Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Tour Highlights

• ​​​​​Spiritual journey to Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
• Scenic overland drive from Kathmandu to Tibet across valleys, rivers, and the vast Tibetan plateau.
• Holy rituals and meditation by Lake Mansarovar, with the chance to take a dip in its sacred waters.
• Three day Kailash Parikrama (Kora), including the crossing of Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest and most challenging point of the journey.
• Visits to cultural and religious sites in Kathmandu Valley such asPashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath.
• Breathtaking views of Himalayan giants including Shishapangma, Gurla Mandhata, and the surrounding Tibetan peaks.
• Acclimatization days in Nyalam and Saga for a safer and more comfortable journey.
• Chance to join special departures during the Full Moon or the auspicious Year of the Horse 2026.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Overview

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (also spelled Kailash Manasarovar Yatra) is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the world. Over 15 days, this journey takes you from Kathmandu in Nepal across the Tibetan plateau to two holy sites: Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m). Both hold deep spiritual meaning for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, and for centuries have been places of devotion and transformation.

The yatra begins in Kathmandu with visits to important heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath. Once the Tibet Group Visa is arranged, the road journey leads through Syabrubesi and Kerung, winding past valleys and villages before opening onto the vast Tibetan plateau. Here, the scenery shifts from terraced fields and rivers to sweeping high-altitude deserts framed by snowcapped peaks.

Reaching Lake Mansarovar is one of the best moments of the journey. Pilgrims gather to pray, meditate, and sometimes bathe in its sacred waters, believed to cleanse the soul and bring blessings. From here, the trail continues to Darchen, the gateway to the Kailash Parikrama.

The three-day parikrama (kora) around Mount Kailash is the spiritual heart of the pilgrimage. Starting at Yama Dwar, the route follows valleys and rivers before climbing over Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the most challenging but also the most rewarding point of the trek. Along the way, pilgrims pass sacred sites such as Gauri Kund and Zutulpuk Monastery, each carrying its own significance.

After completing the circuit, the route returns through Saga and Nyalam before crossing back into Nepal. The yatra concludes in Kathmandu, giving you time to rest, reflect, and carry home memories of a sacred landscape that stays with pilgrims for life.

If you have long carried the wish to see Kailash and Mansarovar, this is the time to take the first step.

What to Expect from the 15 Days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Many itineraries rush through the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to save time, but we focus on making your journey meaningful and comfortable. Our itinerary is designed to give you both comfort and meaning. It moves at a steady pace with enough time for rest, acclimatization, and spiritual moments. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Spiritual Start in Kathmandu: Visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath help set the tone for the pilgrimage.

• Overland Drive to Tibet: The road crosses valleys, rivers, and mountain passes before opening into the wide Tibetan plateau. Each stop is paced for comfort and acclimatization.

• Sacred Lake Mansarovar: Time is given for puja, meditation, and reflection by the holy waters. You can take part in rituals or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• The Kailash Parikrama: The three-day walk around Mount Kailash includes the crossing of Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters. It is the toughest part of the journey but also the most rewarding.

• Simple Stays and Meals: Accommodation is basic but sufficient, with warm meals and local hospitality to keep you comfortable along the way.

• Faith and Endurance: The yatra is both physically challenging and transformative. With careful pacing, the journey becomes an experience of inner peace and devotion.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not only about reaching a destination. It is about the people you meet, the prayers you share, and the silent moments when you feel connected to something greater than yourself.

Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar – When Should You Go?

The best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar is from May to September. During these months, the weather in Tibet is relatively stable, making the journey safer and more comfortable. Daytime temperatures usually range between 10°C and 20°C, which is mild enough for walking and performing rituals by the lake. Nights can still be cold, especially at higher altitudes, but the skies are often clear, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

This season also coincides with important festivals, the most significant being Saga Dawa, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. Many pilgrims choose to time their journey around this festival to add a deeper cultural and spiritual dimension to their yatra.

Travel outside these months is not recommended. From October to April, heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and road closures make the region difficult and sometimes impossible to access.

