Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10 Days For Foreigners

Mount Kailash Parikrama Experience and Difficulty

The Mount Kailash Parikrama (Kora) is a 52 km circumambulation of Mount Kailash (Kailas Parvat), and usually takes 3 days to complete, and is considered to be one of the most spiritual and arduous journeys in the world.
It is not the technically difficult parts that pose the challenges in this trekking route; rather, the biggest challenges are the extreme altitudes, the hours of walking, and severe weather. The route reaches an altitude of 5,630 m at Dolma La Pass, and the level of oxygen becomes alarmingly low. At this point, just walking slowly is tiresome, and almost all pilgrims will suffer from shortness of breath, tiredness, or mild effects of altitude. This explains why acclimatization to high altitude is essential.

This trek has been divided into three segments. On day one is a gentle walk down the valley to Dirapuk, where there is a direct view of Kailash Parvat. Day two involves walking over the Dolma La Pass, and it is by far the toughest trek in terms of mental and physical endurance. Steep climbs up, rocky trails, parts of ice, and strong biting cold winds make this stretch of 8–10 hours of relentless walking test the willpower of trekkers. Day three is an easier walk down to Darchen.

The spiritual aspects, despite the grueling conditions, are immense. The pilgrims are always found walking slowly and chanting prayers along the entire way. With the right guides, pace, and support, the Kailash Parikrama can be managed by most physically sound travelers and is indeed a unique lifetime spiritual experience.

Securing the Sensitive Restricted Zone Permits: ATP, Military, and Foreign Affairs Clearances

While most international tourists believe a valid passport and China Group Visa will allow them into the Roof of the World, tourism access is tightly restricted in Ngari Prefecture (Western Tibet) due to the extremely sensitive nature of its position on the international border zone. Entering the holy sphere around Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar necessitates the coordinated effort of four secondary, government-approved security clearances.

It is impossible to apply for these permits in your own capacity, so it will be up to our team to obtain and process every necessary level of permission in advance of passing through the many military and police checkpoints on the overland road between Kyirung, Saga, and Darchen:

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) in Lhasa. Your initial permit for Tibet is required in order to cross the Rasuwagadhi/Kyirong border or board a bus or taxi into the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
• Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP): Issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB). While the TTP gives you permission to travel throughout Tibet, the ATP permits travel into restricted areas, including the entirety of the Kailash Kora circuit.
• Military Area Entry Permit: Issued by the Military Region Headquarters. As Mt. Kailash is very near the Nepal–India border region, the national government strictly screens and approves military entry permits for this high-security area, which takes an average of 20–30 days prior to your departure.
• Foreign Affairs Permit: Issued by the Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) in Lhasa. This is the final layer of approval before entering the plateau; it permits foreigners into Tibet under official government sanction and ensures monitoring during the 3-day high-altitude Kora.

Everything is done for you. The entire set of permits is secured as part of our 10-Day overland package; all you need to do is send a color scan of your passport 30 to 45 days in advance of your trip. Our professional teams in Lhasa and Kathmandu will take care of all the paperwork.

Accommodation During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10 Days (By Location)

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10-Day Route via Kyirung is designed to provide safe, comfortable accommodations and proper acclimatization on both sides of the Tibetan Plateau, in Nepal and Tibet. While accommodations become progressively more basic as you gain altitude, they have all been selected for their cleanliness, safety and suitability as places for pilgrims to rest while travelling in the remote hills of the Himalayas.

Kathmandu (Nepal)

Before travelling to Kailash, travelers to the Yatra will stay in a safe, comfortable, tourist-standard hotel in Kathmandu. The hotel provides well-furnished rooms that have private bathrooms and include Wi-Fi, as well as access to hot showers and restaurant facilities. This hotel will also serve as a key preparation hub for you to obtain necessary permits, participate in a briefing, and make the final travel arrangements.

Kyirung (Tibet Border Town)

Once you have crossed into Tibet, your accommodations in Kyirung will be basic but still provide a comfortable hotel or guesthouse experience for you. Most guests are accommodated in twin-sharing rooms with private or shared bathroom facilities. This is an important stop for your body to begin acclimatizing to the increasing altitude that you have begun to experience.

Saga (Tibetan Plateau)

Saga has provided basic hotels (also known as Tibetan hotels) along the path between Kokar and Darchen with twin share rooms. Due to the remote area, facilities are basic; however, you will find the comfort of having a bed, a meal, and heat during colder months at Saga - this is a major stopover on the Tibetan Plateau.

