We’re your GPS to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026! Everything to Know Before Planning Your Pilgrimage

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 is your opportunity to perform parikrama or Kora around Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, Tibet, to attain blessings, renewal, and positivity. For most, it’s a powerful place of worship and even a harbinger of wish fulfillment.

Mount Kailash is the abode of the God of Gods-Mahadev, a pathway to heaven, a beacon of enlightenment, and a treasure trove of spiritual energy, worshipped by billions together in harmony. Globally, Kailash Mountain is held to be the centre of the universe, and a perpetual light of knowledge and wisdom. For Hindus, it's the home of Lord Shiva; thus, he’s called Kailashapati, and his Ganas/beloved devotees are known to be Kailashis. 

Besides this, 2026 is the ‘year of the horse’, which makes it highly auspicious for Kailash Mansarovar Darshan, as one parikrama done in this year is equivalent to 13 parikramas during any other time of the year. If you are also planning for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the year of the horse in 2026? Know how you can plan your Kailash Yatra, from the visa/permit process to eligibility, available yatra dates, and more in seconds with just a call on +91 8510007751.

Keep reading further...

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 with Trip To Temples: Highlights & Key Landmarks

Read below, the highlights of Kailash Yatra in 2026, and which are the places that you must visit around Kailash Mansarovar:

Highlights

• Panchang-based Kailash Darshan

• Pashupatinath Temple Darshan

• 3-day parikrama of Kailash Parvat

• Must-visit places around Kailash

• Lake Mansarovar Parikrama

• Hawan & pujan at Lake Mansarovar

• Gifts (Kailash Murti, Shiv Ling, T-shirts, duffle bags, backpack, puja kit, and more)

Places to visit around Kailash Mansarovar

Also read: Top 8 tourist attractions near Kailash Mansarovar

Understanding Mount Kailash Inner and Outer Parikrama/Kora

Mount Kailash Parikrama is believed to dissolve negative karmas and usher in good luck. The parikrama of Mount Kailash is usually divided into two parts:

• Outer parikrama (40 km, 2-3 days)

• Inner parikrama (34 km, 1 day)

Outer Kora

The distance for the outer Kora of Mount Kailash is 52 km, for which the parikrama begins from Darchen/Yam Dwar and lasts for 2-3 days. The first point of prostration (dandwat-pranaam in Hindi) is Chaktsalkhang; while the starting point of the outer kora is Chorten (Stupa), which is located at the end of Darchen. Below is the route for the outer kora:

• Yamdwar to Dirapuk (10 km trek to Dirapuk)- Witness the North face of Mount Kailash

• Trek to Chraransparsh of Mount Kailash (5-7 km long trek)

• Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass and up to Zuthulpuk. (22 km from Dhirapuk to Zuthulpuk)

Inner Kora

The inner kora/parikrama allows you to get much closer to Kailash Parvat. To complete the inner Kora of Mount Kailash, one must perform the outer Kora first, hence it’s also considered the toughest of both. Check out the routes for the inner kora:

• Trek from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk

• Trek from Dirapuk to Charansparsh

• Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk

• Trek from Zuthulpuk to Yam Dwar

• Trek from Darchen for inner Parikrama and return

Check out: Mount Kailash Parikrama Package

How to reach Kailash Mansarovar in 2026? Routes, Distance, and Proximity to India and Nepal

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India can be completed by different routes, following the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and via private tour agencies such as Trip To Temples. In some cases, the Government route Kailash Mansarovar Yatra might get hectic to sign up for, as it needs a lucky-draw system to get finalized in a group for the yatra, that too limited seats are available for the same. This is where the private tour agencies come into play; you can book your Kailash Yatra package from several available options, like:

Also Read: Kailash Mansarovar 2026 routes

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 via the Government of India route

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 through private route from Nepal

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Subsidy by the Government of India

The state governments of India are providing a subsidy for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026. The application to avail a subsidy for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be availed of only once a year per individual. For instance, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a subsidy of INR 1 Lakh for Kailash Yatris who are residents of Uttar Pradesh itself. 

Also read: What other states provide as a subsidy for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra!

Documents required for availing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 subsidy are:

• Aadhaar card

• PAN card

• Domicile certificate of the state

• Bank details

• Visa and proof of their yatra (photographs)

For more details, check out: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Subsidies by State Governments of India

What is the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026?

Wondering what the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 is? Get the answer to your query below:

May and June

May-June has moderate temperatures, making it an ideal season for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026. Trekking Mount Kailash is easier, as the roads are free of snow. 

September and October

September and October are also the ideal months for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. During this season, the sky is clear, and Mount Kailash weather remains pleasant, also ideal for parikrama.

Eligibility Criteria and Health Requirements for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Check out your eligibility, health requirements, visa, and permit process for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: 

Read the complete list of health check-ups required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026.

