Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Open for Indian Citizens?

Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indian citizens? The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is expected to be open to Indian citizens in 2025. It is a pilgrimage site for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bons followers. Likewise, most Hindu followers of Indian citizens consider this journey to be one of the most sacred. If you’re among them, it must be your dream to visit this holy place.

But the real problem is, as of 2025, is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open to Indian citizens? The answer is quite unpredictable. Kailash is one of the holiest places for Hindus, and they dream of visiting it once in a lifetime. Kailash is home to God Shiva, one of the main deities of Hindus. This trip takes pilgrims to some of the holiest places on earth, like Kailash Parikrama and Lake Mansarovar.

There is a reason why Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers go there.  It is believed that if you go for a Parikrama (Kora) and bath in Mansarovar Lake, it will wash away your past life sins. Thousands of pilgrims have promised themselves and dreamed of visiting Kailash. However, the location has made things quite complicated for Indian citizens.

The Mount Kailash (6,638m) is located in Tibet, China. The government of China has brought some rules and restrictions that travelers must follow. The strict travel rules, political disputes, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic brought some more tension in the air for Indian citizens. Before the restrictions, Indian citizens used to go for a Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in two ways. They travel to Tibet by buying packages with private tour operators or through government-organized routes in coordination with China.

Since it has already been a couple of years, what’s the current situation in 2025? Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indian citizens? Well, it all depends on the India-China agreements, visa policies, and travel conditions. But there is some good news and hope. As of 2025, it is expected to be open to Indian citizens.

For more information, this blog will help you break down everything you need to know. We will help you find whether the yatra is open, the best routes, permits, and current updates. Don’t worry Access Nepal is here to make your dream into reality.

Can an Indian Passport Holder Visit Kailash Mansarovar?

No, as of February 2025, the government of China doesn’t allow Indian passport holders to visit Kailash Mansarovar. However, given the current improved relationship between India and China, there is some hopeful news. The situation might change soon and as the China Indian Pilgrimage Service (CIPS) halted permit issuance will also be resolved. Especially after the BRICS Summit, the route to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will reopen by 2025.

What’s New for Indian Travelers?

• Advance booking is open to reserve the spot as the route to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will open in 2025.
• Due to the high demand, seats are limited, and the permits are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• After this reopens, permit issuance is likely to be handled by the Tibet Travel Bureau instead of CIPS.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a must-go pilgrimage for in lifetime for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The spiritual belief and its purity are the main reasons for thousands of visitors visiting there and Mount Kailsh still remain unclimbed. The restriction for Indian citizens to travel for Kailash Yatra has made things uncertain.

The new year brings, New hopes as it is expected to reopen in 2025. Don’t miss this golden opportunity, now is the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is coming. Secure your spot and enjoy the pilgrimage to this sacred place.

Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open in 2025 for Indians?

Since the restrictions, Indian pilgrims have been eagerly waiting for the good news. As 2025 has already entered, a lot of them are curious, Is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indian citizens? Yes, the wait will soon be over. The restrictions for Indian citizens were done due to the political tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. From April 2025, the pilgrimage to Kailash for Indians is expected to open.

Indian pilgrims can expect to get the divine blessings from Lord Shiva. The positive developments in India-China relations during the BRICS Summit heighten the anticipation of opening the border. The peak season for doing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is already on the horizon. Besides pilgrims, trekkers and adventure seekers are also looking forward. They are already looking for the latest updates, permits, and how to plan for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage that holds very important religious beliefs and significance. The Hindu followers believe Mount Kailash at 6,638 meters is the home to Lord Shiva. Buddhists take this yatra as a journey to liberation and spiritual awakening. Likewise, Jains and Bon hold the belief that the place symbolizes purity and enlightenment.

Pilgrims travel from all over the world for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They believe, that doing this pilgrimage cleanses the person’s soul, mind, and body. Another iconic sacred landmark within this yatra is Lake Mansarovar. By doing rituals and bathing, pilgrims seek to cleanse sins and receive spiritual blessings. Hindus dream of visiting here once in their lifetime to receive a divine connection with God and inner peace.

