Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a revered pilgrimage that holds a special place in the hearts of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon followers. This spiritual journey takes pilgrims to the remote and rugged region of Tibet, China, where they embark on a sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash and a visit to Lake Mansarovar, believed to be the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and a source of spiritual rejuvenation. The yatra can be completed either on foot or by taking the 4500 CC land cruisers, helicopters, and luxury AC buses. There is pre-booking done either through the Ministry of External Affairs or a private tour in Nepal or Tibet. It takes nearly 10 to 30 days to complete the yatra which includes the medical health check-up too that takes place in Delhi.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Registration

Applying for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a significant journey, and it's essential to follow the proper procedure. Here are the steps to register for the yatra:

Before filling the online application, make sure to review the following conditions and eligibility criteria:
Conditions for Application:

You must possess a valid ordinary Indian passport with a minimum validity of six months as of 01 September of the current year.
It is your responsibility to provide accurate and complete information, including correct name spellings and date of birth.
Providing incorrect or false information, or concealing any material facts, will lead to disqualification at any stage of the process, including during the Yatra, and any payments made will be forfeited.
You must indicate your preferences for both the routes.
You can also select an end-point to conclude your Yatra on the return leg, choosing either Dharchula or Gangtok for Route-1 (Lipulekh) and Delhi for both routes.
All fields in the application form are compulsory.

Before you start the application, ensure you have the following items ready:
1. Scanned copy of your passport size photograph in JPG format (not exceeding 300 kb in size).

Passport is mandatory for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as Mount Kailash is located in China-occupied Tibet. China also supplies visas and permit for the yatra. Only group visas are issued, so the yatra has to be done through tour operators.

2. Scanned copy of your passport, including the page containing your photo and personal particulars, and the last page containing family details in PDF format (not exceeding 500 kb in size).
3. If you are applying with another person, make sure to have the above items (1 and 2) ready for them as well.
Once you have all the necessary documents and information ready, you can proceed with the online registration. After successfully registering your application, follow these steps:

Take a printout of the application form and keep it for your reference.
You will receive an SMS and email confirmation after the successful submission of your application.

Note: A single user account allows a maximum of two registration forms to be submitted if two people wish to undertake the yatra together in a batch.

Register here

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2024 Dates

Scheduled between June and August 2025.

Selection Process for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Draw of Lots: Yatris are chosen by a computer-generated, random selection process conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs. Efforts are made to accommodate requests for traveling in the same batch, with a maximum of two persons per group.
Intimation: Selected applicants receive automated notifications via email and SMS. Status updates can also be checked through the IVRS helpline at 011-24300655.

Conditions

Batch Allocation: Once assigned to a batch, it is generally not changed. Requests for batch changes may be considered under specific circumstances, subject to availability.
Confirmation Amount: Selected applicants must confirm their participation by depositing a non-refundable confirmation amount into the designated bank account of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) or Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) before the specified cut-off date.
Payment Deadline: Failure to make the payment by the cut-off date results in the Yatri moving from the selected list to the waitlist. Vacancies created are then filled based on priority.
Reconfirmation: Confirmed Yatris may need to reconfirm their participation before their Delhi arrival. Failure to do so may lead to batch removal.
Reporting: Confirmed Yatris must arrive at Delhi Heart & Lung Institute (DHLI) as per the batch itinerary. Failure to do so may result in batch removal. All Yatris in a batch must travel together.
Waitlist Inclusion: Registered/waitlisted Yatris can report at DHLI to fill vacancies caused by dropouts.
Required Documents: Confirmed Yatris must bring specific documents, including a valid Indian passport, photographs, indemnity bond, emergency evacuation consent, and cremation consent.
Document Compliance: Non-compliance with document requirements may lead to Yatris being barred from the Yatra. Ministry decisions in this regard are final and not subject to appeal.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route

Nepal Route (Overland via Kathmandu and Kerung)

Starting Point: Kathmandu, Nepal
Entry to Tibet: Through the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border.
Journey Mode: Mostly by road (Land Cruiser or bus), trekking only around Mount Kailash
Key Stops: Kathmandu → Syabrubesi → Kerung → Saga → Mansarovar → Kailash.
Trekking: Only 3 days around Mount Kailash.
Visa: Chinese group visa + Tibet permits (handled in Kathmandu).
Time: Around 14–16 days.
Physical Effort: Moderate — long drives and high-altitude trek.

Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)

Starting Point: Delhi → Kathgodam → Dharchula → Lipulekh Pass.
Entry to Tibet: Via Lipulekh Pass (India-China border).
Journey Mode: Long-distance trekking + road travel inside Tibet.
Key Stops: Delhi → Kathgodam → Dharchula → Gunji → Lipulekh → Taklakot → Mansarovar → Kailash.
Trekking: Intense — about 200 km of trekking.
Visa: Through the Indian government’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Time: Around 23–25 days.
Physical Effort: Very high — suited only for physically strong and trained travelers.

kailash mansarovar yatra, kailash mansarovar yatra route — Source

Nathu La Pass Route (via Sikkim, India)

Starting Point: Delhi → Gangtok → Nathu La Pass.
Entry to Tibet: Via Nathu La (India-China border).
Journey Mode: Mainly by road — small trekking only near Kailash.
Key Stops: Delhi → Gangtok → Nathu La → Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Mansarovar → Kailash.
Trekking: Very little — most travel is by bus.
Visa: Permits coordinated by Indian authorities.
Time: Around 21–23 days.
Physical Effort: Low to medium — easier journey overall.

Kailash Mansarovar Aerial Darshan (via Lucknow → Nepalgunj)

Starting Point: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mode: Short domestic flight or drive to Nepalgunj (Nepal).
Flight Darshan:From Nepalgunj, a special mountain flight is operated — you get aerial darshan of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar from Indian/Nepalese airspace without entering China.
Journey Plan: Lucknow → Nepalgunj (stay 2 nights) → Mountain flight → Return to Lucknow.
Visa/Permit:No Chinese visa, no Tibet permit needed.
Time: Around 2 Nights / 3 Days.
Trekking: None. The entire darshan is aerial from the aircraft.
Physical Effort: Minimal. Suitable for senior citizens, people with health issues, or anyone with limited time

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Parikrama

Once the pilgrims reach Mount Kailash after going through the rigorous trek, they need to walk around the peak of the mountain in either clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. This is known as 'parikrama'. Some people who cannot perform the ritual on foot are provided with the option of either hiring a yak or a pony.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is a mountain that stands 21,778 feet tall. Every year, people flock to the place to witness its beauty and grandeur. Mount Kailash is situated amongst the mighty Himalayan ranges in the Southwestern corner of Tibet and is considered as one of the highest points of the world. In addition to all this, it is also the source of four mighty rivers of Asia including the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, the Indus, and the Sutlej. Above all this, what makes the place much visited is the spiritual significance that it holds. People belonging to different religions surely pay a visit to this spectacular pilgrimage center.

Religious Significance of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake

The Kailash Mountain along with the Mansarovar Lake forms the heart of spiritual Asia. Mansarovar is composed of two words- 'Manas' meaning mind and 'Sarovar' meaning lake. According to Hindu mythology, the Mansarovar Lake was first created in the mind of Lord Brahma hence justifying its name. It is believed by the Hindu religion that Mount Kailash was the place where Lord Shiva resided and is therefore considered as the demonstration of heaven.

As per the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhists, Kailash Mountain is believed to be the abode of Buddha Demchok who represents harmony. Similarly, according to Jainism, Mount Kailash also known as Mount Ashtapada is where the creator of their religion, Rishabhadeva, achieved freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Mansarovar Lake is a beautiful spot that lies at a distance of 20 kilometres from Mount Kailash at the height of 15,015 feet. It signifies purity and is said to wash off sins committed by humans in their lives. The lake is believed to change colours. It is blue near the shores which eventually turns to emerald green towards the centre.

Other Major Attractions on Yatra

Apart from the Mansarovar Lake, pilgrims are also likely to come across some other very beautiful and unique places including Tirthapuri where pilgrims take a bath in spring pools after finishing their Yatra, Gauri Kund which is famously known as the lake of compassion, Yam Dwar which is the starting point of the Yatra, Asthapad which is the base of Mount Kailash and Tarboche which is the flagpole where numerous prayer flags are present. This spot holds significance regarding Tibetan spirituality.