How to Plan Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India

As the name suggests, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a home to Mahadev, and Mansarovar is a lake near it, which is believed to wash away the sins (Paap) of the person who bathes in its water.

Being equally important among Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the Bon tradition, it has many stories revolving around it from many centuries; therefore, this unconquerable peak is believed to provide salvation (moksha) to a person who even views or just circumambulates (Parikrama) this mountain.

Being situated in Tibet, now part of China, it is located at 21,778 feet in height, which makes this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra one of the toughest and most memorable due to its views for a person’s lifetime. Therefore, if you are planning a Yatra Package to Kailash Mansarovar during this Yatra season, then we have provided you with a quick overview of everything you need to know before starting this Yatra, and at last, we have also provided you with some tips which will surely help you to travel without hassle.

Registration and Opening Date

Note – Being in China’s Tibet, it is required beforehand to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit/Chinese group visa from an Indian government official portal.

Official registration portal

http://kmy.gov.in/

Open during January-March

• The process later involves computerized lottery wish selection. Every individual applies as a single entity. Also, selected candidates need to undertake a medical fitness test at the assigned health centres in Delhi (e.g., by ITBP/Delhi Heart & Lung Institute).

👉 2026 may see a surge in traveller numbers, as this year is “the year of the horse”, so book early

Documents Needed and Health Conditions

During registration, candidates need to submit passport details with the front page and last page with family details, and also, the passport has to be 6 months old to be considered. (in PDF format (file not exceeding 500 KB)).

Also submit a scanned passport-size photograph in JPG format, not exceeding 300 KB, along with the PAN card, Aadhaar and fitness certificates.

After the computerised lottery selected candidates, will get notifications through SMS/email and will be required to pay a fee (1.74 lakhs for 2026 batches).

Note – The Ministry of External Affairs coordinates with the Chinese counterpart for the group Tibet travel permit and Chinese visa; therefore, no individual stamp is allowed, so strictly do not ask for a visa or any other detail from the Chinese embassy. It’s not mainland China travelling. You will not be allowed to enter or travel in mainland China.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Be an Indian citizen.
2. Hold an Indian passport valid for at least six months as of September 1 of the current year.
3. Be between 18 and 70 years of age as of January 1 of the current year.
4. Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or below.
5. Be physically fit and medically suitable to undertake the pilgrimage.

When the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Starts?

This Yatra is undertaken by private operators as well as government operators (MEA); therefore, the major Yatra season begins in early May for private operators and mid-May for the first batch of government-operated Yatras.

Yatra season begins

May to September, with July-August offering the best conditions. Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and unpredictable weather.

Why Choose a Private Operator if a Government Operator (MEA) is Available?

Private operators offer a luxurious and comfortable ride, like a helicopter ride, and less trekking and fewer days are required, with guaranteed booking, whereas the government system is purely based on a lottery system and allows no flexibility.

• See the table for a detailed comparison-

Aspect	Government (MEA)	Private Operators
Cost	₹1.74 lakh (subsidised, cheapest)	₹2-5.2 lakh (helicopter/overland)
Selection	Lottery (low success rate, e.g., 750/10,000 slots)	Guaranteed booking
Duration	22+ days, demanding trek	10-15 days (or even fewer days option available, <10.)
Comfort	Basic group stays, fixed pace	Better accommodations, personal guides
Medical	Strict tests, potential rejection	Flexible criteria, on-trip support
Dates	Fixed batches May-Sep	Flexible, early departures
Route	Route 1: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) costs 1.74 lakh per person Route 2: Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) cost Rs 2.83 lakh per person.	Via Lucknow (helicopter) cost – ₹165,000 – ₹2 lakhs approx Via Kathmandu (helicopter cost) – ₹2 lakhs approx Overland via Kathmandu (bus) costs ₹2-3 lakh approx Aerial Darshan (helicopter) costs ₹55,000-75000. approx

What Does This Cost Cover?

• Tibet travel permits and group visas cost.
• Travel Expenses: flights (helicopter rides), road transport (bus, taxi) and local transfers.
• Accommodation: for all days (10-22+ days) Guesthouses, tents, and hotels.
• Meals: predominantly vegetarian, 3-time meal with chai/coffee in between. (buffet)
• Guides & Porters: baggage carrying and providing assistance while trekking.
• Medical Support: being in a high mountainous area, regular oxygen canisters and medicines need to be carried.

The Best Routes Explained

Via Nepal

Option 1 – Kathmandu (Nepal) → Syabrubesi → Kerung (Kyirong, Tibet) → Saga → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen → Kailash Parikrama. Return via Saga and Kerung.

• Mode – bus and minimal trekking
• Difficulty level – medium
• Duration – 13-15 days

[Best for gradual acclimatisation. Currently, the most reliable and popular route]

Option 2 – Kathmandu/Nepalgunj → Simikot (flight) → Hilsa (helicopter) → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar → Kailash Parikrama. Return via Hilsa and Simikot.

