Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indians and NRIs 12 Days

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indians and NRIs 12 Days Overview

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra isn't just another trekking journey through the high Himalayas; it's a divine visit where pilgrims unite with Lord Shiva, internal peace, and divine divinity. Reaching Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is the ultimate longing of countless Indian nationals and NRIs. This pilgrimage is believed to wash away all our past karmas, showering us with divine grace and true faith. You visit lord Shiva's heavenly home, the sacred Kailash, and one of the most sacred lakes, Mansarovar Lake, where each pilgrim performs a holy dip, chants holy verses and performs auspicious rites and rituals.

Our 12-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu is a spiritually enriching experience designed with an adequate acclimatization plan and smooth travel services. This Yatra begins with a darshan at some sacred shrines like Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa at Kathmandu, followed by our journey across the picturesque Kyirung border to Tibet, also known as the roof of the world. Throughout the journey, we feast on the heavenly sights of the stark Tibetan plateau, the divine Mansarovar lake and finally, we receive the divine darshan of the holy Mount Kailash as it appears beyond the horizon.

The most divine part of the Yatra is the sacred Kailash Parikrama, which means circumambulation of the holy Mount Kailash. At 52kms, this usually covers a 3-day journey covering routes like Dirapuk, Dolma La Pass (5,630m), Gauri Kund and Zuthulpuk.  Hindus believe that simply viewing Mt Kailash is an act of darshan, and performing a circumambulation of the mountain (the Parikrama) grants the devotee extraordinary benefits and purification.

Every step of your pilgrimage will turn into an unforgettable experience, from your holy dip at Mansarovar Lake and morning prayer by the lake’s ever-clear waters at sunrise, to the view of Mount Kailash’s magnificent faces during your Kora. Be it an Indian Pilgrim or an NRI visiting from abroad, it is indeed a golden chance for one to tread the paths where many have tread before, during this very holy pilgrimage, which is one of the most spiritually enlightened and most revered pilgrimages in the world.

Note on Kailash Puja. A Hindu Pilgrim, once reaching the Mansarovar Lake and in the presence of holy Mount Kailash, can offer a number of sacred Pujas to the deity to offer gratitude and blessings. Among them most performed ones are: Shiva Abhishekam (holy water offering), Rudra Abhishek, Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap, Kailash Parikrama Sankalp Puja, Mansarovar Snan Sankalp, Gauri Shankar Puja, Navagraha Puja, Aarti of Lord Shiva. We also make arrangements for professional Pundits, as and when demanded during the Yatra. The pilgrims can either carry their own puja samagri from their native country or purchase it easily from Kathmandu before departure. 

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Package Highlights

• Visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu
• Overland drive from Nepal to Tibet via the Kyirung Border
• Beautiful drive through the vast Tibetan plateau.
• Holy Lake Mansarovar Darshan, holy bath, puja, and meditation
• Have the divine vision of Lord Shiva's abode, Mount Kailash, for the first time.
• Special prayers and Havan performed at Mansarovar Lake
• Take a holy walk or circumambulate around 52 km, the Holy Kailash Parikrama (Kora) over three days.
• Saga - one of the biggest transit towns in Tibet.
• Drive through the beautiful Lha Chu Valley.
• Mysterious Rakshas Tal (Ravana Lake is viewed.
• Visit the starting point of Kailash Kora called Yamadwar.
• View the North Face of Mount Kailash from Dirapuk.
• Cross the sacred Dolma La Pass (5,630 m / 18,471 ft), the highest point in the pilgrimage.
• Visit the sacred Gauri Kund for blessings.
• All the faces of Mount Kailash (North, West, South and East) seen during the pilgrimage.
• Chance of seeing rare Ponnar Maniyan Darshan (Golden Kailash view) at sunrise or sunset.
• Darshan of Dakshinamurthy (Shiva Form in South Facing) linked to knowledge.
• Holy trip for Darshan of Mount Kailash, Holy Lake Mansarovar and Kailash Parikrama.

2026/ 2027/ 2028 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost for Indians and NRIs

We offer an exclusive Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package suitable for both Indians and NRIs who seek a well-planned and soulful journey to Mt Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The prices begin from just US$ 1,500 per person on the group joining trips, and they will differ according to group size and customizations as per your requirements. Private departures offer the freedom of exclusive and personalized services throughout the trip.