Mansarovar Area

Lodging in the area of Lake Mansarovar is typically only a basic guesthouse or dormitory-type lodge. Due to the religious and remote nature of Lake Mansarovar, the facilities are basic; nevertheless, the stay is spiritually significant with an excellent view of Lake Mansarovar.

Darchen (Base of Mount Kailash)

Darchen supports small size hotels and guesthouses with twin share bedrooms; Darchen serves as the base town for the pedestrian pilgrimage to Mount Kailash with basic amenities, including food and an area to prepare for the trek.

Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk (During Parikrama)

During the Kailash Parikrama, you will stay in basic stone or wood guesthouses at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk with no additional amenities. You will share rooms, the level of service is minimal, and you will experience rugged living conditions at altitudes over 5,000m. The accommodations at Darchen, Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk are basically for your rest and survival while making a spiritual pilgrimage.

Meals During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Information)

The meals provided during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10 Days via Kyirung Route are light vegetarian dishes suitable for travelling in Nepal's high altitudes and the Tibetan Plateau. Food is essentially based on high-energy food suitable for coping with the very high altitudes and lengthy travel.

Breakfast (Package inclusion)

Breakfast is typically served in hotels or guest houses, the usual options being tea/ coffee/ bread/ butter/ jam/ porridge/ cornflakes/ parathas/ simple vegetarian dishes. At higher altitudes in places like Saga and Darchen, the breakfast remains simple and nutritional, suitable for long hours of driving or trekking.

Lunch (Not included in package)

Lunch is not included in the price, and you normally will have lunch while traveling in roadside shops or packed stops. Usually, the tourist would buy their own lunch and some simple vegetarian food such as rice, noodles, dal, vegetable curry or some snacks. Due to long traveling distances, and the stop sites are too remote, the traveling schedule will be flexible for the whole Tibet trip; therefore, lunch is not included in the package.

Dinner (Not included in package in most sections)

It is also not included in the package in many overland sections, particularly in the traveling days, in general, during the time in the guesthouses and hotels, e.g. In Kyirung, Saga, Mansarovar region and Darchen, dinner can be arranged and you should pay extra money. Normally will serve in simple Indian vegetarian style or Tibet style. It should be served when it is fresh in accommodation places.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE FOOD IN THE TIBET REGION

Since the availability is limited, you are highly recommended to bring sufficient snacks (dry fruits, energy bars, biscuits, chocolates, and ORS, etc.) for yourself. It is strictly forbidden to eat any alcohol, meat and non-vegetarian food during the pilgrimage in the sacred places of most sections in the region.

Best Time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Foreigners

It is ideal to plan your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra between May and September, which is considered a limited pilgrimage season where the Himalayan passes and the Tibet Plateau are open for travel. During this period, the weather is most suitable and road conditions are safe with clear visibility of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, which are suitable for foreign pilgrims starting their yatra from Nepal.

The most auspicious and suitable months to travel are May-June and September. May and June are considered the beginning of the pilgrimage season, with pristine snow views and clear skies, with utmost spiritual benefits. Also, this month holds major significance as the full moon day (Purnima) is considered very auspicious, and pilgrims believe that performing Kailash Parikrama during this period provides them tenfold spiritual blessings. In the month of September, the weather remains mostly crystal clear, with no such crowd and visibility of Mt Kailash being most appropriate for foreigners to experience.

Although it is warm between July and August, occasionally there may be the effect of monsoon on the Nepal side, whereas it's dry in the Tibetan part as it lies in the rain-shadow region. But, the pilgrimage is closed from October to April due to extreme cold, snow and bad weather.

Luxury vs Budget Kailash Mansarovar Tour Options

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10 Days trip can be available in a budget group joining package and a luxury upgrade package, depending upon your choice of travel, comfort and budget. Both the packages will provide the same itinerary, Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar and Kailash Parikrama, but vary in terms of accommodation, vehicle upgrade and travel comforts throughout Nepal and Tibet.

Budget Kailash Mansarovar Tour (Standard Group Joining)

This is the most feasible package for foreigners. This package includes Accommodation (Standard Hotels/Guesthouses on a sharing basis), transport in Nepal and Tibet (Tourist Bus / sharing vehicle), Standard Tibetan food, and guided pilgrimage support. This tour package is focused on the spiritual journey, and the pilgrim does not worry about the level of luxury and comfort.

Luxury Kailash Mansarovar Tour (Upgraded Option)

In a luxury package, there is an option of upgraded hotels at Kathmandu & Tibet, priority permit processing, private or semi-private transport, quality meal plan and comparatively comfortable logistics during long drives. Typically the extra amount for luxury upgrades would range from USD 800 to USD 1,500 per person, varying depending upon the services and group size.

