Kailash Mansarovar Travel Guide

Well renowned religious journey, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the most difficult treks of Asia. Pilgrims from all parts of globe participate in this journey of spiritual significance to Mount Kailash.

Every year certain number of batches go with a lot of pilgrims. Between June and September pilgrims undertake this pilgrimage for customary circumambulation (Parikrama).

Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar Lake altogether are regarded as one of the sacred pilgrimage destinations in Himalayas and it is considered to be of great religious importance in Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It’s a must thing for pilgrims to be physically fit as this journey involves trekking up to a height of 19,500 feet in an extremely cold weather.

Holy Mount Kailash

Religious Significance of Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is the striking peak standing in the remote south west corner of Tibet in the Himalayan Mountains. It is known as one of the most sacred mountains and has become important pilgrimage for four faiths: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Tibetan religion of bon.

It is believed that visiting Kailash and following this tradition will bring in good fortune and washes away sins of one’s lifetime. Also, Mansarovar Lake, located at the southern foot of mount Kailash has exceptional beauty that varies from crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green color at the centre.

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Lake was formed by Lord Brahma. The best time to visit Mansarovar Lake is during springs.  The yatra also includes circumambulation (Parikrama) of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash

Summers (May-August) - The climate is moderate and pleasant with an average temperature of 15 degree Celsius then climate is ideal for outdoor activities. Around May and June, Saga Dawa, a huge religious festival is celebrated at Mount Kailash.

Monsoons (September-November) – Along with the drop in temperature to 10 Degree Celsius, little rainfall is experienced. Only professional trekkers can embark on this tour in monsoons as the way becomes slippery and the region is prone to landslides.

Winters (December-April) – With the minimum temperature of 5 Degree Celsius, the days become chilly. Snowfall is often witnessed during winters and the temperature scales between 0 to -15 Degree Celsius. Also, only trekking professionals with full experience are only advised to take the journey as the entire route is covered by snow.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road starts from INR 94,000/ person for 12 nights and 13 days and the helicopter yatra cost starts from INR 1,72,000/ person for 9 nights and 10 days. The itinerary covers the following destinations : Kathmandu, Nyalam, Dongba/Paryang, Mansarovar, Darchen, Diraphuk and Zulthulphuk.

The cost is exclusive of service tax of about 3.50% of the total bill. Along with these, airfares from home - Kathmandu - home, photography, beverages, telephone call, clients travel insurance, extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation, expenses of personal urgent visa fee, etc   are some of the exclusions from the cost of the package. Horse/yak riding for Kailash Parikrama is also an additional expense. The cost is directly payable to the horse/yak rider.

[ You may also check-out the list of Kailash Tour Pakcages ]

Kailash Yatra Package Inclusions

Some of the inclusions are arrival and departure transportation, accommodation in descent hotels, guide, first aid kits, permits and sightseeing tour of Budhanikantha and Pashupatinath

Accommodation Facilities for Pilgrimage

For the accommodation of yatris the arrangements are done in descent hotels. The rooms of these hotels are well-equipped with all modern amenities to ensure a high level comfort. Also, there are campsites, where camps are arranged and these campsites are facilitated with all the basic amenities such as hot/cold water, washroom, heater  and other comfortable facilities for pilgrims. Moreover only vegetarian food like dal, chawal, roti, khichadi, papad, kheer, juice, fruits, mineral water, tea, coffee, bread, milk, cornflakes and more is served at guest houses and campsites. Additionally, pilgrims are suggested to carry sufficient snacks to add a little variety to their meals.

Nathula Pass : A New Route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Alternative Route for Kailash Mansarovar

Now Indian pilgrims would be able to visit Kailash Mansarovar in the Tibetan autonomous region of China through the new route of Nathula in Sikkim from next year, announced by state tourism department officials. Work is in good progress and the Sikkim government is aiming at the first batch of pilgrims visiting Kailash Mansarovar using this new route in June,2015.