If you seek the costs in Indian Rupees (INR), do contact us, and we would be happy to share with you the complete cost details along with inclusions, exclusions and departure for 2026, 2027 and 2028 on a PDF quotation.

Booking Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra During the Full Moon in 2026, 2027 and 2028

To witness Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during a Full Moon (Purnima) is considered one of the holiest times to visit Mount Kailash by most Hindu pilgrims, for it adds another level to the whole pilgrimage. Under the light of the full moon, the sacred water of Lake Mansarovar glistens like silver, and Mount Kailash, covered with white snow, glistens under the night sky. The majority of Hindu believers say that undertaking puja, meditation, Rudrabhishek and holy baths under the full moon adds to immense spiritual gain and is considered the blessings of Lord Shiva.

To allow most Indian pilgrims and NRIs to avail this special occasion, we make special Full Moon departure tours, which would allow you to visit and reach Lake Mansarovar around the full moon period (either just before, or during the full moon time). This allows our travelers to do puja, meditation and darshan of lord Shiva during this extremely sacred time in the Hindu calendar; the dates may vary depending on the Hindu calendar and final arrangement.

Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Yatra 2026

The most significant dates selected for the 2026 Full Moon departure were finalized with a view to ensuring that the pilgrims can perform all their pooja, meditation and darshan at Lake Mansarovar during the full moon period.

Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Yatra 2027

Join a spiritually enriching pilgrimage timed around the sacred Purnima at Lake Mansarovar.

Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Yatra 2028

Experience the divine beauty of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar under the sacred Full Moon in 2028.

Why Do Pilgrims Prefer the Full Moon Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

• Holy dip and puja at Lake Mansarovar during Purnima
• Breathtaking moonlight view of Mount Kailash
• Great time for mediation, mantra chanting and spiritual reflection.
• Considered to be very auspicious in the Hindu tradition.
• Very popular amongst Indian pilgrims, NRIs, sadhus, Shiva devotees, etc.
• Opportunity to see the magical beauty of Kailash and Mansarovar bathed in the moonlight of the Full Moon.

For many devotees, one of the greatest parts of the entire Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will be performing a Holy dip and doing puja at Lake Mansarovar under the bright moonlight of Purnima, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" with the image of the full moon reflected in the sacred waters of the Mansarovar.

Specially Designed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian Nationals and NRIs Only With View Nepal Treks

We know that pilgrims always feel comfortable when traveling with people of the same culture, tradition, language, religion, etc. Understanding the need, we have specially designed the 12-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which will exclusively run for Indian National & NRIs only. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, a religious group or individually, we can pair you with other pilgrims of the same religion traveling for this sacred tour.

This allows us to create a very comfortable and spiritually enjoyable atmosphere throughout the entire pilgrimage. Temple visits at Kathmandu, Puja at Lake Mansarovar, and finally the Kailash Parikrama will all be with the other Hindu pilgrims who understand the religious importance of each step being taken. Therefore, the entire Kailash Yatra from the beginning till the end will be very comfortable, spiritual, memorable and enjoyable.

Group Joining Holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Guaranteed Departures in 2026, 2027 and 2028

Our group joining the tour to Kailash Mansarovar is ideal for all Indian nationals and NRIs who would like to embark on this spiritual journey from anywhere across the globe. Group joining tours signify that you, as an individual, would join with other like-minded devotees for a Fixed Departure date with shared vehicle, guide, activities and the entire itinerary of the pilgrimage.

It's a great choice for solo travelers, couples, family and healthy seniors who want to complete the holy Yatra in the company of a group. Group joining tours are very famous for their economics and create an excellent devotion during pujas, rituals at Mansarovar Lake and at the time of Kailash Parikrama.

When a trip shows guaranteed departure, then the trip is confirmed to depart from a fixed scheduled time and will not be cancelled for minimum numbers. The pilgrims will not face issues on the 2026, 2027 or 2028 Kailash Yatra trip planning.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for NRIs and Indians 2026 Group Joining Fixed Departures

NRIs and Indians Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2027 Group Joining Fixed Departures

Private Tailor-Made Kailash Parvat Yatra Option for Both NRIs and Indian Passport Holders

Some people do not feel very comfortable while traveling in a group. For more comfort, exclusiveness and flexibility, a fully customized Private Kailash Parvat Yatra is available to both Indian Passport Holders and NRIs. Such a yatra will be suitable for you or your group of family, friends, religious group or for your partner.

