Difficulty: hard

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter and Overland: A Clear Guide for NRI and OCI Pilgrims

11 days / 10 nights
11 days
10 nights

- Best time: May to September; May, June and September are the steadiest. Passes shut November to February. -

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Overview

Tour overview

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes you to Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, and to holy Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, China. You walk the sacred 3-day parikrama of about 52 km and cross the Dolma La pass near 5,600 metres. This guide covers both the government yatra and the popular helicopter route from Kathmandu.

What this yatra means and where it goes

Mount Kailash stands at 6,638 metres, or about 21,778 feet, in the Ngari area of Tibet, China (Wikipedia; Britannica). Hindus honour it as the home of Lord Shiva. Buddhists, Jains and the Bon faith hold it sacred too. No one has climbed its peak, and China does not allow any climb because the mountain is so holy (Wikipedia). You do not climb Kailash. You walk around it with prayer in your heart.

Nearby lies Lake Mansarovar at about 4,590 to 4,600 metres (Wikipedia). It is one of the highest freshwater lakes on Earth. Its shoreline runs close to 88 km, and its area is near 320 square km (Wikipedia). Four great rivers rise within roughly 60 km of Kailash: the Indus, the Sutlej, the Brahmaputra and the Karnali (Wikipedia). Tradition says a dip in Mansarovar and a parikrama of Kailash wash away the sins of many lifetimes. You will feel the weight of that faith the moment you arrive.

The two honest ways to reach Kailash

You have two clear paths, and they are not the same. Please read both before you plan.

The first is the official Kailash Manasarovar Yatra run by the Ministry of External Affairs, or MEA. This yatra uses two Indian border routes. One goes through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. The other goes through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim (MEA; Outlook Traveller). The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and the Sikkim government help run these routes.

The second is the commercial route through Kathmandu in Nepal. Most private operators use this path. You fly or drive from Kathmandu into Tibet. This route is open to more travellers, which matters a lot for NRI and OCI pilgrims. More on that below.

The MEA government yatra: seats, lottery and status

The MEA yatra has very few seats. Selection is by a computer draw that keeps a gender balance (Tribune India). In 2025 the government picked about 750 pilgrims in total. Around 250 went by Lipulekh in 5 batches. Around 500 went by Nathu La in 10 batches, with about 50 pilgrims per batch (Outlook Traveller; Tribune India). Each full journey took close to 22 days (Tribune India).

Here is the honest part. The MEA yatra did not run for several years and started again in 2025. It reopened around June 2025 after a gap of five to six years. Sources differ on the exact count of missed years, and the pause was linked to the COVID pandemic and the India China border situation (Outlook Traveller; Tribune India). So the status can change from year to year. As of August 2026, please do not assume the government yatra is open. Check the official portal kmy.gov.in for the current year before you plan.

Who can join the MEA yatra, and who cannot

This point is very important for you as an NRI or OCI traveller. The MEA yatra is only for Indian citizens with a valid Indian passport (kmy.gov.in; MEA). OCI card holders and foreign nationals are not eligible for the government yatra (kmy.gov.in). If you hold a foreign passport, the MEA route is closed to you. You then take the Kathmandu route instead.

For those who do qualify, the MEA rules are strict. Your age must be between 18 and 70 years as on 1 January of that year. Your passport must stay valid for at least 6 months. Your Body Mass Index, or BMI, must be 25 or less (kmy.gov.in). You must be free of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and epilepsy. Selected pilgrims must pass medical tests at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital in Delhi (kmy.gov.in). There is a second altitude test on the way, at Gunji for the Lipulekh route and at Sherathang for the Nathu La route (MEA). If a doctor there finds you unfit, you cannot go on.

The Kathmandu commercial route, in plain words

Most pilgrims today, and almost all NRI and OCI pilgrims, go through Kathmandu. There are two ways from Kathmandu. Both end at the same holy sites.