Selective luxury upgrades ( without full luxury package)

• Those who may not prefer a full luxury package for the tour could consider the selective upgrades:
• Helicopter transfer (Nepal side, to shorten the extensive road drive)
• Upgraded hotel at Kathmandu, Kyirung, Saga and Darchen
• Private or semi-private jeep drive at Tibet overland journey
• Extra porters or yaks for Kailash parikrama
• Choice of high-class vegetarian or bespoke meal plan

Mandatory High-Altitude Travel Insurance & Medical Fitness for the Tibet Plateau 

For foreign tourists travelling to Nepal for entry into Tibet for the 10-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, travel insurance and medical fitness certificates are compulsory. It goes without saying that high-altitude conditions above 5,600 meters at Dolma La Pass could lead to emergencies, requiring rescue and medical support, flight cancellations, and restrictions on access to advanced medical facilities in this rugged region. Hence, every traveler needs to have insurance cover and must be medically fit. 

Why High-Altitude Travel Insurance Is Mandatory

The Kailash journey goes through remote areas on the Tibetan Plateau where medical facilities are scarce. If there are emergencies, then transport back by road or helicopter might be very expensive, as a result, insurance will cover the following:

• Altitude sickness (AMS, HAPE, HACE)
• Emergency medical treatment in Nepal and Tibet
• Rescue and helicopter evacuation
• Trip cancellation or delay because of weather, permits, etc.
• Lost baggage, delay, etc.

Recommended Insurance Coverage for Kailash Yatra

It is highly recommended that you obtain an international travel insurance policy that covers high-altitude trekking (above 5,000 m). Some good options include:

• World Nomads (Adventure Travel Plan)
• IMG Global Travel Insurance
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AXA Travel Insurance (with optional add-on for high-altitude trekking)

Ensure the policy includes coverage for emergency evacuations from high-altitude remote regions and travel within Tibet.

Medical Fitness Requirement

All participants should be medically fit and may be required to present a simple medical certificate when applying for this journey. Anyone with chronic conditions involving the heart and/or lungs, or other pre-existing medical conditions, must inform the operator at the time of booking.

Essential Packing List for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 10 Days will take you over 5,000 meters. So, the gear you carry for the Yatra is vital for your well-being, security and for completing the journey smoothly. The weather is dynamic and may change from sunny to extremely cold in minutes, especially in the Mansarovar region and while crossing Dolma La Pass (5,630m). Everything you need should be warm, waterproof, and high-quality.

Best Shoe for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Most importantly, you'll need high ankle waterproof trekking shoes with a good grip and support around the ankle as you'll be walking over rocks, uneven terrain, snowy slopes and inclined paths on Kailash Parikrama.

Key features for the boots:

• Waterproof ( Gore-Tex or equivalent)
• High-ankle support for added balance
• Deep-grip outsole suitable for rocky as well as icy slopes
• Comfortable fit (broken-in before the trip is a must)

Pilgrims must not travel with brand-new shoes. You should be at ease, and the shoes must be time-tested on lengthy treks. In addition, carrying extra woollen socks and liner socks for added warmth and to avoid blisters is highly suggested.

Best Backpack for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

You can use an average size 40-50 liter lightweight trekking bag/daypack for day hiking and Kora walk.

Features required in the daypack:

• Light but strong and robust.
• Properly padded shoulder straps and waist belt.
• Rain cover for rain or snow.
• Several small chambers for easy access to things needed.

The larger bag is a duffel bag of size around 60-90 L. This larger bag carries the main luggage, and it can be either handled by vehicle/porters according to the route. 

Best Jacket for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Extremely important for the extreme cold, especially early mornings, nights and for the Dolma La Pass crossing. This has to be a really good insulated down jacket.

• Desired properties of the jacket should be:
• Heavy down insulation (able to survive -10C)
• The outer layer has to be wind and water-resistant.
• It should be lightweight and easy to pack, i.e. Compressible.
• It should have a drawstring hood for protection from the wind and snow.

Layering is vital, so this jacket will go over a fleece and thermal inner layers.

Thermal Base Layers (Most Important for Cold Protection)

Innerwear, which is athermal, is extremely vital to keep yourself warm during the freezing nights at Lake Mansarovar and the Dolma La pass.

