Quick answer: Indian yatris can reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet in two ways.
- Official MEA yatra: Run by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Lipulekh pass (Uttarakhand) or Nathu La (Sikkim). Seats go by a computerised draw, and you apply at kmy.gov.in. In 2026 there were 1,000 seats in 20 batches of 50.
- Private yatra through Nepal: Run by authorised tour operators by helicopter (Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa), by road (Kathmandu–Rasuwagadhi–Kerung) or by flight via Lhasa.
Either way you need a valid Indian passport, strong medical fitness and the right Chinese visa or permit. The highest point of the parikrama is the Dolma La pass, at about 5,630 m.
- 2027 dates: Not announced yet. In 2026 the MEA yatra ran June–August and applications closed on 19 May.
- Age (MEA, 2026): 18–70 years
- OCI/foreign passport: Not eligible for the MEA yatra
For many Hindu families, Kailash Mansarovar is the yatra of a lifetime. It is also the one with the most paperwork, because Mount Kailash and Mansarovar lake are in the Tibet region of China. You need a passport, Chinese permission, a medical test and, for the government route, luck in a draw.
This guide sets out the options for the 2027 season in simple words. It is based on what was officially announced and reported for 2026. Rules are reset every year, so treat it as a planning guide, not a guarantee.
Two ways to go: the official yatra and private tours
| Point | Official MEA yatra | Private yatra via Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| Organised by | Ministry of External Affairs, with KMVN (Lipulekh) and STDC (Nathu La) on the ground | Authorised Indian and Nepali tour operators with Tibetan partners |
| How you get a seat | Online application at kmy.gov.in, then a computerised random draw | Booking with an operator; group visa or permit arranged by them |
| Routes | Lipulekh pass or Nathu La pass | Hilsa (by helicopter), Kerung (overland), or via Lhasa |
| Duration (2026 reports) | About 21–25 days, including 4 days in Delhi | About 7 days minimum (Hilsa route); 10 days or more on other routes |
| Medical test | Mandatory tests in New Delhi at DHLI and the ITBP Base Hospital | MBBS fitness certificate; operator may ask for extra tests |
| Season (2026) | June–August | Roughly May–September |
The official MEA Kailash Manasarovar Yatra
How the 2026 yatra worked
On 1 May 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs announced the yatra for June to August. It is organised in coordination with the Government of China. There were 10 batches of 50 yatris on the Lipulekh route and 10 batches of 50 on the Nathu La route, which comes to 1,000 seats.
Applications were taken only online at kmy.gov.in until 19 May 2026. No letters or faxes were needed. You could apply for one route or for both in order of preference. On 21 May 2026, the External Affairs Minister held a computerised, random and gender-balanced draw, and the selected yatris were told by SMS and email.
For 2027, expect a similar announcement in spring. Keep checking kmy.gov.in and the MEA website from about March. The application window in 2026 was only about three weeks, so have your passport ready in advance.
Lipulekh route (Uttarakhand)
This is the older route, and it runs through our own Kumaon hills. In 2026 the first batch was flagged off from Tanakpur on 5 July. It went via Dharchula and Gunji, where KMVN runs the camps, and crossed Lipulekh pass at about 17,500 ft into Tibet on 10 July. KMVN is the nodal agency in India for this route. An extra medical check is done at Gunji.
The road up to the pass is now motorable, but the official FAQ has described this route as involving much more trekking than Nathu La. In 2026, news reports put its length at about 22 days.
Nathu La route (Sikkim)
This route goes via Gangtok and the Nathu La pass, with the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) handling the Indian side. Nearly all of it is by vehicle. The official FAQ describes about 35–40 km of walking, mainly the parikrama itself. That makes it the gentler choice for those less used to trekking, though it still reaches the same high altitudes. In 2026, reports put it at about 21 days. There is a medical check at Sherathang.
Eligibility for the MEA yatra (as announced for 2026)
- Indian citizen holding a valid Indian passport. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders are not eligible.
- Age 18 to 70 years, counted as on 1 January of the yatra year.
