Why Kailash Mansarovar?
Mount Kailash (6,638m) is considered the most sacred mountain in the world by four religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bn. Hindus believe it is the abode of Lord Shiva, while Buddhists consider it the home of Buddha Demchok. The sacred Lake Mansarovar, at 4,590m, is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra a journey that is as much a test of physical endurance as it is a spiritual transformation. This guide covers everything you need to know about doing the yatra from Nepal.
Routes to Kailash from Nepal
There are two main routes from Nepal:
| Route | Duration | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerung Border (Short) | 10 days | Moderate-Hard | Most travelers, faster route |
| Kerung Border (Full) | 15 days | Hard | Extended exploration, Lhasa visit |
We offer both options: 10-day Short Trip and 15-day Full Expedition.
Permits Required
You need multiple permits for the Kailash Yatra. We handle all of these for you:
- Chinese Group Visa processed through a licensed travel agency (individual visas not accepted for Tibet)
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau
- Alien's Travel Permit for restricted areas including Kailash
- Military Permit required for border areas
Important: Indian passport holders cannot enter Tibet via Nepal. They must use the Lipulekh Pass route via India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Cost Breakdown
| Package | Price (per person) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (10 days) | From $1,999 | Shared vehicle, basic guesthouses, all permits |
| Premium (10 days) | From $2,799 | Private vehicle, better lodges, extra oxygen |
| Luxury (10 days) | From $3,999 | Private SUV, best hotels, medical support |
Physical Fitness Requirements
The Kailash kora (circumambulation) involves trekking 52km over 3 days at altitudes above 5,000m, including crossing the Drolma La Pass at 5,630m the highest and most demanding day.
Recommended Preparation (Start 2-3 Months Before)
- Daily cardio: 30-45 minutes (running, cycling, swimming)
- Hiking with a loaded backpack (8-10kg) on weekends
- Stair climbing: 20+ floors daily
- Yoga/stretching for flexibility
- Practice walking at altitude if possible
What to Pack
- Warm layered clothing (temperatures drop to -10C at night)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Sturdy trekking boots (broken in!)
- Down jacket and thermal base layers
- Sunscreen SPF50+, UV sunglasses, lip balm
- Personal medications + Diamox for altitude
- Water bottle, purification tablets
- Headlamp, trekking poles, daypack
- Offerings/puja items for Mansarovar
Best Time for Kailash Yatra
The yatra season runs May to September. The Kerung border closes during winter. Peak months are June and July monsoon affects Nepal but Tibet remains relatively dry.
Important Tips
- Book at least 2-3 months in advance permit processing takes 3-4 weeks
- Passport must have 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages
- Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage is mandatory
- Carry enough cash (USD/CNY) no ATMs after Kerung
- Mobile connectivity is limited consider a satellite communicator
Ready for the Sacred Journey?
We organize Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with all permits, logistics, and experienced guides. Limited departures each season.