Kailash Mansarovar is a very sacred pilgrimage site in the world. Each year thousands of pilgrims and adventure seeking people wish to see Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
But how to reach Kailash Mansarovar is much more important than just booking a flight. It is a high-altitude adventure which requires in depth planning, proper permits and the right travel route out of which many options are available.
In this blog we will explain the available routes. We will cover which is the best way to get to Kailash Mansarovar from Nepal and India, also we will include key travel tips and updates for 2025 and 2026.
Whether a first-time adventurer or an experienced, this guide will help you out on how to reach Kailash Mansarovar.
Where is Kailash Mansarovar Located?
Kailash Mansarovar is situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. In the western part of Tibet which is near the border of Nepal and India it is found. Mount Kailash which reaches to 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level.
Just by the mountain you’ll see a large freshwater lake which is Lake Mansarovar. This lake is to be noted as one of the highest in the world.
Hindus see it as home to Lord Shiva. Buddhists see the place as sacred which is related to Lord Buddha and various deities. For Jains this is the site of their first Tirthankara’s salvation. This mountain is a holy place for the Bon religion.
Can Foreigners Visit Kailash Mansarovar?
Yes, foreign travelers can go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra but only in a group. At present the Chinese government does not allow independent travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Foreigners must go through a registered travel agency for their trip. That which does the permits, guide, transport and accommodation is the travel agency. Without the proper visa and permits which we issue, foreigners are not allowed in this area.
Here are the primary documents required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
- A Chinese Tour Group visa (arranged by the travel agency).
- A Tibet Travel Permit.
- Military Permit and Alien Permits.
All foreign visitors travel in groups of at least 4 to 5 people from the same country. You will always need to have a Tibetan guide with you on your trip.
Main Routes on How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar
There are 4 primary ways to get to Kailash Mansarovar. Two of which pass through Nepal and are very popular with foreign tourists, NRIs and Indian passport holders that prefer private travel.
The other Kailash Yatra routes are run by the Indian government and are for Indian citizens only. We will go into each of them in detail.
Route 1: Kailash Yatra via Simikot Nepal
Nepal Simikot Kailash Route is a very scenic and spiritual route to Kailash Mansarovar. We start out with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a city in western Nepal.
From the airport in Nepalgunj you travel by air to Simikot a small town in the Humla district. You will fly in a helicopter or trek to Hilsa which is very close to the Nepal Tibet border.
Once at the border of Tibet in Hilsa you will see the town of Taklakot which also goes by the name Purang.
From there the overland trip by vehicle heads to Darchen which is the starting point for Mount Kailash. This route which also gives you great views of the Himalayas is ideal for adventure and spiritual seekers.
On this route we have many flights, weather issues to deal with and at time delays which are a result of high altitude. You will need to go through a registered tour agency for all your permits and visas. It takes between 10 to 15 days to finish the Kailash Yatra.
You might be interested to know 20 Mysterious facts of Kailash Mountain.
Route 2: Kailash Mansarovar Overland journey via Kerung (From Nepal)
The Kerung route is a very popular and easy choice for travelers in Nepal. We start out with a road trip from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi which is a border town near Tibet.
From that point travelers pass through the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border into Tibet. Once in Tibet the journey goes through towns such as Saga and Paryang before we reach Darchen which is near Mount Kailash.
This is a land-based route which does not include any domestic flights. That which we present to you is more affordable and has a better weather guarantee as compared to the Simikot route.
We see this route as one which gradually increases in altitude which in turn gives better acclimatization.
In 2025 this route is open which is perfect for foreign and NRI travelers looking for a calm overland journey to the holy mountain.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which goes for about 14 to 16 days is run by licensed tour companies in Nepal which also take care of the visa and permit issues.
Route 3: From India through Lipulekh Pass (Government Organized Yatra)
Kailash Yatra via Lipulekh route is run by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India which starts in Delhi where we find that only certain pilgrims go in for a health checkup and a brief orientation.
From the capital Delhi, pilgrims travel to Dharchula in Uttarakhand by road. Then they go to Gunji and Nabhidang for acclimatization before they cross into Tibet at the Lipulekh Pass.
On the Tibetan side which is of the route taken by travelers to Taklakot from where they drive to Darchen for the Kailash Parikrama. This route includes rough mountain roads and has extensive trekking especially near the pass.