If you are looking for the most rewarding experience, plan your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra between late spring and early autumn, when the landscapes are colorful, the weather is cooperative, and the spiritual energy of the region feels at its peak.

Many pilgrims reserve their seats months in advance for these ideal months, especially around Saga Dawa festival.

Preparing for the Yatra (Fitness, Health, and Acclimatization Needs)

Many first-time pilgrims worry about Dolma La Pass, but with the right pacing and preparation, most find it easier than they expected. At 5,630 meters, this high mountain pass is the toughest part of the journey, where thin air makes every step more demanding. Preparing in advance with regular walks, light hikes, or yoga helps build the stamina needed to face it calmly.

Since much of the yatra takes place above 4,000 meters, altitude is the main challenge. Our itinerary includes rest days in places like Nyalam and Saga to help your body adjust gradually. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and walking at a steady pace also make a big difference.

You don’t need to be an athlete to join this journey, but you should have a healthy heart, lungs, and general stamina. Anyone with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or chronic asthma should seek medical advice before booking.

With the right preparation and an open mindset, most pilgrims discover that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not only achievable but also strengthening, both physically and spiritually.

For a deeper breakdown of the trek’s difficulty and tips for Dolma La Pass, read our blog: "How Difficult is Kailash Parikrama (Kora)? Everything You Need to Know"

Different Ways to Experience the Kailash Yatra

Not every Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the same. Pilgrims choose different times, routes, and occasions depending on their faith, travel needs, or spiritual goals. Here are some special ways to experience the yatra:

The Spiritual Energy of Full Moon Kailash Yatra

Experiencing a full moon night at Lake Mansarovar is considered one of the most powerful parts of the yatra. The moonlight shining on the clear waters creates a divine atmosphere that pilgrims describe as surreal and deeply peaceful. Many believe that bathing and meditating here during the full moon helps cleanse past karma and brings spiritual awakening. With Mount Kailash glowing in the background, it becomes a rare spiritual moment very few will ever experience in life.

If you wish to plan your journey during this special time, please do contact us via WhatsApp to reserve your spot, so you don’t miss this rare and deeply spiritual experience.

New Route Update for Kailash Yatra 2025

The Kailash Yatra has resumed via the traditional Kodari–Zhangmu–Nyalam route, which was the main pathway before COVID-19. The Syabrubesi–Kerung route is currently closed due to floods, so the Nyalam route is the safe and accessible option.
Revised plan:

• Drive to Nyalam and stay 2 nights for acclimatization

• Continue to Saga on Day 3

• After completing the parikrama, return to Kathmandu via Saga–Nyalam–Kodari

Kailash Yatra for Indian Passport Holders

Finally, the kailash yatra is now open for Indian nationals through the Simikot–Hilsa route and the Kodari–Tatopani route.

Important travel requirements:

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date

• Minimum of 2 blank visa pages for entry/exit stamps

Now, Indian pilgrims can join fixed departures arranged under these routes, and have thier lifelong spiritual dream come to reality.

Why 2026 Is a Sacred Year of the Horse for the Yatra

In the Tibetan calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Horse, a time believed to carry special spiritual power. It is said that completing the Kailash Parikrama during this year multiplies the merit of the pilgrimage many times over. The Horse Year comes only once every 12 years, and for many pilgrims, it is the most auspicious time to undertake the yatra. If you are planning ahead, 2026 offers a rare and powerful opportunity to walk the sacred path around Mount Kailash.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost 2025/2026 – What You Should Know

The cost of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025/2026 starts from USD 2,650 to USD 2,850 per person, depending on group size, permits, and travel arrangements. The main reason it costs more than other Himalayan trips is the requirement for a Tibet Travel Permit and special visa, which are included in the package.

At Himalayan Joy Adventure, we offer different prices for the 15 days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra based on the group size. Please see the details below:

We keep the cost transparent with no hidden charges. Our experience in organizing the yatra means you can focus fully on your spiritual journey while we handle the logistics.

To know more about the cost of the 15 days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, send us a message on WhatsApp.