The itinerary can be tailored according to the preferred dates, pace of journey, luxury hotel choice and other requirements. A private journey for you can include a luxury hotel in Kathmandu, private transportation, additional acclimatization days, helicopter service or a fully premium holy journey. Our Group joining Kailash Tour lowest cost starts from $1500 pp, but there is a different package for private tours according to the required services and luxury. Contact us for an individual quotation.

Can You Complete the Kailash Parikrama During This Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Yes. The tour plan ensures opportunities for pilgrims to take the holy Kailash Parikrama (Kora), which is the crucial part of the holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. However, the ability to complete the parikrama is dependent on pilgrims' individual health and fitness level, weather conditions, and altitude acclimatization level through the yatra.

Understanding the Kailash Parikrama

Kailash Parikrama is a sacred journey around Mount Kailash.

• It is approx. 52 Kms in total distance.
• The journey starts and ends at Darchen.
• Generally, Parikrama takes 3 days to complete.
• The highest point is Dolma La pass (5,630 meters); the path is difficult.
• The parikrama is also seen as the culminating part of the entire Kailash Mansarovar tour.

It is widely believed that the holy kora helps to relieve one's lifetime burden of karma.

Is the Full Parikrama Included in This Package

Yes. The Package includes sufficient time for pilgrims to take up a full Kailash Parikrama.

• The transportation will be provided till Darchen.
• The complete arrangement of stay and logistical support for the complete tour will be provided.
• A supporting guide will accompany the pilgrims.
• The entire Parikrama trek can be done on foot at your own pace.

Support for Senior Pilgrims and Those Needing Assistance

There are some options to ease the strain for pilgrims who wish to complete it over a longer duration/few stages. These can be organized based on requirement and availability:

• Ponies can be hired for the majority of the journey with specific charges.
• Porters are available to carry your belongings.
• Elderly pilgrims may choose to walk for a while, then take a ride for the rest of the journey.
• All required assistance shall be organized if needed and available.

What if You Cannot Complete the Full Parikrama

There are quite a few people who are more interested in just the Darshan than in completing the entire trekking Parikrama. It is totally okay if one is unable to finish the full Kora circuit. Pilgrims can visit Lake Mansarovar, go up to Darchen and not take up the full Parikrama tour.

Some might just do the initial portion of the Parikrama and turn back to Darchen, others may stay back in Darchen and wait for their group/loved ones to complete the trek. The holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar can be observed without finishing the 52 km circle.

Pure Satvic Veg Meal Kailash Mansarovar Yatra At Lowest Cost For NRIs (Non-Resident Indian)

This Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package is also known as the Pure Satvic Veg Meal Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and is specially designed for Indian pilgrims and NRIs who wish to have vegetarian meals throughout their religious pilgrimage. We will have our own kitchen and kitchen staff traveling along with the group, who will cook fresh Indian cuisine daily, which includes Puri-Bhaji, Roti, Rice, Dal, Vegetable curry, Khichdi, tea, etc.

We can also make arrangements for you as per your pure Sattvic food dietary restriction by providing meals without onion and garlic (these two are frequently not eaten by Hindus in the daily Sattvic food). In case you want to be on a fast (vrat) or can't eat anything, our guides and kitchen staff will try their level best to accommodate you according to your age, condition and altitude. The all-vegetarian Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package, especially designed for Indians and NRIs, is priced only at $1500 per head for joining a group tour.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Dakshinamurthy and Ponnar Maniyan Darshan 

This is a spiritual experience to have for Hindu Pilgrims from India as well as for NRIs who journey to Kailash Mansarovar. There is nothing more divine and memorable in a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra than the Ponnar Maniyan Darshan. It is observed during sunrise and sunset, where the sun is at its peak, and the first rays of the sun hit the snow-covered face of Mount Kailash, thus giving it the "Golden Kailash" appearance. Most people believe that Lord Shiva's "Golden Appearance" is from heaven. It is one of the most spiritually rewarding experiences which cannot be explained by words. One witnesses such a divine vision at its peak, where black rock, white snow, and golden sunlight create a spiritual and heavenly vision, and a lot of pilgrims often become emotional with such heavenly views while listening to "Om Namah Shivaya" or silent prayers and making an offering.