In recent years the road between Tawaghat and Lipulekh has improved which in turn has made travel faster and safer.
In 2025 India brought back this Kailash Yatra out of a five-year hiatus which was caused by COVID and other regional issues. Only open to Indian citizens and in each batch of that which goes out 50 are chosen.
Route 4: Via Nathu La Pass (Only for Indian Citizens)
This is a similar government organized Yatra that which is less intense in terms of physical effort as compared to the Lipulekh route.
We begin in Delhi which is the point from which pilgrims fly to Gangtok in Sikkim. After passing health and security checks they travel by road to the Nathu La Pass and into Tibet.
From the Nathu La pass pilgrims travel by vehicle through Tibet which includes the major cities of Lhasa and Shigatse en route to Darchen.
For the most part this is a non-trekking route which is very much so put forward for senior and less physical pilgrims which still want to do that great holy journey.
The Nathu La route is also open to Indian citizens only. In 2025 the Indian government is to send through this route several batches also, and the total trip is for about 24 to 25 days.
The cost of Kailash Yatra from Nathu La Pass is a little more at between Rs 2.5 to Rs 2.8 lakh due to the long distance and accommodation arrangements.
Kailash and Manasarovar by Helicopter- It is possible?
Yes, Yatra to Kailash Mansarovar by helicopter is possible.
You will leave from Kathmandu for Nepalgunj and then board a plane to Simikot which is a very remote town in western Nepal. From Simikot there is the option of a helicopter ride to Hilsa which is near the Nepal Tibet border.
After reaching Hilsa we set off on foot for Tibet and then we continue our journey to Mount Kailash by road.
This flight from Nepalgunj for Kailash route is short, scenic, and for the many that prefer not to do the long overland trip. It reduces your total travel time and gets you to Kailash Mansarovar in a more comfortable setting.
However, it is a fact that in this region flight schedules are very much at the will of the weather which is especially true in Simikot and Hilsa.
In 2025 a full helicopter tour to Kailash is an option, use of helicopters for part of the journey is very popular and a great convenience. This is especially true for elderly pilgrims or those that are after a faster route.
How to get to Kailash Mansarovar by road?
Travel by road to Kailash Mansarovar Tour is a very popular and budget friendly option for many pilgrims and travelers.
It is a chance for you to see beautiful scenery, cultural villages, and a gradual elevation. We have two main road options via Nepal and via India.
1. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal Kerung Route
Nepal Kerung Route is the most convenient of road routes for travelers that have foreign and Indian passports which go via a Nepal based travel agency.
The travel begins in Kathmandu which is the start of a scenic drive to Syabrubesi, a small border town in the north of Nepal. From there we cross the border at Rasuwagadhi into Kerung which is in Tibet.
Once in Tibet we travel by car through high altitude towns like Saga, Paryang and Darchen which is also the base camp for Mount Kailash.
This overland route is a fully motorable one which does not involve trekking. On the Chinese side the road is very well developed which in turn makes for a smooth and trouble-free journey.
The Kerung route is for you if prefer a slow altitude gain and a more easy-going experience. We see this trip to range between 14 to 16 days in total which may vary according to the tour plan.
Here are the best 10 reasons why one must visit Kailash.
2. Through Road to India (Lipulekh Pass Route Government Organized)
Lipulekh route is run by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is for Indian citizens only.
We leave from Delhi which is also where we do health checkups and orientation. From Delhi we travel by road through the state of Uttarakhand which takes us to towns like Dharchula, Gunji, and Nabhidang.
From that point travelers pass through Lipulekh Pass into Tibet. On the Tibetan side buses take in pilgrims to Taklakot, then on to Darchen which is near Mount Kailash. This route has some trek at the border which requires fit individuals, but for the most part the journey is by road.
Conclusion
Visiting Kailash Mansarovar is an incredible experience of peace, devotion, and adventure. You can get there by road via Nepal or India or we have helicopter options. Each route is beautiful and in its own special way.
No which ever path you pick you will need the right permits, a trusted travel agent, and some preparation. But once you get to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar the experience will stay with you forever.
At Himalayan Trekking and Tours, we have fixed departure dates and group tours for Kailash Yatra.
We handle it all from securing permits and guides to transport and accommodations which will give you peace of mind.
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