The only stopping the Indian citizens to receive the blessing of Kailash Parbat is the restriction applied for Indian passport holders. But 2025 is believed to bring the changes by lifting the restrictions. The expectation and hope are high above for the opening of this pilgrimage in 2025. The only thing left behind is the official confirmation.

For a smooth trip to Kailash for Indian citizens, Access Nepal Tours and Trekking has already started accepting bookings for Indian citizens. To book in advance is a simple process; submit your passport photocopy and a passport-sized photograph. Due to the high demand and limited permit availability, bookings will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you Indian passport holder besides knowing is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indian citizens, it is important to stay informed about the entry regulations and physical fitness. The things you have to prepare before the reopening are:

1. The outside visitor needs a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. 
2. Prepare for trekking in cold weather conditions.
3. Prior training for maintaining physical fitness.
4. Trekking at high elevations.
5. Do proper health checkups and altitude training

Now, is the perfect time to start planning for this sacred journey with the expected 2025 reopening. This trek takes you to the heart of the Tibetan Himalayas. Besides pilgrimage or religious devotees, trekkers, adventure lovers, and those seeking mental peace can also do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

How much does Mansarovar Yatra cost from India?

Due to its religious significance, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is regarded as a well-known and respected pilgrimage among Indian devotees. The total cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India is ₹2.4 lakhs ($2,790 US dollars) per person. However, the cost may vary as per route, comfort, services, transportation, accommodation, meals, itinerary, and packages.

Government-Organized Routes:

• Lipulekh Pass: This is a traditional route for Indian citizens to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It is a 24-day tour that goes through Lipulekh Pass. The typical cost from this route of India is around ₹1.8 lakhs ($2,050 US dollars) per person. The recent infrastructural developments have reduced to 19 to 20 days making the cost exceed ₹2 lakhs ($2,278 US dollars) per person.
• Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): The route from Sikkim is overland route. It takes about 21 days to complete. Till 2019, the cost of Kailash Yatra via this route was around  ₹2.5 lakhs ($2,847 US dollars) per person.

Privately Organized Routes via Nepal:

• Overland Route: This route is one of the most popular routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The duration and comfort make it must must-take route among pilgrims. It is a 14-day package starting from Kathmandu. It typically costs you around ₹2 lakh ($2,278 US dollars) per person. citeturn0search0
• Helicopter Route: This route is most suitable for those traveling with the elderly and who are physically unfit. It provides the best and most luxurious experience. In comparison to another route, the package includes fewer days ranging from 5 to 11 days. The cost for the Helicopter route costs you between ₹2.3 lakhs ($2,619 US dollars) to ₹2.5 ($2,847 US dollars) lakhs per person.
• Lhasa Route: This route includes other itineraries like sightseeing in Lhasa. This route is quite expensive due to the many activities. It is a 14-day tour mostly preferred by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) due to its comprehensive itinerary.

Is it possible to go to Kailash Mansarovar from India?

Yes, it is possible to go to Kailash Mansarovar from India. Before the restrictions, Indian citizens used to travel from India through various routes. There are different routes available to go to Kailash Mansarovar from India. One route takes you directly from India, while the other takes you via Nepal. The route you can take to go to Kailash Mansarovar from India is given below:

1. GovernmentOrganized Routes:

The Indian government has made two main routes to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They are organized every year until the banning for Indian citizens.

• Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand): This route is very challenging and involves walking in high-altitude areas. The total duration of it is about 19 to 24 days. It is a traditional route from India to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): It is an overland route and easier than the Lipulekh Pass route. This route takes 21 days of itinerary.

2. Private Tours through Nepal:

The best and most comfortable way to reach Kailash Mansarovar is through Nepal. The free border pass between Nepal and India makes things more easy for Indian citizens. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal from India is a highly recommended route. Due to the short duration, comfort, and cheaper price, it is popular among pilgrims. There are two ways to reach Kailash Mansarovar through Nepal:

• Overland Route (via Kathmandu): It is a typical 14-day route. It is an overland route where you will travel by jeep or bus from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Tibet. This route also takes you to some of the other respected sacred temples in Nepal as well. It is less challenging and more convenient to travel with family.
• Helicopter Route: This route is suitable for those who want to travel in luxury, comfort, and short time. It is the shortest route among many. It takes you on a helicopter ride from Nepal to Kailash Mansarovar. It takes 5 to 11 days depending on the itinerary. It is quite expensive than others.