The first is the helicopter route. It runs close to 10 to 12 days (operator itineraries). You fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then Nepalgunj to Simikot at about 2,900 metres. From Simikot a small helicopter hops to Hilsa on the Nepal Tibet border. You then drive into Tibet to Taklakot, also called Purang. This route saves days and heavy driving, so many elders prefer it.

The second is the overland route. It runs close to 13 to 14 days (operator itineraries). You drive from Kathmandu through Syabrubesi to the Kerung border, also spelled Kyirong or Gyirong. Then you drive on through Saga toward Mansarovar. The overland drive is long but gives your body more time to adjust to the height.

Permits and visa: you cannot go alone

Please understand one firm rule. You cannot travel to Tibet on your own. Tibet needs a China Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, and both come only through a licensed operator (permit guides). You must join a group with a fixed route. A single traveller cannot get these papers alone.

For Indian passport holders, the operator arranges the China Group Visa, and your original passport is submitted for it. For OCI and foreign passport holders, the paperwork differs, and you may need a Chinese visa plus separate Tibet permits through the agency (NRI and OCI permit guides). Rules and processing times change often. Confirm the exact permit steps and the current fees with your operator, and do not book flights until your permit plan is clear.

The 3-day parikrama and the Dolma La crossing

The heart of the yatra is the kora, or parikrama, around Mount Kailash. It runs about 52 km and takes 3 days on foot (University of Colorado Tibet Himalaya Initiative; tibettravel.org). Hindus and Buddhists walk clockwise. Bon pilgrims walk the other way (University of Colorado).

You start near Darchen and pass Yam Dwar, the "gate of the god", at Tarboche. Day one takes you to Dirapuk at close to 4,900 metres, with the sheer north face of Kailash in full view. Day two is the hardest. You climb to the Dolma La pass at about 5,600 metres, then drop to Zutulpuk (University of Colorado; operator data; sources give 5,630 to 5,660 metres for the pass). Day three walks you back to Darchen. The air up there holds far less oxygen. Go slow, drink water, and let the mountain set your pace.

Altitude, oxygen and staying safe

This is a high yatra, and the height is real. Mansarovar sits above 4,500 metres, and the Dolma La is near 5,600 metres. Thin air can cause headache, poor sleep and breathlessness. Give yourself acclimatisation days and never rush the climb. Good operators carry oxygen cylinders, a pulse oximeter and basic medicines. Ask your doctor about Diamox before you travel, and carry your own medicines. If you feel very unwell, the only real cure is to go down at once. Do not push past clear warning signs.

Best season to go

The yatra runs from May to September (best-time guides). May, June and September usually give the steadiest weather. July and August bring some monsoon rain, and border roads can slow down. From November to February the passes shut for snow, so the yatra does not run then. The full moon of Saga Dawa, usually in May or June, is a very holy time and draws large crowds. Nights stay cold all season, so pack warm layers even in summer.

Tour highlights

Darshan of Mount Kailash at 6,638 metres, honoured as the abode of Lord Shiva.
The holy dip and prayers at Lake Mansarovar above 4,500 metres.
The 3-day, about 52 km parikrama around the sacred peak.
The Dolma La pass crossing near 5,600 metres, the spiritual high point of the walk.
Yam Dwar at Tarboche, the traditional starting gate of the kora.
A helicopter option through Simikot and Hilsa that saves days for elders.

Best Time

- Best time: May to September; May, June and September are the steadiest. Passes shut November to February. -

Ideal For

Ideal for : fit, prayerful pilgrims aged 18 and above who can walk at high altitude for several hours a day. -

Difficulty

Difficulty: hard

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.

Today you land in Kathmandu, the base for your yatra. Your operator collects your passport and papers for the China Group Visa and Tibet permit. Rest well, because you cannot travel to Tibet without these papers, and the group visa is arranged only through the operator. In the evening you may visit the Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva by the Bagmati river. Try a warm plate of Nepali dal bhat, a simple meal of rice, lentils and vegetables that suits high-altitude days. One lesser-known fact: Pashupatinath is a very old Shiva shrine and a fitting first darshan before Kailash. Do not carry beef or leather goods into Tibet, as they are not allowed at the border. Elders should sleep early and drink plenty of water tonight.

