Mount Kailash in Tibet Autonomous Region
Tibet Autonomous Region · 6,638 m

Kailash Mansarovar
Yatra 2026 - Complete Guide

The holiest pilgrimage on Earth - Lord Shiva's eternal abode, resumed in 2026 after a five-year pause.

6,638m
Mt. Kailash Height
4,590m
Lake Mansarovar
52 km
Kailash Kora
May-Sep
Yatra Season

Of all sacred places in the Hindu cosmos, none carries the spiritual weight of Kailash. It is a mountain never climbed, a lake never drained, and a pilgrimage that leaves no pilgrim unchanged.

Mount Kailash (6,638 m) stands in southwest Tibet and is revered across Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon traditions. Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), one of the world's highest freshwater lakes, is believed to cleanse sins accumulated over lifetimes.

The Indian government-organized yatra was suspended in 2020. In 2026, it officially resumed, making this one of the most significant pilgrimage years for devotees who have been waiting for over five years.

Yatra Resumed After Five-Year Pause

India and China have formally agreed to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026. MEA has confirmed official route batches, and Nepal-based operators are accepting bookings.

Yatra Season
May - September 2026
Best visibility in June and September
Govt Route Batches
15 Batches Total
5 via Lipulekh and 10 via Nathu La
MEA Registration
Lottery system; opens Jan-March annually
Cost Range
INR 1.8L - 5.2L
Govt routes cheapest; private routes costlier
Book Early - Demand Is Exceptionally High in 2026

Applications are expected to far exceed available seats after the long suspension. Begin your documentation and planning before the season opens.

Choose Your Route

Government Route - India
Lipulekh Pass

Traditional route, physically demanding, and lottery-based selection.

Government Route - India
Nathu La Pass

Largely motorable route with less trekking and better accessibility.

Private Route - Nepal
Via Kathmandu

No lottery, guaranteed departures, overland and helicopter options.

The Journey from Kathmandu

Kathmandu
Arrival, acclimatization, and temple visits before departure.
Saga
High-altitude acclimatization stop before Mansarovar.
Lake Mansarovar
Holy bath, tarpan rituals, and first close darshan of Kailash.
Darchen and Kora
Base for the 52 km circumambulation around Mount Kailash.

The Kailash Kora - 52 km in 3 Days

The Kora is the spiritual center of the yatra, crossing altitudes from 4,575 m to 5,630 m. Day 2 over Dolma La Pass is the hardest segment.

Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk
~20 km gradual ascent; first north face view of Kailash.
Day 2: Dolma La Pass
~22 km and highest point at 5,630 m; most intense day.
Day 3: Zuthulpukh to Darchen
Final descent and completion of the full circuit.
MEA Eligibility Snapshot
  • Indian citizens only for government routes.
  • Age limit: 18 to 70 years.
  • BMI should be 27 or below.
  • Valid passport with required validity and medical fitness clearance.
Best
June
Stable weather and spiritual significance.
Possible
Jul-Aug
Rain disruptions on Nepal approach.
Excellent
September
Clear skies and better mountain visibility.
Preparation Checklist
  • Start cardio and hill training 2-3 months before departure.
  • Complete full health check including ECG and lung function.
  • Carry thermal layers, waterproof shell, and trekking poles.
  • Keep travel insurance, passport, and emergency medication ready.

Begin Your Kailash Yatra Planning

Register via MEA or secure a Nepal route slot as early as possible.

Register via MEA