Important information

• All these medical tests are mandatory and conducted at the Delhi Heart & Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital (requirement, only for the Government route).

• Private tour operators like us (Trip To Temples) do not require a complete test report as mentioned above. However, you just need to submit a medical fitness report, issued by a certified MBBS doctor; the medical fitness report must not be dated more than 1 month from your travel date.

• For a private route KMY, a group staple VISA issued by the Embassy of China in New Delhi, and the Group Permit for Kailash Yatra (for travelling through the Tibet region) is issued by the Tibetan authorities. To be noted, the permit is issued 7-10 days before the yatra, hence the traveller must submit their documents within time to complete the visa and permit procedures for Kailash Yatra smoothly and hassle-free. 

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: Visa, Permit & Documentation Process Explained

Here’s the end-to-end breakdown of the entire visa application, permit, and documentation process for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026:

Step 1: Submitting documents (after booking your package) to apply for a Visa and Permit

Step 2: The Process of obtaining a permit, which takes 7 to 10 days

Step 3: Your Visa application process gets started, which takes 4 to 5 days

Step 4: Rest, we’ll handle. From your visa & permit application to finalizing your date of travel

Permit

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Permit is applied by a private tour operator for the entire group of travellers, approximately 45 days before the yatra date, in which a letter of invitation for the group is sent from the Tibetan authority to the tour company. Given that, the validity of a traveller’s passport should be 6 months at a minimum from the date of your Kailash yatra. Please note that it takes almost 20-25 days for the permit to be received from Tibet.

Visa

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 visa application is processed from the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi (for Indian citizens); a stapled group tourist visa is required for Kailash pilgrimage, issued within 6-7 days from application. Individuals can’t apply for group visas, and it has to be done only via an authorized private Kailash Mansarovar Yatra agency. Also, it is not similar to the mainland visa of China; hence, without a group visa, you can not enter Tibet. Also, the visa is checked by Chinese immigration centre at the Nepal-Tibet border. Previously, offline group visa format was applicable only, but now both offline and online processes of application are compulsory.

Also Read: Updated visa & permit process for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Documentation

Documents for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 visa & permit are:

• Registration form

• Passport (minimum 6 months validity from yatra date)

• Physical fitness certificate by an MBBS doctor (at least 1 month before Yatra date)

• PAN card

• 4 -colored photographs

Note: i) Indian passport holders, choosing to travel via Kathmandu, Nepal, should also carry a voter ID card.

ii) Group visa & permit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is applied via an authorized private tour operator only, not on an individual basis.

Things to pack during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

We’ve curated a list of equipment, clothing, and health supplements you should keep while your Kailash Yatra 2026 for a safe and sound experience:

Also Read: Full checklist of things to carry during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Kailash Mansarovar- Locations, People, Culture, and Language

Tibet’s heartland, Kailash Mansarovar, echoes a culture that’s rich in diversity, multiculturalism, and a fusion of myriad traditions. Let’s dive into Tibet’s rich cultural legacy that has made it a crowning jewel of spiritual exploration:

Locations:

Kailash, the land of yogis and mystics, is surrounded by a beautiful valley and a high-altitude plateau. Whether it’s Lake Mansarovar, rivers, monasteries, or quaint little towns, it perfectly tunes in with nature’s beauty and contemporary life. In front of the peak lies Darchen, the closest village, which is the starting point of the parikrama of Kailash Parvat, home to several guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants, drawing spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. There are several monasteries, such as Dirapuk, Zuthulpuk, Choku, and Gyandrag Monastery, surrounding the Kailash region, which transforms it into an epicentre of spirituality and healing. Another bustling place near the Kailash region is Purang, offering local shopping experiences.

People & Language:

Tibet is a land of diversity! Having said so, you can find people of different religions around Kailash Mansarovar: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons; those who believe Mount Kailash to be highly revered. Furthermore, locally inhabited ethnic groups in Tibet and around the Mansarovar region include Han (Chinese), Monba, Lohba, Tibetan Hui (Tibetan Muslims), Sherpa, Nepalese, and Qiang; there are local communities in Tibetan tribes, as- Kham, Amdo, and Jiarong, and they mainly practice Tibetan Buddhism or the Bon religion. In Purang, you’ll mostly interact with the Nepalese and Tibetan communities.

Languages spoken around Kailash Mansarovar: Bodish-Himalayish, Kirantish, Mirish, Nepalese, Chinese, etc.