Special Tips for This Day: Keep two passport photos and passport photocopies handy for the permit. Start drinking more water from today to prepare your body.

Today you stay in Kathmandu for permit work and a health check. Tibet permits take time, so this buffer day protects your whole trip. Use the morning to buy any warm gear you still need. Simple woollen caps, gloves and a good down jacket are more useful than fancy brands. Eat light and avoid oily food, because your climb to real height starts tomorrow. A lesser-known point: even strong young trekkers can fall sick at altitude, so this slow start helps everyone. Do not drink alcohol on this trip, as it makes altitude sickness worse. Elders can rest fully today and let the operator handle the paperwork.

Special Tips for This Day: Pack your medicines in your hand bag, not the main luggage. Carry Diamox only after your own doctor approves it.

Today you take a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a warm town near the India Nepal border. The flight is quick, but pack your day bag with water and snacks in case of any delay. Nepalgunj sits low and hot, so rest indoors during the strong midday sun. This overnight halt sets you up for an early mountain flight tomorrow. A lesser-known fact: Nepalgunj is a key gateway for the far-western Himalaya, which is why the yatra passes through here. Do not pack power banks or lighters in checked bags, as small mountain flights have strict rules. Elders should keep their essential medicines within easy reach tonight.

Special Tips for This Day: Keep your baggage light, because the Simikot and Hilsa flights have low weight limits. Charge every device fully tonight.

Today you fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot at about 2,900 metres, then take a small helicopter to Hilsa on the Tibet border. Morning is best for these flights, as mountain weather turns rough by afternoon and can cause delays. Move slowly at Simikot, since you have jumped to real height. Sip water often and eat a light Nepali meal like thukpa, a warm noodle soup that is easy on the stomach. A lesser-known fact: flights here often wait a day for clear skies, so a patient mind helps. Do not smoke at altitude, as it cuts your oxygen further. Elders should walk gently and avoid any heavy bag lifting today.

Special Tips for This Day: Keep one full day of buffer in mind, because weather delays here are common. Rest the moment you feel breathless.

Today you drive from Hilsa across the border to Taklakot, also called Purang, inside Tibet. The road time is short, but border checks can take a while, so stay calm and keep your papers ready. Taklakot is your first real acclimatisation halt in Tibet. Rest in the afternoon and drink warm water through the day. You may find simple Tibetan momos and noodle soup here, which are safe and filling. A lesser-known fact: Taklakot has long been a trading town between Nepal, India and Tibet. Do not photograph border posts or soldiers, as it is not allowed. Elders should take the day very slowly and skip any long walk.

Special Tips for This Day: Let your body adjust before the higher days ahead. Report any bad headache to your guide at once.

Today you drive from Taklakot toward Lake Mansarovar at about 4,590 metres. The drive crosses open Tibetan plateau, so start early and enjoy the wide, quiet land. When you first see the blue lake with Kailash behind it, pause and take it in. Many pilgrims offer prayers and a small holy dip here, but the water is icy cold, so keep it very short. Carry your own warm towel and dry clothes. A lesser-known fact: four great rivers rise within about 60 km of this region. Do not use soap or leave any waste in or near the lake, as it is not allowed and it is deeply disrespectful. Elders should only sprinkle the holy water and avoid full immersion.

Special Tips for This Day: Do your lake prayers in the calm morning before the wind rises. Keep dry socks ready for the cold shore.

Today you drive a short way from Mansarovar to Darchen at about 4,575 metres, the base town for the parikrama. Reach by midday and rest, because tomorrow your walk begins. Use the afternoon to hand your heavy bag to the support team and pack only a light day bag. Drink water and eat a warm, simple dinner tonight. A lesser-known fact: Darchen is the last place with basic shops and phone signal before the kora. Do not begin the trek if you feel very breathless or dizzy, as the high days need a clear head. Elders should confirm a pony and a helper for the trek days now.

