Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route

The trek to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route is a pilgrimage journey. Due to its significant spiritual meaning, devotees from all over the world want to visit at least once in their lifetime. Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar distance is over 820 kilometers. It’s an odyssey that takes you to some of the most sacred places on earth. The route is located in the Himalayas region of Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds a huge religious meaning for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon devotees.

The Kailash Parbat is taken as a home to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route takes you to one of the sacred sites, Lake Mansarovar. The crystal clear ice cold water is taken as holy water where devotees baths with the belief that it cleanses all the sins. The clear water reflects the beautiful snow-capped mountains surrounding it. It gives travelers the best views to clear the mind and soul.

However, it is essential to know the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Due to its remote location and weather conditions, this trip challenges the trekkers’ bodies and minds. As you know, nobody can stop a believer’s faith. For them, the reward is profound, and that’s why they take this challenge. Another most seek destination in Kailash is Kailash Parikrama also known as Kailash Kora. Pilgrims circle the holy mountain Kailash which is believed to cleanse the sins and get spiritual blessings. The Kailash Kora takes a 52-kilometer to complete.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has multiple routes to complete. One of the most popular Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route is via Nepal. It is the traditional overland route or you can also take a heli flight to Tibet from Nepal. Another alternative Kailash Mansarovar route is the Lhasa route and the Lipulekh Pass route through India. Passing through rugged terrains, high passes, and landscapes, this destination is suitable for adventure-seeking trekkers.

This blog is for those devotees and trekkers who are planning this spiritual trip. We will tell you in detail about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route to make your journey easy and safe. Do you know the facts Why Mount Kailash is unclimbable?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route

The trip to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not only for devotees, it is a destination suitable for the trekking enthusiast also. It is the home to scared mountain Mount Kailash (6,638m/ 21,778ft) and Lake Mansarovar. Located in the heart of Tibet, it is a popular destination among people who are seeking spiritual enlightenment. It is a must-go sacred site once in a lifetime among pilgrims because it’s believed that it will cleanse the sins.

There are various options for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Visitors can choose the one convenient to them according to their accessibility, duration, and difficulty. For a better understanding, we have listed detailed information on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route:

1. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Nepal:

This route is the most popular choice among Kailash Yatra visitors. Due to more flexibility and convenient choice, it is the most sought-after route. From Nepal, trekkers get two options: overland and helicopter.

Route 1: Overland Route (Kathmandu to Kailash via Keyring)

• The duration of an overland route to Kailash Mansarovar is 16 days.
• It is a moderate-level trek.
• The best option for pilgrims looking for comfort along with trekking adventure.
• Affordable and budget-friendly.

Overview:

The overland Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route from Nepal starts from Kathmandu, the capital city. The first 4 days of its itinerary include the sightseeing of Kathmandu and takes you to the respected sacred temple of Hindus including the Ram Janaki Temple at Janakpur. This is required due to the time-consuming visa procedures. From Kathmandu, the overland route takes you to the Rasuwa Gadhi (border) and crosses into Keyrong, Tibet. Overnight stay for acclimatization. It is a crucial part of the itinerary to adjust the body with high altitude.

From Keyrong, pilgrims have to pass through Saga until reaching Lake Mansarovar. It is the main part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package. Here, pilgrims take a holy dip to cleanse their souls. Then, the trek leads you to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash. After some preparation, pilgrims start the expedition for Kailash Parikrama (Kora). You have to walk for 52 kilometers to complete the kora.

Continuously, the trek moves forward crossing through Dolma La Pass (5,648m) and returning to Kathmandu following the same route.

Route 2: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route via Helicopter (Kathmandu via Simikot & Hilsa)

• It is the second most popular Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route.
• This route is popular for those who are looking for luxury, short, and faster routes.
• It takes 10 to 12 days to complete the trek.
• It is a moderate-level trek.
• Suitable for elderly pilgrims.

Overview:

This route starts with the flight from Kathamndu to Neplagunj. From here, you will take another domestic flight to Simikot. It is a small Himalayan town in the Humla district of Karnali zone in Nepal. From Simikot, pilgrims will take a helicopter to Hilsa. It is a village near the Tibetan border.

Pilgrims will cross the border and the journey continues until reaching Taklakot (Burang). You have to stay here for another to acclimatize your body in the high altitude. It is a crucial part of the high-altitude trek to prevent the trekkers from getting altitude sickness.

The trek continues until reaching our main destination Kailash Mansarovar Lake. After bathing in this holy water, this yatra moves forward towards the Darchen. We stay for the night preparing for another sacred activity, Kailash Parikrama. Once we complete all these activities, the return journey starts following the same route.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from India (GovernmentOrganized):

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via India is a pilgrimage organized by the Indian government. It takes quite a long to complete the whole pilgrimage due to the distance from India to Tibet. The government of India provides two official Kailash Mansarovar Yatra routes. It is looked after by the Ministry of External Affairs:

Route 1: Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand, India)

• It takes between 23 to 25 days to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• The difficulty level is very challenging.
• Suitable for trekking enthusiasts.
• Expensive in comparison to the Nepal route.

Overview:

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via India begins from Delhi. The journey continues as we pass through Kathgodam, until reaching Dharchula. From here on, we will trek to the Narayan Ashram and Gunji. Acclimatization is included between these days to adapt to significant altitude gain.

Trekkers or pilgrims have to be very careful from here on as the route is quite difficult. The significant altitude gains make the walking more challenging. Once we prepare our body, the trek continues to Lipulekh Pass (5,334m). It is located at the Indo-Tibetan border. We will cross the border and we will drive to Taklakot until reaching Lake Mansarovar.

