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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Itinerary

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (KMY) is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon religions. Mt. Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and Lake Mansarovar at the base of Mt. Kailash was created by Lord Brahma. They are located in Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) under Chinese Administration. It is open from May to Sept and there are many routes that are popular to undertake this journey which generally takes about 2 weeks. I went for the yatra in June 2026 along with my wife, Nirja.

Planning:

Self-organised tour is not allowed and only registered agencies can organise KMY. Yatra permit and visa process is time consuming so one needs to plan travel dates in advance. It is better to avoid major festivals and auspicious period for Tibetans. For example, 2026 is worshipped as ‘The year of fire horse’ and therefore count of Tibetan pilgrims is high. Before finalising, please consult your doctor and critically evaluate your health condition, fitness preparation and high-altitude experience. The route passes through high altitude regions from 9500 to 19000 ft above sea level. Hence, due to low Oxygen in the atmosphere, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the usual problem faced by pilgrims due to insufficient preparation and/or acclimatisation.

Itinerary:

Day 1: We reached Lucknow from Mumbai. The day was spent in leisure and meeting other group members – our companions for the next 10 days on this pious journey. Overnight stay was in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Post breakfast we started from Lucknow and travelled 180 kms by road to reach Nepalgunj hotel in about 5 hours. Guides provided details of the itinerary and general instructions to be followed during the yatra.

Day 3: Our 6am flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot (9500 ft) was delayed due to bad weather. Finally, we took off at 2pm and in about 45 mins reached Simikot – the second smallest airport in Nepal. The 16-seater aircraft is the fastest way to cross through the mountainous terrain. Simikot is a small Nepalese village and needs infrastructure development for it to become a key junction enroute Tibet for KMY.

High altitude acclimatisation essentially begins here. So, a simple trek to a Shivji temple nearby was organised for adjustment to low oxygen conditions. In the evening, drop in temperature (4-5deg) could be felt and the woollens were out. Accommodation, near the airport, was basic but comfortable with adequate supply of hot soup and delicious dinner.

Day 4: After a good breakfast, we were lined up at the airport to fly in a helicopter to Hilsa (11400 ft). This was my first heli ride and felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. The 20 mins ride to Hilsa was picturesque with views of the snow-capped mountains. However, when the heli passed through the valley, I could hear prayers in the cabin! 😉

Our hotel at Hilsa was 10 min walk from both the helipad and Chinese immigration centre. At Hilsa, we met many pilgrims from other groups waiting for their turn to clear immigration. Some of them were stuck here for 2-3 days. In remote locations hotel facilities are basic but they do their best to make our stay comfortable. However, good sleep can be elusive due to cold weather and low oxygen conditions.  

Day 5: We reached the border but as expected the immigration was postponed to next day. So, another day in Hilsa. Such delays are possible in this tour.

Day 6: Early morning we were again at the immigration office gate with our luggage, documents and many prayers. After a while, a bus arrived and we were picked-up for a short drive to immigration centre.

Immigration process is strict and disciplined. Immigration officers thoroughly checked the luggage and digital gadgets like mobile phones, tabs, laptops, etc for any material against their policy. After about an hour the group was cleared to resume our journey towards Purang in a comfortable bus.

I could see the huge change in infrastructure the moment we entered Chinese immigration gate. The pathway, vehicles, immigration office, administrative buildings and roads are in excellent condition. In 45 min we reached Purang (12800 ft) which is in Military zone. Purang is a self-sufficient modern town with excellent facilities. We stayed in a hotel with good rooms and catering facilities.

Day 7: Finally, the most important day of the yatra arrived. Post breakfast, we started for 2 hrs bus journey to Lake Mansarovar (15000 ft). On the way, there was a halt at Rakshash Taal which is considered inauspicious. Actually, it’s a salt water lake due to which it is not suitable for living beings. However, it is a beautiful place with crescent shaped lake surrounded by mountains. After sometime, we moved on and reached the guest house which was near the Lake Mansarovar. 

Unlike Rakshash Taal, Mansarovar is a fresh water lake and has religious significance. The weather was bright and sunny making the lake appear like a mirror of the blue sky. Thanks to excellent roads, 90kms Parikrama of the lake is completed in 2 hours by bus. After the Parikrama, some of us left for Darchen which is the base camp for Kailash Parikarma.

Day 8: Darchen (15300 ft) is also a modern town in this remote area with good hotels and shopping streets. The shops have all the necessary items required for the yatra to follow. Today, we went to Kailash Ashtapad which is about 30min drive. The experience of being face-to-face with Mt. Kailash under a sky with roaring dark clouds threatening to break into rain soon was a memorable experience. We offered our prayers and returned to hotel.

Day 9: In about 30 min, we reached Yamdwar which is the starting point of the 44 kms long Kailash Parikrama. The weather was hazy with strong chances of rains anytime. We started 14 kms trek towards Derapuk (16600 ft), the destination of the first day of the Parikrama. In about 4 hrs, we reached midway when the weather turned hostile with strong cold wind and rain. We continued for some time but I realized situation was worsening and decided to avoid unnecessary risk, hired a vehicle and returned to Darchen. Later, guides informed about heavy snow fall on the way to Dolma La pass at 19000 ft – the highest point on the route. As a result, Chinese authorities were not allowing any pilgrim to travel beyond Derapuk.

Though we didn’t experience it, Day 2 of the 22 kms Parikrama from Derapuk to Dolma La pass to Zutulpuk (16000ft) is the most difficult part of this yatra. Day 3 of 8kms walk from Zutulpuk to Darchen is relatively easy.

Day 10: We woke up with all the time in the world as today there was no rush to travel. By noon, all group members who had reached Derapuk also returned. Post lunch we started our return journey with fond memories of a memorable yatra of life-time.

Finally, my recommendation is to go for this pilgrimage but plan well, prepare well and do what you can comfortably without any risk!