Special Tips for This Day: Arrange a pony and porter today, not on the trail. Sleep early, as day one of the kora is long.

Today you start the kora, walking from Darchen past Yam Dwar to Dirapuk at close to 4,900 metres. This leg runs about 14 to 15 km over roughly 6 to 7 hours. Start at first light so you reach camp before the cold evening wind. At Yam Dwar, the "gate of the god", pilgrims bow before beginning the holy round. From Dirapuk you get a close view of the north face of Kailash. Carry dry fruit and water, and eat little but often. A lesser-known fact: Hindus and Buddhists walk clockwise, while Bon pilgrims walk the other way. Do not litter or play loud music on this holy trail. Elders should ride a pony for this leg and keep the guide close.

Special Tips for This Day: Take a pony if you have any doubt about the distance. Reach Dirapuk with daylight to spare for rest.

Today is the hardest and holiest day. You climb from Dirapuk to the Dolma La pass at about 5,600 metres, then descend to Zutulpuk. This leg runs about 18 to 22 km over roughly 8 to 10 hours. Start very early, often before dawn, so you cross the pass before midday weather turns. At the top, prayer flags fill the sky, and pilgrims believe the crossing marks a fresh start in life. Go slow, breathe deep, and rest often on the climb. A lesser-known fact: the pass is named for the goddess Dolma, or Tara. Do not remove any stone or prayer flag from the pass, as it is not allowed. Elders should use a pony and start earlier than the group.

Special Tips for This Day: Keep your water from freezing by holding the bottle close to your body. Turn back and descend if altitude sickness turns serious.

Today you walk the last leg from Zutulpuk back to Darchen, about 12 to 14 km over roughly 4 to 5 hours. The path is gentle and downhill, so enjoy the calm after yesterday's hard climb. Reach Darchen by afternoon and collect your main luggage from the support team. Rest your legs and eat a warm meal to recover. A lesser-known fact: some devout pilgrims complete the full 52 km kora in a single long day, though most take the steady 3-day plan. Do not skip your fluids today, as your body is still at real height. Elders should have a gentle massage and sleep early tonight.

Special Tips for This Day: Thank your pony man and porter, as they carried you through the hardest days. Check your feet for blisters and treat them tonight.

Today you begin the journey back, retracing the road to the border and on to Simikot, then flying toward Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. Weather can delay the small mountain flights, so keep one buffer day in your plan. Use the travel time to rest and let your body drop to lower, richer air. Back in Kathmandu you can enjoy a proper hot meal and a warm bath. A lesser-known fact: many pilgrims feel much stronger the moment they reach lower height. Do not book a tight onward flight from Kathmandu, as yatra delays are common. Elders should keep a light final day with plenty of rest.

Special Tips for This Day: Keep at least one spare day in Kathmandu before any international flight. Carry your Kailash memories and prasad safely home.

Travel tips

Sacred High Himalaya

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Your clear, honest guide to the abode of Lord Shiva and holy Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, with the government route, the Kathmandu helicopter route, permits, and the 52 km parikrama, written for NRI and OCI pilgrims.

KAILASH 6,638 MPARIKRAMA 52 KMDOLMA LA 5,600 MSEASON MAY TO SEP

The shrines

Swipe →
1
Mount Kailash
Ngari, Tibet, China
The peak honoured as the abode of Lord Shiva, at 6,638 metres, walked but never climbed.
2
Lake Mansarovar
Ngari, Tibet, China
A holy freshwater lake above 4,500 metres where pilgrims pray and take a short, icy dip.
3
Dolma La Pass
Kailash kora, Tibet
The highest point of the parikrama near 5,600 metres, a spiritual crossing to a fresh start.
4
Yam Dwar (Tarboche)
Darchen, Tibet
The gate of the god, the traditional starting point of the sacred 3-day round of Kailash.
01Two Honest Paths

The government yatra and the Kathmandu route

There are two clear ways to reach Kailash, and they are not the same. Read both before you plan.