More than 1600 pilgrims, moving in ten batches are expected to take the Nathula Pass route to Kailash Mansarovar next year.  The tour is expected to provide them with an even better understanding of the feasibility and further requirements of this pilgrimage.

Facilities for proper weights and measures, warehouses, inspection posts, rest houses, improved transportation facilities, proper roadway and better opportunities for tourists need to still be provided for further growth.

[ Read More about Nathula Pass : A New Route to Mount Kailash ]

FAQ For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (frequently asked questions)

1.  How can one travel to Kailash Mansarovar?

Mentioned below the various mode of travel to mount Kailash :

a. Kailsah Mansarovar Yatra by Road
One can fly to Kathmandu as there are various connecting flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi, and from Kathmandu there are roads connecting to Kailash Mansarovar Lake.

b. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter
Those who don’t have time, helicopter yatra is the best option for them. The itinerary includes flight from Nepalgunj and thereafter connecting to Simikot. Further it flies to Hilsa and finally reaches Mansarovar. The entire pilgrimage is completed in 10 days.

c. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa
After reaching Kathmandu, fly to Lhasa (China visa is required by both Indian and foreign traveler). Therefore, to reach Mansarover one needs to travel Tibet towns namely Gyantse, Shigatse, Prayang, Lhatse, etc.

Returning Options:

• Drive to Lhasa and then fly back to Kathmandu.
• Drive to Hilsa and then fly back to Kathmandu.
• Drive back to Kathmandu via Kodari border.

2.  Things to do in Kailash Mansarovar

The most religious thing to do during the Yatra is circumambulation (Parikrama) of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. Also, one can attend Saga Dawa, a huge religious festival which celebrates the three life events of Buddha’s life- Birth, Nirvana, Parinirvana; that is celebrated at Mount Kailash.

3.  Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during Full Moon?

Full Moon days are considered auspicious in Hindu religion so it becomes more crowded. But special arrangements are prepared to manage the crowd.

4.  Do we need to carry our Passports?

Yes, valid passports should be carried during the yatra.

5.  How important fitness is to undergo this expedition?

It’s a must thing for pilgrims to be physically fit as this journey involves trekking up to a height up to 19,500 feet in an extremely cold weather. People suffering from asthma or dust allergy are forewarned and suggested to carry mask. Also, people with back problems should avoid yatra, as long journey over bumpy roads might be a problem.

6.  Does Indian mobiles work over there?

Yes, Indian mobiles work here, but don’t forget to take international roaming from your service provider. There might be unavailability of networks on the day of Parikrama.

7.  Are there any specific clothing guidelines?

Descent and comfortable clothing is required as the yatra is strenuous.


Note : Are you willing to know more about pilgrimages? Must read about the 5 Famous Hindu Yatra in india

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Nathula Pass : A New Route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Nathula Pass, A New Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar

India and China have signed a bilateral agreement regarding the access of Nathula route; this will be an alternate route for the existing Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.

It is expected that more than 1600 pilgrims, in ten batches will be taking Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathula Pass, Sikkim route by June next year.

For this purpose, two senior officials of Ministry of External Affairs have inspected whether all the plans have been efficiently implemented or not.

The new route eradicates the hardships of the pilgrims and aims at providing ease especially to the senior citizens. 17^th Mile and Sherathang have been finalized as acclimatization centers for the pilgrims. As per the proposal, pilgrims will be required to halt for at least two days in Gangtok and then head to 17^th Mile and Sherathang for further acclimatization before getting into thinner air of Tibet.

Also, the pilgrims can now drive through this route to reach Kailash Mansarovar. For this, they will be starting from Gangtok (Sikkim) to Shigatse (Tibet). And from Shigatse they can hire a van or board a bus in order to reach Mansarovar and Kailash.

Talking about Nepal route, it takes about ten days to cover the journey. Uttarakhand route takes twenty-seven days. And the Nathula Pass route takes eight days. Nathula Route is open from March to November, while Lipulekh route is open from June to September.