From Lake Mansarover, we will head towards the Drachen, Base Camp of Mount Kailash for Parikrama. From here on we will return back following the same route.

Route 2: Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim, India)

• It takes 21 to 23 days to complete.
• The difficulty level is moderate.
• Suitable for people who are looking for a road journey instead of trekking.

Overview:

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Nathu La Pass is another challenging and long trip. In comparison to the route from Nepal, it is double lengthy and exhausting. The trip starts from Delhi and takes you to Gangtok, Sikkim. It is a popular hilltop village. If you have enough time you can add extra days and activities to enjoy the beauty of this beautiful town.

From Sikkim, the journey continues as we cross the border via Nathu La Pass entering Tibet. Pilgrims can enjoy the scenic drive as it takes you to the beautiful places of Tibet. You will drive through Lhasa, Shigatse, and Saga. After a rest day, the journey continues until reaching Lake Mansarovar.

After the spiritual bath in Mansarovar Lake, the trek starts to Darchen. This place is a base camp where pilgrims stay to prepare for the Kailash Parikrama and acclimatize with altitude. Once we complete the Parikarma of Mount Kailash, the return journey starts following the same route.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route via Lhasa (ChinaTibet Route)

• China Tibet route takes 15 to 17 days to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• It is a moderate-level trek.
•  Suitable for travelers who want to explore more of the Tibet.

Overview:

Among many Kailash Mansarovar Yatra routes, the China-Tibet Route is one of the most famous routes. This Kailash Mansarovar yatra from this route starts with the flight to Lhasa. It is the capital city of Tibet. Travelers usually stay for a few days in the process of acclimatization and exploring the city. You can get the chance to visit some of the popular landmarks of Lhasa like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace.

From here on, the overland journey starts as the pilgrims pass through places like Shigatse and Saga. After spending a night at Saga, the trek continues to our main destination, Lake Mansarovar. On the next day, it takes the pilgrims to Darchen for the preparation of Kailash Parikram of Mount Kailash. Once the Kora is completed, the trekkers have to return back following the same Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via China Tibet.

Which Route is Best for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The overland route from Nepal is the best route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Most of the trekkers and pilgrims going for the pilgrimage to Kailash prefer this route. It is one of the cheapest and budget-friendly among other routes. Due to its popularity, this route is quite crowded in comparison to other Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route

Compared with other routes, the overland route from Nepal is the most safe and comfortable. It is also the shortest route that takes you to the Mansarovar Lake and the base of Kailash. The trails are also much more developed. The difficulty level of the overland route from Nepal to Kailash Mansarovar is moderate.

Beginner trekkers can also do Kailash Mansoravr Yatrs. The only thing you have to do is prepare your body and follow the instructions of the guide. Throughout the journey, pilgrims don’t have to walk that much as the route mainly follows well-maintained roads. The overland route from Nepal is suitable for all age groups of people. The journey is much smoother and easier.

Why It Is Best?

1. This route doesn’t demand prior trekking experience.
2. You have to travel mostly by vehicle.
3. Doesn’t require trekking in difficult mountain trails and rugged terrains.
4.  It has a short itinerary and saves time.
5. You don’t have to fear flight cancellations due to weather as it involves road travel.
6. Ideal for the elderly and families as it gives them the chance to experience this spiritual journey together.

Itinerary of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route from Nepal

1. Kathmandu to Kerung (Nepal-Tibet Border): The journey starts from the Kathmandu. While waiting for the visa approval pilgrims can visit other sacred sites of Hindu like Pashupatinath Temple and Ram Janaki Temple. Once you get a visa, the trip starts with the drive from Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadhi (Kerung border). The drive takes about 78 hours.
2. Kerung to Saga (Tibet): Once we cross the border and enter Tibet, the trip continues with a scenic road drive. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes throughout the drive. Once we reach Saga, pilgrims have to stay for the day. It is acclimatization day crucial for preventing altitude sickness. Traveling in high-altitude regions, you have to be very careful and take care of your body. Throughout the trek drink plenty of water and walk slowly.
3. Saga to Lake Mansarovar: From Saga, the real journey starts as we head towards Lake Mansarovar. The beautiful sight of the crystal blue lake and Mt.Kailsh standing beside is a sight for the eyes. All pilgrims take holy baths and do some rituals according to their religion near the lake.
4. Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (Base of Kailash): After finishing all the rituals at Lake Mansarovar, we will head towards another sacred destination. Our main goal is to reach Darchen for the Kailash Parikrama. The drive from Lake Mansarovar to Darchen is short. Once we reach there, we will prepare for the Kora.
5. Kailash Parikrama: To complete the Kailash Parikrama it takes 3 days. Pilgrims have to trek through Dirapuk, Dolma La Pass, and Zuthulpuk. Kora is mostly done by the pilgrims who have “Bhakal” which means a promise they had made to God after their wish came true. Those who find it difficult especially the elderly and children do parikrama with the help of yaks or ponies.
6. Return Journey: After completing the Parikram of Mount Kailash, the return journey starts. The route is the same as you used to come to Kailash.

Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost:

The Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost $2790 US dollars per person. Access Nepal offers the best deal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It is an all-inclusive package.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package of Access Nepal includes the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, guides, and porters throughout the trek. It also includes activities like sightseeing of Sacred Temples in Kathmandu Valley and a trip to Ram Janaki Temples. However, the price may vary according to the services you choose.

Don’t miss your chance to visit this sacred place as the trip for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is now open. Access Nepal guarantees you to give you the best trip of your life. With an affordable price, gift yourself with this ritual journey as the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is on the horizon.