Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense religious significance for millions of devotees, particularly among Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bon followers. The pilgrimage to this holy site has long been a deeply cherished aspiration for Indian citizens, the majority of whom are Hindus and regard Kailash Mansarovar as a place of divine connection and spiritual fulfillment.
However, since 2019, the Indian citizens were not able to participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Which is why, the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian Citizens has become a subject of significant interest and concern for many, as this pilgrimage is not just a religious journey but a lifelong dream for countless Indian citizens. Hence, the blog “Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indian Citizens” aims to provide information on the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar for the Indian citizens given the importance of this holy pilgrimage for them.
Through this blog, it aims to keep the readers updated regarding the situation revolving around Kailash Mansarovar so that indian pilgrims can prepare themselves and be ready when the opportunity arises to once again set foot on this sacred path. The blog not only informs the pilgrims about the religious significance of the Yatra but also provides updated information on the practical aspects, such as route details and yatra requirements. It will continue to provide the latest update on Yatra status to let devotees stay informed about the pilgrimage that means so much to so many.
Learn About: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Facts
Below are some facts about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
Journey |
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra |
Trip Duration |
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Major Attractions |
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Starting Point and Ending Point |
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Average Elevation |
4000 m |
Maximum Elevation |
5600 m (Dolma La Pass) |
Best Season to visit |
May to September |
Documents required |
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Major Routes (for Indians) |
What is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage undertaken to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar located in the Tibet Autonomous region. This journey, which can be finished under a maximum of 17 days and minimum of 13 days, highlights major attractions such as Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, Kyirong town, Gauri Kunda, Yama Dwar, and so on. The attractions also depend upon the route taken, as the yatra can be completed by three major routes. For instance, if you’re travelling via Lhasa, the yatra involves exploration of the capital town Lhasa and north Everest Base Camp. The yatra includes drive/flight and 3 days of trek, where the duration differs by the transport method used.
The yatra is considered culturally, religiously, and spiritually significant as it is revered by four major religions, such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jain, and Bon followers. Each religion holds its own significance for the destinations. The Hindus consider Mount Kailash as the holy abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parbati. Similarly, in Buddhism, Mount Kailash, considered to be the mythological Mount Meru, is believed to be the home of the Buddha Demchok, who represents supreme bliss. As for Jain followers, they believe Mount Kailash as the site where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, attained liberation, while followers of the Bon religion see it as a spiritual axis of the world.
Beyond the religious significance, the yatra passes through various towns of Tibet where different monasteries can be seen, which showcases the cultural significance of the place. Moreover, many pilgrims undertake the yatra for being one of the challenging treks passing through rugged terrain, high altitude, and passes such as Dolma La Pass that challenge an individual's physical strength. Hence, the yatra is also renowned for being strenuous and adventurous. Additionally, the majestic landscapes and raw beauty of Tibet accompanies the 52 km, 3-day trek, making the yatra even more exciting and adventurous. Overall, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not only about the destination and its significance but also nature's grandeur over humans.
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Kailash Yatra Requirements for Indians
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most revered sites, is spiritually rewarding yet physically very demanding. Due to the remote location and high altitude, several requirements must be met to ensure that pilgrims can undertake this sacred journey safely and successfully. Given are some basic requirements that must be fulfilled to undertake the yatra:
Visa and Documentation
For anyone participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a passport is a mandatory document with a 9-month validity date. For Indian citizens, you will not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, for entering Tibet, you need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) along with the Chinese group visa. The visa and permits required to enter Tibet will be arranged by the tour operator you are travelling with, as you aren’t allowed to apply individually for this.
Eligibility
The yatra doesn’t have particular eligibility criteria. However, pilgrims participating are suggested to be no older than 75 years old. This is primarily due to the high-altitude trekking involved, which requires considerable stamina and endurance, something that becomes more difficult for older individuals. Pilgrims with conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure are recommended to consult their doctor before participating and make sure that they’re okay to travel in high altitude above 4000 m.
Health and Fitness
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is recognised as a challenging trek and hence demands good health both physically and mentally. The highest point of the trek reaches around 5600 m, where the oxygen level is significantly low, making it difficult to breathe, especially for those who are not acclimated properly. Spending time at intermediate altitudes before reaching the higher elevations is strongly recommended. Additionally, the yatra involves several days of strenuous trekking, especially the Kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, which is approximately 52 kilometres long and requires trekking over steep, uneven, and rocky terrain. As a result, a high level of physical endurance is necessary.
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Preparation
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Status for Indian Citizens
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, is also one of the most anticipated destinations for Indian citizens. The region has faced various restrictions and challenges leading to its restrictions for Indian citizens. The primary reason for the closure of this sacred site for Indian citizens was COVID-19, which was temporary. Later, there might seem to have been some border tension and political issues with the Chinese government, and hence they might not have been allowed to visit the destination since then.
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Current Status: According to the recent news from the MEA-India, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which was halted since 2019, will reopen to Indian citizens from 2025. Contact us through WhatsApp, Email, or Website for any inquiry.
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For New Updates: You can join our WhatsApp group for other updated information regarding Kailash Yatra.