You should always carry:

• 2-3 sets of thermal tops and bottoms
• Inner wear which wicks away moisture if you will be walking in those days.
• T-shirts which dry quickly (for the parts which you don't have to trek in the cold weather).

Waterproof & Windproof Outer Shell

• A sturdy outer shell is required for protecting from snow, wind and unexpected rain in Tibet:
• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex advised)
• Waterproof trekking trousers
• A light rain poncho or shell cover
• This layer will be extremely useful during the Kailash Parikrama.

Trekking Pants and Cozy Lower Wear

• 2-3 pairs of quick-dry trekking trousers
• 1 pair of warm fleece/track trousers for the evenings
• Optional thermal leggings for colder conditions
• Light clothes for traveling over long driving and trekking days.

Gloves, Hat and Neck Cover

• Extremities lose heat quickly in high altitude:
• 1 pair fleece gloves, 1 pair of waterproof gloves
• Warm woolen/insulated hat/beanie
• Neck gaiter/buff to protect from wind and dust
• Sun cap/hat for use in lower altitudes during daytime travel

Sunglasses and Sun Protection Kit

• Due to intense UV radiation at the Tibet Plateau, the use of eye protection is indispensable:
• UV 400 Sunglasses (protection against snow blindness)
• SPF 50+ Sun Cream
• Lip Balm with SPF

Personal Medical & Altitude Kit

Given the risk posed by high altitudes, adequate preparation in terms of medicine is of great importance:

• Medicine against altitude sickness (Diamox, prescribed by a doctor)
• Painkillers, antibiotics, ORS
• Individual medicines
• Medical First Aid Kit (plasters, disinfectants, etc.)

Hydration & Energy Supplies

• Reusable Water Bottle (preferably thermal flask)
• Electrolytes / ORS powder
• Energy bars, dried fruit, and chocolate
• It is especially important during the trek to drink a lot in order to prevent AMS.

Trekking Equipment

• Trekking poles (required especially for Dolma La Pass)
• Head lamp with extra batteries
• Dry bags for electronics and documents
• External battery pack (charging opportunities are few in remote areas)

Mobile Network, Internet and Communication Availability in Tibet Region

Mobile network and internet access during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 10 Days are available very rarely, and so all trekkers are advised to be clearly aware of it before leaving. Network is available in a few towns, whereas it is almost unavailable in trekking areas at the high altitudes like Lake Mansarovar and on the Mount Kailash Parikrama route.

Mobile Network Availability in Tibet

In Tibet, the mobile network is only available in some of the major towns like Kyirong, Saga, Darchen, etc., where some kind of low to moderate signal can be obtained on a China Mobile or China Unicom SIM card. When trekking far away from any town and to a high region mobile network tends to be intermittent or vanish completely. There is no network at all during Kailash Parikrama, especially near the Dolma La pass.

Internet and WiFi Availability

In major towns of Tibet, few hotels have internet facilities which may be very slow and uncertain. Guesthouses by Mansarovar Lake do not provide WiFi. During the trek of the Kailash yatra, WiFi facility will also not be available. Besides this, major international applications like WhatsApp, Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc. are banned in China / Tibet, hence, there are only limited communication facilities available even if there is internet access.

The Communication Reality on Kailash Yatra

Kailash Yatra is often known as a "digital detox pilgrimage" due to the total breakdown of communication when one treks. Friends should inform families about the trip in advance, and if an emergency arises, there is a tour leader/operator who may make contact when it is available for you to call home.

Currency, ATM, and Money Exchange System in Tibet Region

The financial system used in the region of Tibet differs quite a lot compared to Nepal or Western countries, and travelers should arrange themselves before entering Tibet while visiting on a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Currency Used in Tibet

The official currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Travelers will need to carry sufficient cash as food, tips, small expenses, porter fees and other services within Tibet need to be paid for in cash. Foreign currency, as well as INR, is not acceptable in major places.

ATMs available in Tibet

There are ATMs in major places like Lhasa and a few other cities. But while traveling through the Kailash route (Kyirung, Saga, Mansarovar, Darchen), you won't find ATM's, and there are only a few of them, which may not even work properly.

Money Exchange System in Tibet

Money exchange can be done in Kathmandu prior to departure. Exchange is possible at banks and hotels in cities, but while traveling in places like Kailash, it is highly recommended to carry enough Chinese Yuan (small notes) along.

Financial advices

• Carry the required amount from Nepal itself before entering Tibet.
• Do not rely on Cards, UPI or any sort of online payment.
• Carry the cash in two or more bags to prevent losing all your cash if something happens.
• Carry small denominations of cash.