As part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you will get to witness the holy southern face of Mount Kailash. Hindus believe that this particular face of the divine mountain represents Dakshinamurthy, which is the Adi Guru manifestation of Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, Dakshinamurthy represents infinite knowledge, concentration, and spirituality. During the time that you stand looking at the face of Kailash, pilgrims will most probably pray to Lord Shiva to guide them, give them mental peace and bless them with freedom from ignorance. The Darshan (vision) is often a spiritual experience for many Indians and NRIs, as Lord Shiva is perceived to be the divine, eternal guru, whose silence conveys infinite knowledge to His faithful devotees.

About Kailash Mansarovar Ashtapad For NRIs and Indian Passport Holders

The term 'Ashtapad' translates to 'Eight Steps,' considered very holy in Jain mythology. In Jainism, Ashtapad represents the eight stages towards spiritual freedom. Ashtapad is intrinsically linked to the Kailash Mansarovar region and, according to Jain lore, it is the site where Lord Rishabhdev (the first Jain Tirthankara) attained 'moksha'. Some texts also envision it as a heavenly mountain that has eight distinct terraces or levels ascending to Kailash.

The Ashtapad visit forms an integral part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra itinerary for both NRIs and Indian passport holders. However, it is not an accessible site in itself. One can view it or gain indirect access only when and if permitted by Chinese officials. In fact, pilgrims may hire a local jeep service from Darchen (at an additional cost of around RMB 500-650 per person) in order to obtain a nearer 'darshan' point. The drive is extremely scenic with panoramic views of the mighty Mount Kailash and carries a sacred aura with it, combining earthly beauty with divinity. All access is at the sole discretion of Chinese authorities and the given permissions.

Full 2026/ 2027 Notice about Charan Sparsh (Touching The Feet Of Mount Kailash Ie Shiva’s Resident)

Charan Sparsh means 'touching the feet' of Mount Kailash, which is believed to represent the physical form of Lord Shiva. Traditionally, Charan Sparsh refers to the highly arduous trek on high altitudes, from Dirapuk towards the North Face of Kailash; however, lately, access to this area is severely restricted by the Chinese/Tibetan authorities.

Charan Sparsh is the ritual where one undertakes the holy pilgrimage, by attempting to walk from Dirapuk Monastery (approx. 4900m), towards the base of the North face of Mount Kailash (around 5-7km depending on interpretation), as close as one physically can, and pay homage. It is considered the nearest 'darshan' to the divine peak, since climbing Mount Kailash is entirely prohibited.

2026 / 2027 Official Situation (Important Update)

The ritual of Charan Sparsh cannot currently be incorporated as an integral part of the 2026/2027 trekking schedule. The Chinese authorities do not allow any further excursion beyond the specified border point located near Dirapuk owing to risks associated with geographical instabilities, high altitude problems, environmental protection rules, etc. Hence, tour operators cannot include it in their confirmed itineraries beforehand.

Current Itinerary Policy

We clearly inform every pilgrim that Charan Sparsh is not a part of the original package. Numerous batches in the past (including those of recent seasons) were prohibited from proceeding further to the Charan Sparsh point, and for that matter, this activity has been excluded from the list of confirmed items of our itineraries.

If Permission Is Granted in Future

If permission is granted by Chinese authorities for future trekking seasons, it will be:

• Optional and purely permit-based.
• Subject to clear weather conditions and the guide's discretion.
• Possible only from the side of Dirapuk (a brief trek of about 2-3 km on each side)
• Very demanding considering altitude level (5200m+ approx) and terrain.

Present-day experience

As of now, pilgrims are able to offer their prayers and view the holy North face of Kailash from Dirapuk from the designated fixed boundary, which is currently the nearest point accessible to Mount Kailash, which most pilgrims consider the spiritual substitute to the actual circumambulation.