Culture:

Tibetan Buddhists usually follow Tibetan culture and traditions, be it Saga Dawa festival or the Tibetan New Year; every event is celebrated with great fervour by locals and tourists alike. During the Saga Dawa Festival, Tibetan Buddhists perform a flag erection ceremony at Tarboche, Cham Dance, Mount Kailash Kora (especially during the horse year). They also hang prayer flags, recite mantras of Buddha, and perform kora of chortens during their regional festivals. Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, and Purang offer the best local shopping experience to tourists.

Festivals celebrated in Tibet: Tibetan New Year (Losar), Saga Dawa (Birth of Buddha), Ongkor festival (harvest festival), Zhangzhung festival (cultural festival), World Prayer Day, Shonton festival (Yogurt festival), the Butter flower festival, Tibetan Fairy festival.

Clothing: Chuba (a sheep-skin robe with long sleeves), Tibetan robe, hats, head-dresses, Tibetan jewellery, etc.

Network and mobile connectivity around Kailash Mansarovar

When it comes to network and mobile connectivity at Kailash, the region surrounding it struggles to catch signals. Why? It is located at a very high altitude with an elevation of  6,638 meters (21,778 feet), which can sometimes become a no-network zone, having almost no wifi or internet connectivity at places such as Simikot, Sybrubesi, Darchen, and even closer to Kailash.

But no worries at all! Our trip captains have satellite mobile connectivity via a walkie-talkie to help you stay in touch with our yatra guides all through a 24/7 assistance. You can also download our application from Playstore ‘Trip To Temples.’

Transportation during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Transportation across the Kailash Manasarovar region might get tough, as the roads are not that well-maintained. However, it becomes easy with our personalized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Packages to wander across the region and explore the best-known places surrounding Tibet, like:

• Lucknow to Nepalgunj- by AC transportation

• Nepalgunj to Simikot- by flight

• Simikot to Hilsa- by helicopter

• Purang to Mansarovar Lake- by AC Volvo category bus

• Lake Mansarovar to Darchen- by AC vehicle

Weather and temperature during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

The Kailash Mansarovar, Tibet, remains relatively colder during daytime, with temperatures usually varying between 10℃ to 20℃. In summer, the weather and temperature at Kailash Mansarovar are moderate and slightly hot, allowing you to perform parikrama without any hassle. The temperature usually drops to cold, i.e, anywhere between -5℃  to -10℃ at night. During monsoon, the region experiences heavy rainfall, which leads to waterlogging and road blockage, and the average temperature in the monsoon is usually around 10℃ to 23℃. Moreover, the flight or helicopter might get delayed in rainy season due to haze.

Hence, it’s advisable to travel during the summer season (peak season) for a seamless travel experience.

Currency exchange requirement for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Talking about the currency exchange for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, two currencies are used through Tibet are: Chinese Yuan and Nepalese currency. 

1 Yuan ≈ INR 12

Indian currency (only a note of INR 100) is functional in Nepal. Chinese Yuan can be exchanged at the Nepal-Tibet border, Kathmandu, and Nyalam. You can get this currency exchanged from an authorized agency as well, whereas the average exchange rate from Chinese Yuan to Indian Rupee is roughly 12 Indian rupees, though the rates of exchange may vary. We recommend that you carry cash, as UPI or net banking facilities are not functional in this region.

Common challenges that you might face during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Here are a few common challenges of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that you must know and take precautionary measures to combat them:

Altitude sickness

The Kailash Mansarovar region of Tibet is a high-altitude hilly area with an average elevation of 6638m, and the oxygen levels are relatively low in this region. And so, you might face altitude sickness and breathing issues, headache, and nausea while trekking or performing the parikrama of Mount Kailash.

Unfavourable weather conditions & acclimatization

The weather conditions in the Kailash Mansarovar region usually remain unfavourable and unpredictable most of the time. The nights can be much colder, and the temperature can drop up to freezing cold, around -5 ℃ to -10 ℃. A sudden change in weather, such as an unclear sky or too much cloudiness sky can obstruct or delay your yatra.

Rocky terrain and uneven landscape

The overall landscape of the Kailash Mansarovar region is rocky and has rugged terrains, which can make your journey quite difficult. Remote locations like Simikot, Hilsa, Purang, and Darchen are closer to the mountain, have rocky trails and uneven landscape.

Lack of medical facilities 

It’s difficult to locate any hospitals and medical centres near the Kailash Mansarovar region, as it’s only available in Purang, Kyirong, and Saga. Also, you might not find any pharmacy locally, hence it's advisable to carry your medicines and first aid.

Accommodation & washroom facilities

There are no toilets near Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, and that’s why we offer portable toilets during the yatra. Also, the accommodation facilities at Kailash Mansarovar are only available in guest houses and dormitories. In Simikot and Hilsa, we offer a stay in a tourist guesthouse on a multiple-sharing basis. In Darchen, the hotel is available on a triple sharing basis, and during parikrama, a dormitory is available on Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk.

