Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Wi-Fi and Internet Guide for Pilgrims

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritual and difficult pilgrimage for a traveler. Although the scenic mountains and lakes, and monasteries are quite unforgettable, being in touch throughout the yatra may be problematic.  

To most travelers, it is only necessary to know where they can get the internet and mobile service to keep in touch with family, to update or even to get around the route.  

We will provide details of the Wi-fi and mobile connectivity throughout the Kailash Yatra route, from Kathmandu to Darchen, and along the Parikrama of Kailash Mountain.  

We will also discuss the type of SIM cards that are compatible, where to buy them, and the cost for Wi-Fi and connectivity. 

Wi-Fi and Internet Connectivity Along the Routes 

During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one needs to plan to stay in touch. There is a difference in the route between the internet and mobile networks, and the connection differs significantly depending on the location.  

Travelers will find Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Wi-Fi accessible upto Darchen. When the Parikrama begins, you will no longer have Wi-Fi. 

Kathmandu  

Kathmandu has good and stable connectivity. All sims cover the entire city with a mobile network, and free Wi-Fi Internet is available in many hotels and cafes.  

The city offers the best opportunities to activate any new SIM card and recharge any devices.  

It is the most appropriate time to download offline copies of maps, applications, and other crucial documents prior to going to areas where internet connectivity is poor.  

Before leaving the city, travelers can place calls, keep in touch with their family and friends, and post photos.  

Kerung / Kyirong  

Kerung (Kyirong) is a small Tibetan town on the border. Wi-Fi in some hotels is slow, and mobile networks are not found everywhere.  

Mobile data (SIM cards used during Yatra) can be done using Chinese cards in this case. It can be considered a good opportunity to download offline materials, read and reply to messages, because the connection can become weak on another planet.  

Before accommodation is settled in, travelers should also ensure that their lodges have Wifi.  

Dongba  

Dongba is a small village where the level of connectivity is low. In some guesthouses, Wi-Fi can be present, but it is usually slow and unreliable. In some places, mobile networks can be patchy sometimes. 

Travelers must not count on access to internet here and they are supposed to make prior communication arrangements. This section of the trail provides an opportunity to be distracted a little and have a glimpse of the distant scenery.  

Mansarovar 

You will have no Wi-Fi connection around Lake Mansarovar. A limited number of lodges and guesthouses have mobile signals working in some locations, but not everywhere. 

This time can help the travelers to back up the photos or to send important messages or just to have a rest and recharge the devices. 

Darchen  

The destination of the major stop over before starting the Parikrama around Mount Kailash is Darchen. There are hotels with free Wi-Fi and mobile networks provided in the town.  

This is the last stage to make a call, message, and update before going into the offline section of the trip.  

The travelers ought to leave their devices fully charged and communicate to family or friends about their intentions before leaving Darchen.  

Dirapuk

After starting the Parikrama with Dirapuk, there is no Wi-Fi connectivity whatsoever. Yatris are encouraged to use the map for applications that are pre-downloaded, printed printouts, and offline applications to aid navigation.  

It is suggested that power banks and solar chargers should be given, and the facilities are not numerous along the Kora route. 

This initial day is the beginning of the face-to-face experience, which lets travelers disconnect and immerse themselves in the experience.  

Zuthulpuk

On the second day of the Kora, which passes through Zuthulpuk, there is nothing like Wi-Fi or mobile network along this route.  

Before traveling, one ought to be able to plan to take the necessary items, food, and emergency contacts, ready.  

This section of the travel also gives a chance to have a more spiritual experience, without electronic devices, because the views around are isolated and untouched.  

Which SIM Card Can Be Used for the Kailash Yatra?  

Chinese SIM cards can be used by those who want to use their mobile phone in Tibet. The Nepali SIM cards worked as far as the Nepal-Tibet border. 

China Mobile or China Unicom are popular Chinese SIM cards which are suitable because they provide decent coverage even in towns like Kerung, Dongba, Mansarovar and Darchen. 

The thing is that in Tibet it is better to use a local SIM card to be able to check maps, have access to the information about the travel, and be constantly in contact with guides or lodges on the way.  

You need to ensure that your phone is unlocked and is compatible with Chinese networks before buying it.  

SIM Cards Purchase Location and Cost in Kailash Yatra 

At various locations, SIM cards of the Kailash Yatra are sold. Chinese SIM cards are sold in Nepal-Tibet border called Kerung.  

SIM cards are also sold in Darchen once in Tibet. The hotel staff or the traveling agencies can refer you to licensed sellers.  

The estimated price of a SIM card is 200-300CNY, which depends on the amount of data package. One can also purchase prepaid data packages which are normally valid throughout the Yatra.  

You can purchase the SIM card prior to beginning the Parikrama. Once you go inside Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk, then there is no network anywhere till you get back to Darchen.  

Cost for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi services are not widely spread, and usually only provided in hotels and guesthouses on the way to Darchen.  

In Darchen and Mansarovar, free Wi-fi is common in a few lodges with others charging a bit. Prices of the paid Wi-Fi can be in the range of 20-50CNY/day, depending on the hotel and speed of connection. 

Throughout the Kora of Kailash, there is no Wi-Fi or cell phone connection, and therefore the traveling guests must make sure that all the online communication is complete before commencing the Kora.  

Most of the lodges urge guests to make the most of this offline period as an opportunity to unplug and savor the spiritual experience.