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For Other Nationals: We are arranging group departures and private trips for the rest of the other nationals from Kathmandu.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes
There are various routes for Kailash Msansarovar Yatra with various transportation methods in use, including drive, flight, and helicopter ride. The most popular route is the driving route via Kyirong, whereas the route via helicopter is least used. Below are more details on the routes with the itinerary provided, respectively.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kyirong
Our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Drive via Kyirong offers a unique and enriching experience for pilgrims and adventurers. Starting in Nepal and passing through the scenic border town of Kyirong, this journey takes you through the majestic Tibetan plateau, where the sacred Mount Kailash and serene Mansarovar Lake await. With a well-planned itinerary, including acclimatization days and expert guidance, this route ensures a safe, comfortable and deeply spiritual experience amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Given below is the outline itinerary of this route:
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu Arrival. |
DAY 02: Visa Application, Kathmandu Sightseeing. |
DAY 03: Bhaktapur Sightseeing, Nagarkot Stay. |
DAY 04: Chandragiri Sightseeing. |
DAY 05: Packing and Final Preparation. |
DAY 06: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche or Syabrubesi or Timure. |
DAY 07: Drive to Kyirong. (2850 m) |
DAY 08: Kyirong Acclimatisation. |
DAY 09: Drive to Saga. (4500 m) |
DAY 10: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar. (4650 m) |
DAY 11: Drive to Darchen. (4700 m) |
DAY 12: Drive to Yama Dwara, Trek to Deruphuk. (5050 m) |
DAY 13: Trek to Zuthulpuk. (4800 m) |
DAY 14: Drive to Saga. |
DAY 15: Drive back to Kyirong. (2850 m) |
DAY 16: Drive to Kathmandu. |
DAY 17: Transfer to Airport. |
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kyriong
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa with Everest Base Camp is a remarkable route that combines spiritual pilgrimage with the cultural and natural wonders of Tibet. The journey crosses into Tibet through Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. A key highlight of this route is the opportunity to visit the North Everest Base Camp from the Tibetan side without the need for a strenuous trek. This allows pilgrims and adventurers to experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of Mount Everest from a close vantage point, one of the highest points accessible by road in the world. The outline itinerary of this route is provided below:
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu Arrival. |
DAY 02: Visa Application, Kathmandu Sightseeing. |
Day 03: Bhaktapur Sightseeing. |
DAY 04: Visa Collection, Trip Preparation. |
DAY 05: Fly to Lhasa. |
DAY 06: Lhasa Sightseeing. |
DAY 07: Lhasa Sightseeing. |
DAY 08: Drive to Shigatse, Enroute Sightseeing. |
DAY 09: Drive to Tingri (4348 m), Explore Everest Base Camp. |
DAY 10: Drive to Saga (4500 m) |
DAY 11: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar. (4650 m) |
DAY 12: Drive to Darchen. (4700 m) |
DAY 13: Drive to Yama Dwara, Trek to Deruphuk. (5050 m) |
DAY 14: Trek to Zuthulphuk, Drive to Darchen. (4650 m) |
DAY 15: Drive to Kyirong. |
DAY 16: Drive to Kathmandu. |
DAY 17: Departure. |
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Simikot
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter offers a faster way to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, ideal for the elderly to avoid the long drive of other routes. The route begins with a drive to Nepalgunj, followed by a helicopter ride to Hilsa and then a drive to Lake Mansarovar. Provided is the outlined itinerary for this route:
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu Arrival. |
DAY 02: Visa Application, Kathmandu Sightseeing. |
DAY 03: Bhaktapur Sightseeing. |
Day 04: Chandragiri Sightseeing. |
Day 05: Packing, Fly to Nepalgunj. |
Day 06: Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot. (2812 m) |
Day 07: Simikot to Hilsa to Taklakot. (3900 m) |
Day 08: Acclimatisation day at Taklakot. |
Day 09: Drive from Taklakot to Lake Mansarovar. (4650 m) |
Day 10: Drive to Yama Dwara, Trek to Derapuk. (5050 m) |
Day 11: Trek to Zuthulpuk. (4800 m) |
Day 12: Zuthulpuk to Hilsa or Simikot. |
Day 13: Hilsa to Simikot, Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. |
Day 14: Departure. |
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Simikot
Conclusion
Kailash Mansarovar has always been an anticipated destination for Indian citizens, given the location's religious and spiritual significance. This blog highlights the issues regarding the restriction of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2019 and talks about its current status for Indian citizens. Basically, the blog intends to fulfill the curiosity of the Indian pilgrims, whether it's open or not.
It majorly highlights the cultural and religious significance of the yatra that attracts millions of devotees around the world. The other content includes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra requirements, route details, and itineraries, each contributing to the preparedness of the pilgrims in case it reopens. It addresses the critical question of accessibility for Indian citizens, providing essential information about the Yatra’s current status, regulations, and any health and safety guidelines. Through this blog, it ensures that the pilgrims are well informed and equipped once the opportunity comes to them and wishes for a successful yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra currently open for Indian citizens?
Yes, as of December 18, 2024, an agreement between China and India enabled the resumption of the Kailash Yatra in 2025, according to MEA, India. For regular updates and more news regarding the Yatra, you can join our WhatsApp group.
How long does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra last for?
The duration of the yatra depends upon the route taken and also the type of transportation medium used. The yatra typically lasts for about 13 days at minimum and 17 days at maximum.
When will the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indians?
As the interest of devotees in the Kailash Mansarovar keeps growing, the reopening of the region was a subject of concern for many. While discussions regarding the opening might have been going on, finally, on December 18, 2024, the agreement between India and China has confirmed to reopen the Yatra for Indian citizens in 2025, according to a press release of MEA, India.
How can I register for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as an Indian?
As the reopening of the Kailash Yatra for Indian citizens is confirmed for 2025, you can directly register your trip through a reliable Kailash tour operator like us. Registration is typically done online, and the application process involves several steps, including document submission, visa application, and others.