Insomnia

You might also face insomnia or sleeplessness in high-altitude regions, or it could be really difficult to fall asleep in such places. A quality sleep after a full day of exploration, trekking, and long-distance travel is highly essential.

What are the safety measures for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026?

Now that you already know the challenges of undertaking this yatra, here are a few safety measures you must follow for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026: 

Health checkup

Prioritize a health checkup a month before the departure date of Kailash Yatra so that there are no health complications during the journey. Consider taking a fitness medical certificate from a certified MBBS doctor, stating that you are physically fit for undertaking this yatra.  

Breathing exercises

Practice walking and deep breathing exercises to avoid any respiratory issues while trekking or parikrama of Mount Kailash. Also, deep breathing exercises, such as pranayama or meditation, can help you in being prepared for the high-altitude journey.

Acclimatization

The weather conditions in the Kailash Mansarovar region are unpredictable and unfavourable; therefore, acclimatization is quite necessary in this region. You have to try ascending gradually in the high-altitude regions to improve your aerobic capacity and to adjust to the climatic conditions.

Hydration

It’s important to keep yourself hydrated during the entire journey to avoid nausea and dizziness, as the path is full of rocky trails. You might feel dehydrated due to long-distance, high-altitude trekking, and so we recommend that you keep a flask of water and take sips in between to avoid loss of energy. Moreover, consuming magnesium & potassium throughout the yatra is important for overall well-being.

Healthy & light meals

Pack healthy and light meals during the Yatra to avoid any kind of gastrointestinal issues. In the mountain journey, it’s highly important to eat healthy and light meals so that you remain energetic all day long and there’s no scope for fatigue or loss of energy.

Helicopter route

Consider opting for the helicopter route; it’s much more comfortable and the shortest way to reach Kailash Mansarovar. The helicopter route allows you to travel as per your convenience and is the most budget-friendly route, beginning from Lucknow or Kathmandu.

What do we offer with Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026- Inclusions & Exclusions 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included and what’s not included in your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026:

How to book Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 at the lowest cost?

If you’re trying to get your chance to, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Trip To Temples and log in to your account 

Step 2: Click category title ‘Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026’, and pick your preferred plan

Step 3: Go to ‘Explore’, proceed, and check the seat availability calendar

Step 4: Choose an available date, then add your details: name, email, mobile number, gender, DOB, etc 

Step 5: Add the details of your co-travellers (if any). Booking up to 6 co-travellers only

Step 6: Click the ‘Proceed to Pay’ option and apply your Coupon Code (if any).

Step 7: Pay the Registration Amount/Full Amount and accept the T&C

Soon, you’ll receive a confirmation email regarding your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 pilgrimage package. Respond to the e-mail by sending us your documents (req. for visa and permit application), and hence, we’ll be able to provide you with the final yatra date once we’ve received the approval for your visa and permit.

Also read: Kailash Parikrama with Tibetan Year of Horse 2026

Quick tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, know before visiting

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be challenging for first-time pilgrims, but we know how to make it sail smoothly and effortlessly for you! Check out a detailed guideline below of the things to keep in mind while travelling to Kailash Mansarovar:

Food & nutrition

• Keep yourself hydrated throughout the yatra

• Eat light meals and snacks such as vegetables, dal, rice, dry fruits, biscuits, and fruits

• Do not indulge in smoking or drinking, as it can worsen high-altitude sickness

• Avoid eating oily and junk food

Packing & clothing essentials

• Pack light and easy-to-carry, yet warm clothes

• Keep trekking sticks, woolen clothes such as jackets, sweaters, gloves, trekking shoes, layered clothing, etc, with you

Important documents

• A valid ID proof- Voter ID (mandatorily)

• Passport

• Medical certificate

Health & fitness

• Practice yoga and breathing exercises

• Start walking every day to build your legs’ muscular strength and to improve your lungs’ performance

• Go for periodic/monthly health check-ups before going for the Kailash pilgrimage

• Prioritize your overall physical fitness, as trekking through Kailash requires a great physique

Miscellaneous & other packing essentials

• Waterproof shoes meant for heavy trekking 

• Consider packing waterproof and layered winter jacket 

• Woolen socks & hand gloves

• ORS

• First-Aid

• Medicines 

• Toiletries 

• Oxymeter

• Chinese currency (Yuan, to be converted at currency exchange centres)

• Trekking Pole

• Duffle Bag

• Sunglasses

• Torch

• Hot water bottle

• Sunscreen, Vaseline, antifungal powder

• Dry fruits

• Raincoat

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 is a dream for millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. So, if you’re planning to go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, you can count on us! With our personalized and exclusively curated Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour packages for 2026, you can now travel hassle-free & fulfill your desire of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Want to know the cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026? Get in touch with our experts at +91-8510007751.