Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

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

2026 Official Status

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: kmy.gov.in, Lottery system; opens Jan-March annually
Cost Range: INR 1.8L - 5.2L, Govt routes cheapest; private routes costlier

Choose Your Route

Three Ways to Reach Kailash

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

Nepal Route. Stage by Stage

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 Sacred Circumambulation

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.