  • MEA government yatraThe Ministry of External Affairs yatra uses two Indian border routes, through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand or Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. Seats are very few and picked by a computer draw.
  • Kathmandu commercial routeMost pilgrims, and almost all NRI and OCI travellers, go through Kathmandu in Nepal. You reach Tibet by helicopter through Simikot and Hilsa, or overland through the Kerung border.
  • Fly in from abroadIf you live overseas, the simplest plan is to fly into Kathmandu and join a group there. Keep spare days for weather delays on the small mountain flights.
OCI pilgrims, please note

The MEA government yatra is only for Indian citizens. OCI card holders and foreign nationals are not eligible. If you hold a foreign passport, you must take the Kathmandu route instead.

02Papers First

You cannot go to Tibet alone

Tibet needs a China Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, and both come only through a licensed operator.

  • Group visa and permitYou must join a group with a fixed route. A single traveller cannot get these papers alone. Your operator arranges the China Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit for you.
  • Indian vs foreign passportIndian passport holders submit the original passport for the group visa. OCI and foreign passport holders follow different visa steps and may need separate Tibet permits through the agency.
  • Confirm earlyRules and processing times change often. Confirm the exact permit steps and the current rate with your operator, and do not book flights until your permit plan is clear.
Passport rule

Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months, and carry passport photos and photocopies for the permit paperwork.

03The Sacred Walk

The 3-day parikrama and Dolma La

The kora around Mount Kailash runs about 52 km over 3 days and crosses the Dolma La pass near 5,600 metres.

  • Day one to DirapukYou start near Darchen, pass Yam Dwar, and walk to Dirapuk near 4,900 metres, with the north face of Kailash in full view.
  • Day two over Dolma LaThe hardest day climbs to the Dolma La pass at about 5,600 metres, then drops to Zutulpuk. Start before dawn and go slow.
  • Which way to walkHindus and Buddhists walk clockwise. Bon pilgrims walk the other way. Take a pony and porter on the trek days if you have any doubt.
Respect the mountain

You do not climb Kailash. Any climb is banned out of respect. Do not remove stones or prayer flags from the pass.

04Stay Safe

Altitude, oxygen and best season

This is a high yatra. The height is real, so acclimatise slowly and respect the warning signs.

  • Go slow, drink waterGive yourself acclimatisation days and never rush the climb. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as both make altitude sickness worse.
  • Carry oxygen and medicineGood operators carry oxygen cylinders and a pulse oximeter. Ask your doctor about Diamox before you travel, and pack your own medicines in your hand bag.
  • Best monthsThe yatra runs May to September. May, June and September are steadiest. Passes shut November to February. Nights stay cold all season, so pack warm layers.
If you feel very unwell

The only sure cure at height is to go down at once. Do not push past clear warning signs of altitude sickness.

Carry It Home

A prayer for the road

Om Namah Shivaya.

You walk where four great rivers are born and where faith has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Go with a slow step and a full heart. When you return, keep the calm of Kailash and the holy water of Mansarovar close, and let the yatra guide how you live at home.

What's included

What's included

Included

  • ✓Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa processing through the licensed operator.
  • ✓All internal flights and helicopter legs listed in the chosen route, such as Nepalgunj, Simikot and Hilsa.
  • ✓Ground transport in Tibet by group vehicle with a guide and driver.
  • ✓Twin-share stays in Kathmandu hotels and simple Tibetan guesthouses on the yatra.
  • ✓Group meals on the yatra days, usually simple vegetarian food suited to high altitude.
  • ✓Support staff, oxygen cylinders and a basic first-aid kit with the group.

Not included

  • ✕Your international flights to and from Kathmandu.
  • ✕Nepal entry visa fees and any personal travel insurance.
  • ✕Personal costs like a pony, porter, phone, laundry, tips and shopping.
  • ✕Emergency evacuation, rescue or hospital charges at any point.
  • ✕Extra hotel nights caused by weather delays or flight cancellations.
  • ✕Anything not clearly written in your operator's final inclusion list; confirm the current rate for every add-on before you pay.

What travellers say

What travellers say

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“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”
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“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”
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