[ If interested? Check out the list of Packages for Kailash Mansarovar ]

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Top 5 Famous Hindu Yatra : Some Popular and Revered Places

The oldest and most common religion in India is Hinduism. There are no traces about its origin and it has moved ahead with recorded history. It is a vast religion and has countless deities, each of which is revered in different parts of India. There are several mythological stories which speak volumes about the divine incarnations, holy experiences and foundation of temples & religious shrines in different parts of the country. 

One of the most prominent aspects of Hinduism is Tirtha Yatra. It literally means a pilgrimage undertaken to visit a holy site. As per Vedic shastras, a Yatri is supposed to undertake Yatra barefoot. However, these rules are not followed by present generation. 

Here is a list of five popular Hindu pilgrim destinations which are largely visited by Hindus living in different parts of India. 

1. Amarnath Yatra :

It would not be an overstatement to say that Amarnath Yatra is a sheer test of endurance with its duration spanning between 45 to 60 days. It is one of the most popular Himalayan pilgrimages in India and is organized yearly by the government of Jammu & Kashmir between the months of June and August. Baba Amarnath, the other name of Lord Shiva, offers a great treat for eyes.

Every year, during the months of June and August, an ice lingam forms along with two other ice formations representing Mata Parvati and Shri Ganesh inside the Amarnath Cave. The registration forms for Yatra are issued by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Of late, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has also started the facility of online forms, which can be downloaded from the official website. 

The government of Jammu and Kashmir launched Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter service in 2004 to cut down the duration of this religious trek. 

2. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra : 

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The minimum age to undertake this arduous trek is above 18 years and helps pilgrim who want to undertake religious journeys for Kailash and Mansarovar trek. The Mount Kailash is a sacred place for three different religions-Hinduism, Jainism and Bon. 

Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and circumambulating Mount Kailash is a holy ritual. The pilgrim tour commence in the months of May and June. The pilgrimage takes place in several batches and one has to undergo a medical test to ensure one’s physical condition. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter is a famous tour package, which cuts down the duration of this holy pilgrim. 

3. Rath Yatra :

Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) is a popular festival in Orissa. Full of drama and spectacle, the fair attracts more than 5 million people from all around the world. This festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Jagannath, another name of Lord Krishna. It is an ancient festival which is considered as the gateway to heaven by many devotees. 

A day before the ceremony, the three deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are given holy bath (Snana Vedi). The chariot of Lord Jagannath is called Nandighosa, which has 18 wheels and is 23 cubits high. The chariot of Balabhadra is called Taladhvaja, which has 16 wheels and is 22 cubits high. At last, there is Devadalana, the chariot of Subhadra has 14 wheels and is 21 cubits high.

4. Chota Char Dham Yatra : 

One of the most celebrated pilgrim expeditions in India, Chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand covers four famous destinations - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is one of the most sought after expeditions to win a lifetime experience. 

[ Check-out here some Chardham Yatra Tour Packages ]

The foundation stone of these four pilgrim sites was laid by Adi Shankaracharya. With Chardham Yatra 2014 tour package, you can feel the religious pulsation and unshakable trust of pilgrims visiting these four destinations. 

The duration of Chardham Yatra destinations has been shortened with the commencement of helicopter service. With the introduction of Chardham Yatra by Helicopter service, pilgrims can explore these four religious sites within 2 to 3 days.

5. Kashi Yatra :

One of the oldest inhabited cities in India, Varanasi is once in a lifetime destination for many Hindu devotees. The purpose of Kashi Yatra for many people is the performance of Vedic rites for their ancestors. It is customary for all Hindu pilgrims to undergo Kashi Yatra on foot. 

The journey starts with Saikatha Pooja at Rameshwaram followed by visit to Triveni Sangamam at Allahabad where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. Following Kashi Vishwanath Darshan, Ganga water is collected to do Ganga Abhishek of Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram. Pilgrims also visit Gaya to do Gaya Shraddha to their ancestors.

Devotees who partake in these religious treks come with an unshakable trust and faith in the presence of almighty and its miracles. These pilgrim sites exhibit the dedication and endurance level of Hindu devotees. 

You may also check-out here about Top 10 Temples in India

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