- For 2026, the passport had to stay valid for at least six months beyond September 2026.
- BMI of 25 or below is advised. The official FAQ says a higher BMI does not mean automatic rejection, but you are encouraged to reach 25.
- You must pass the mandatory medical tests in Delhi. Reports from other hospitals are not accepted.
Medical tests in Delhi
Selected yatris spend about four days in New Delhi before departure for formalities. The tests are done at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute (DHLI) and then at the ITBP Base Hospital. The official FAQ says the ITBP tests are free, but money paid for the medical tests is not refunded if you are declared unfit. Conditions such as uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and epilepsy can lead to being declared unfit.
What the MEA yatra costs
The Ministry itself charges nothing and gives no subsidy. You pay KMVN or STDC for services in India, the Chinese side for services in Tibet, and separately for the medical tests and visa. A non-refundable confirmation amount of ₹5,000 is paid on selection. Money paid after confirmation is not refunded even if you drop out.
For 2026, Outlook Traveller estimated about ₹2.09 lakh per person for Lipulekh and about ₹3.31 lakh for Nathu La, before extras. These are media estimates for 2026, not official 2027 figures. Some state governments give their residents financial help after the yatra, so check your state’s scheme.
Private Kailash yatra through Nepal
Private tour operators cannot use Lipulekh or Nathu La. Private groups therefore enter Tibet from Nepal. This option has no lottery, and in a short season it is often the only way for families who did not get a seat in the draw.
Helicopter route: Lucknow–Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa
The Kathmandu Post (May 2026) called this the most used route for Indian yatris. You cross by road from Lucknow to Nepalgunj, about 190 km. From there you fly to Simikot in Humla district and take a helicopter to Hilsa on the Tibet border. Then you drive about 105 km to Mansarovar. A typical plan reported in 2026 took about seven days, with nights at Nepalgunj and Simikot on the way in and on the way back.
It is the shortest option. However, the flights depend completely on the weather, and a day or two of delay at Simikot is common.
Overland route: Kathmandu–Rasuwagadhi–Kerung
From Kathmandu, the road runs north to the Rasuwagadhi border and enters Tibet at Kerung (Gyirong). It continues through Saga and Paryang to Darchen. It usually takes 10–14 days, and it is often cheaper than Hilsa. The longer drive also lets the body adjust to altitude slowly. In August 2026, flash floods in Rasuwa damaged roads and cut contact with groups on this corridor, a reminder to keep spare days.
Via Lhasa
A smaller number of yatris fly to Lhasa and drive west across the Tibetan plateau to Kailash. It is the longest and usually the most expensive option, but it also includes Lhasa’s monasteries.
Visa and permits on the private route
- Your operator arranges the Chinese group visa and the Tibet permits. You do not apply on your own.
- Operators in 2026 asked resident Indians to send passports to their Delhi office about a month before departure. NRIs and foreign passport holders generally get their visa in Kathmandu.
- A group visa lists everyone on one sheet, so the whole group must enter and leave Tibet together.
- In June 2026, the MEA advised yatris to make sure they hold all the required Chinese visas and permits before setting out. It also told them to check that their private operator is registered and authorised, after Indians on some private tours were stuck in Nepal without papers.
Some Nepal operators in 2026 mentioned an upper age of 70 and conditional approval for older yatris. This is operator guidance, not an official rule, so ask your operator to confirm in writing for your season.
Passport and documents checklist
| Document | MEA yatra | Private yatra |
|---|---|---|
| Indian passport | Valid well beyond the yatra (in 2026: six months beyond September) | At least six months’ validity and blank pages |
| Photographs | As per kmy.gov.in specification | As asked by the operator for visa |
| Medical | DHLI and ITBP tests in Delhi | MBBS fitness certificate |
| Indemnity / undertaking | Required from selected yatris | Usually asked by the operator |
| Travel insurance | As advised | Strongly advised, with high-altitude evacuation cover |
Altitude and the Kailash parikrama
Lake Mansarovar and Darchen, the base town, are at about 4,600 m or more. The outer parikrama (kora) of Mount Kailash is about 52 km. It is walked clockwise over three days and starts and ends at Darchen.
