Kailash route, do not expect ones with much luxury and facilities like attached washrooms, laundry, and such. If you are taking the route from Nepal, Kyirong, Saga, and Darchen offer good accommodation facilities, providing more comfort along the journey.

You will see lots of dormitories, guest houses, and basic hotels that will offer basic facilities like a washroom, often shared, and a warm meal. Electricity is quite scarce here.

Depending on your preferences, you can even choose to stay in a tent or camp during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. So, it is best to carry supplies like power bank and personal hygiene items during the trek.

Age restriction for Kailash Tour participation

When it comes to age limit for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, there are many different details which mark different ages as the limit. And this also varies based on the nationality of the travelers.

The general standard age restriction for Kailash tour participation is between the age of 12 to 70 years. People under 12 years and over 70 years are not permitted due to the potential hazards of altitude sickness.

Also given the physical demands of the trek and high-altitude conditions mean that those on the older side of the age limit must be in excellent health. It is always better to get a medical clearance before embarking on the trek.

Having said that, it is best that you plan the trek based on your level of physical fitness. If you are someone of the age group of 40 to 50 but lack a good level of fitness, it is best not to go underprepared for the trek as you will be facing many challenges there.