Mount Kailash (6,638 m) in western Tibet is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers, and Lake Manasarovar at 4,590 m lies at its foot. From Nepal there are two main routes. The overland route drives from Kathmandu to the Kerung (Kyirong) border, then crosses the Tibetan plateau via Saga to Manasarovar, with acclimatisation nights on the way; it takes 12–15 days and costs about ₹1,90,000–2,60,000. The Simikot route flies Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot, takes a helicopter to Hilsa and drives to Purang (Taklakot); it is shorter on the road and costs about ₹2,60,000–3,60,000.
The parikrama around Kailash is about 52 km over three days, starting at Darchen (about 4,600 m). Day one follows the valley to Dirapuk, facing the north face; day two crosses Dolma La (about 5,630 m), the hardest day; day three is a shorter walk out via Zutulpuk to Darchen. Yaks, ponies and porters can be hired, and some pilgrims walk only the first section or ride part of the way. Altitude is the main challenge: much of the yatra is above 4,500 m, so a full medical check before booking is essential.
Rules for this yatra change often. Chinese authorities issue the group visa and Tibet permits, and since 2020 the rules for Indian passport holders travelling through Nepal have changed several times, including requirements on visas, biometrics and group size. India's Ministry of External Affairs also runs its own Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh and Nathu La. The season runs from May to September, with Saga Dawa in May or June and the month of Shravan popular with Hindu pilgrims. Check current status before you travel, and book early, as permits take several weeks.
How to choose
- Overland or via Simikot
The Kerung overland route is cheaper and acclimatises you gradually, but involves long drives. The Simikot route uses flights and a helicopter, so it suits those short of time, though weather can delay the Nepalgunj–Simikot and Simikot–Hilsa sectors. Both need about the same fitness for the parikrama.
- Check your health honestly
The yatra spends days above 4,500 m and crosses about 5,630 m on foot or horseback. Get a full check-up, including heart, blood pressure and lungs, before booking. People with serious heart or lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes or pregnancy should not go. Age and fitness conditions have been set in some years.
- Book early for permits
Tibet permits and the group visa need passport details weeks in advance, and the process for Indian passport holders has had extra steps in recent seasons. Book at least two to three months ahead, keep your passport valid for six months beyond travel, and check current status before you travel.
- Compare what the price includes
Check whether the quote includes the Chinese visa, Tibet permits, full board with vegetarian meals, oxygen cylinders, yaks or ponies for the parikrama, helicopter sectors and extra nights for weather delays. Cheaper packages often leave several of these out, which makes them cost more in the end.