Can a normal person go to Kailash Mansarovar?

Yes, a normal person can also go to Kailash Mansarovar. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes you to one of the remote regions of the Himalayas in Tibet. However, that doesn’t mean the journey is easy. As you know to get the blessings from the divine energy or visiting a sacred place tests your devotion. Though everyone can go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it still requires a good level of fitness and strength.

1. Physical Fitness:

One of the most important aspects of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is physical fitness. It is a beginner-friendly trek but it still involves walking at the high altitude places. Walking in high altitudes demands good physical health, especially on the Lipulekh Pass route. This route involves trekking and difficult terrain. Due to the location and weather, there is a high risk of getting altitude sickness. The traveler has to drink plenty of water and acclimatize properly. Read health and safety tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

2. Age Limits:

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has age limits due to the difficulty and challenges it offers. The Indian government’s organized yatra accepts pilgrims between the ages of 18 and 70. This rule is especially required for Indian citizens. However, these rules can vary depending on the specific tour or route you choose.

3. Medical Checkup:

Before traveling in the remote or Himalayan region, it is suggested to do a prior medical checkup. Doing a check-up health to understand the physical condition of your body and prepare for the travel accordingly. If you are a patient with any of these health conditions like heart problems, asthma, or severe health issues may need to avoid the trek.

4. Permits:

Kailash is located in Tibet. Therefore, to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a traveler requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. However, if you go via Access Nepal, we will prepare and pay for all the permits and government fees.

5. Prepare Mentally:

The journey to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than a pilgrimage. Not only does it challenge physical capability, but it also requires good mental endurance. Throughout the journey keep you mindest positive and increase your endurance level.

Is China allowing Indian citizens to enter Kailash Mansarovar?

Many devotees from India are wondering if is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open to Indian citizens. No, China doesn’t allow Indian citizens to enter Kailash Mansarovar. As of now, there is no news of uplifting the restrictions applied for Indians to visit Kailash Mansarovar. But hope is there as it is said to reopen the entry for Indian citizens to enter Kailash Mansarovar.

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• 16 Days
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Current Situation:

Before the restrictions for Indian citizens to enter Kailash, the Indian government used to organize trips to Kailash Mansarovar every year. However, it completely came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political issues. Therefore, China didn’t approve of issuing permits for Indian citizens.

Meanwhile, it is said, that as of 2025, the Kailash pilgrimage is said to resume. The improving relationship between China and India speaks of the high chance of reopening for Indian citizens to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Why are Indians not Allowed to Visit Kailash Mansarovar?

The reason why did China ban Kailash or not allow Indian citizens to visit the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was because of political tensions between the two nations.

1. Political Issues Between India and China: The major reason for the restriction on Indian citizens from visiting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is the strained political relations between India and China. These political tensions led to the suspension of permits for Indian citizens to enter Tibet, where Kailash Mansarovar is located.
2. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Another reason is the pandemic which hugely affected the international travel and border controls of China with other nations. The border was closed to foreign visitors and affected the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian citizens as well.
3. Diplomatic Concerns: The diplomatic disagreements between India and China over border issues also affected getting the permits for entry. These tensions have occasionally led to temporary halts in issuing travel permits to Indian citizens.
4. Security and Management: The Kailash Mansarovar area is highly protected by the Chinese government. Due to its religious significance, it is a highly protected and sensitive region. The security, conservation, and friendly tourism have made China tightly control this area.

How far is Kailash Mansarovar from the Indian border?

The distance between Kailash Mansarovar and from Indian border depends on the route you choose:

• Via Lipulekh Pass the distance from the Indian border to Mount Kailash is about 100 km.
• The distance from the Indian border to Mansarovar Lake is about 90 km.
• Via Nathu La Pass, the distance from the Indian border to Mount Kailash is about 450 km.
• The distance from the Indian border to Mansarovar Lake is around 420 km.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra  2025 with Access Nepal!

There is a high chance for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be open again for Indian citizens by April 2025. To make your dream take you on this holy journey for blessings, Access Nepal has already opened bookings. The current situation shows the bright future ahead as it is expected to reopen the journey.