• Mode – Combination of flight and helicopter rides.
• Difficulty level – low
• Duration – 8-12 days. A 5-day option without Mount Kailash Parikrama also exists, and a 12-day option includes the Mount Kailash Parikrama.

[Shortest route, best for people wanted to complete the yatra in less time]

 ⭐The Limi Lapcha Valley Route offers a close-up view of Mount Kailash.

Via Uttarakhand

Option 3- Delhi → Dharchula → Lipulekh Pass → Mansarovar. Pithoragarh – Gunji – Om Parvat – Old Lipulekh Pass – Mount Kailash View Point.

• Mode – road and trekking
• Difficulty level – high
• Duration – 19-21 days; the Yatra from Kumaon is 24 days.

[MEA follows this route.]

Via Sikkim

Option 4 – Gangtok → Nathu La Pass → Tibetan Plateau.

•  Mode – Motorable road.
• Difficulty level – low
• Duration – Around 21 days.

[Limited permits only allowed. Best for senior citizens unable to trek, MEA also follows this route.]

Via China

Option 5 – Lhasa → Shigatse → Everest Base Camp → Saga → Darchen.

•  Mode – Motorable road.
• Difficulty level – medium
• Duration – Typically 5-7 days

[Very high cost but scenic view]

Choose Your Travel Partner Wisely

• Verify your private operator through the kmy.gov.in list
• Read 2026 reviews for helicopter reliability
• Avoid unverified agents promising “direct” access. This type of scam is common.

Tips to Remember

• Remember to register at the mentioned time or ask your operator for the same. Without a permit and a visa, you cannot go for the Yatra.
• If choosing the government route or option, be prepared for high-altitude health issues; therefore, the government itself asks for medical checkups.
• Avoid the monsoon season for its unpredictability.
• Carry basic medication (Diamox for AMS), a reusable water bottle, and an oxygen can (also provided by operators), and layer yourself with warm clothing like gloves and thermal wear
• UV sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen with a waterproof jacket can be of great use on the route.
• Acclimatise gradually and keep on drinking at least four litres of water daily
• If BMI is greater than 25 (BMI > 25), avoid this Yatra. (You will also be rejected.)
• Carry an energy bar and dry snacks; also, avoid extra and heavy baggage.
• As it’s an international travel, always have your valid passport, visa, and permits handy.

Insights from Our Travellers

Indulekha, Delhi

My Kailash Mansarovar yatra was smooth with Namaste India Trips. They provided me with all the necessary medicine, like oxygen and motion sickness medication, and they have even organised well-cared and luxurious accommodations for us at all places. I will recommend this tour partner to all.

Rajani Pokhriyal, Dehradun

I was having a problem with my knee, but I always wanted to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, so once I concluded my Char Dham Yatra with Namaste India, their advisor only advised me to book them for Kailash Mansarovar also, and they provided me with a helicopter ride so that I did not need to walk or trek for long, therefore helping me to accomplish my dream of visiting the abode of Shiva once in my lifetime.

Steve Smith, Germany

I came to India to explore all 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva, but in the meantime, my travel partner, Namaste India Trips, advised me to accompany them for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, so I booked it too, and what an experience! They gave me a helicopter ride, a 5-star stay and a chance to witness Lord Shiva’s abode so near. Well done, Namaste India trips. You made my visit worth it.

People Also Asked

Q-1: Does UPI work on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route?

Ans: No, UPI does not work on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route in Tibet

Q-2: Can’t we directly go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without a permit with a personal vehicle?

Ans: No, you cannot directly go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without official permits or using a personal vehicle.

Q-3: Can we climb Mount Kailash?

Ans: No, climbing Mount Kailash is strictly prohibited. Chinese authorities ban all mountaineering permits due to its sacred status

 Q-4: With private operators, do we also need a permit and a visa?

Ans: Yes, private operators for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra require the same essential permits and visas as government tours. But they usually take the approval duty on their shoulders.

Q-5: After getting a visa and permit from the government, can’t we go on our own for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans: No, even after obtaining a visa and permit through the government (MEA), you cannot go independently for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Q-6: Is a Chinese visa applicable for mainland China also?

Ans: No, the special Chinese Group Visa issued for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not valid for mainland China

Q-7: I want to travel with my family. What if only my name comes in the lottery?

Ans: No, if only your name is selected in the government lottery, your family members cannot join you on the same Yatra batch. Each applicant registers individually on kmy.gov.in, and selection via computerised draw of lots is personal—batches are fixed with no family grouping or transfers

Q-8: Do we need to exchange currency to go for the Kailash Mansarovar yatra?

Ans: Yes, exchanging currency is essential for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to cover personal expenses in Nepal and Tibet

Q-9: Do we need to apply for the visa at the Chinese embassy?

Ans: No, you do not need to apply directly at the Chinese Embassy for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra visa

Q-10: How many days does Kailash Parikrama take?

Ans: Kailash Parikrama, the sacred 52 km Parikrama around Mount Kailash, typically takes 3 full days for pilgrims.