| Day | Stretch | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Darchen / Yam Dwar to Dirapuk | Gentle valley walk of about 6–7 hours; north face darshan at Dirapuk |
| Day 2 | Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La (about 5,630 m) | Hardest day, about 22 km and 9–12 hours; Gauri Kund below the pass |
| Day 3 | Zuthulpuk to Darchen | Short, mostly flat walk of about 3 hours |
Ponies can be hired for much of the way, but the steep descent from Dolma La has to be walked. Many yatris who are not fit for the full parikrama do darshan from Yam Dwar or Darchen and the Mansarovar parikrama by vehicle. That is a completely valid choice.
How to prepare your body
- Start walking daily, 5–8 km, at least two to three months ahead.
- Practise climbing stairs, and do breathing exercises such as pranayama.
- Get a full check-up early, so you have time to bring BP, sugar and weight under control.
- Do not rush the acclimatisation days. They are part of the yatra, not wasted time.
What a Kailash package usually includes
Packages vary a lot. Instead of comparing only the final price, compare what is covered. A typical private package covers:
- Chinese visa and Tibet permit fees and processing
- Hotels in Nepal and guesthouses in Tibet, usually on a sharing basis
- Vegetarian meals throughout
- Flights or helicopter sectors on the Nepal side (for the Hilsa route)
- Vehicles in Tibet, a Tibetan guide and support staff
- Oxygen cylinders and a basic medical kit with the group
It usually does not include ponies and porters for the parikrama, travel insurance, extra nights caused by weather delays, tips, and your travel to the start point. Ask for these in writing.
For reference only, the Kathmandu Post reported in May 2026 that Indian yatris were paying around ₹2.5–3 lakh for Nepal-route packages. Prices for 2027 will depend on route, group size and exchange rates. See our package page for our current price, or contact us for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
When will Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2027 registration open?
The MEA has not announced the 2027 dates yet. In 2026 the announcement came on 1 May, and the window closed on 19 May. Watch kmy.gov.in from early spring.
Can I apply for the MEA yatra and also book a private tour?
You can apply in the draw and keep a private option ready. Do not pay non-refundable amounts on both until you know the draw result.
Can OCI cardholders or NRIs go?
OCI and foreign passport holders are not eligible for the MEA yatra. They can go through private operators, who usually arrange their visa in Kathmandu. NRIs with an Indian passport should check the current rules with their operator.
Is there an upper age limit?
For the 2026 MEA yatra the limit was 70 years. Private operators set their own rules, often around 70, with conditions for older yatris. Always confirm for your season.
Do I have to do the full parikrama?
No. Darshan of Kailash and a holy dip or puja at Mansarovar are possible without the three-day walk. Your health should decide.
Which is easier, Lipulekh or Nathu La?
Nathu La involves less walking on the Indian side and is described as less physically demanding. Both reach the same high altitude in Tibet.
Is Adi Kailash an alternative?
Yes. Many families who cannot go to Tibet visit Adi Kailash and Om Parvat inside India. No passport is needed, only an Inner Line Permit. See our Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Yatra.
Plan your Kailash Mansarovar yatra with us
From Dehradun, we help families choose the right route. We check passports and documents early, and we work with authorised partners for the visa and Tibet permits. If you are applying for the MEA draw, we can also help you prepare for the Delhi medical tests. See our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra page, or call our office phone or WhatsApp WhatsApp to talk about 2027 dates.
Last checked: October 2026 — rules change every season. Routes, seats, age limits and costs are set fresh each year by the Government of India, China and operators. Confirm everything before you pay.
Sources
- News On AIR: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra to take place from June to August (May 2026)
- The Tribune: KMY 2026 June–August, online registration open (MEA)
- The Statesman: Jaishankar conducts computerised draw, 1,000 selected (May 2026)
- Kailash Manasarovar Yatra official FAQ (kmy.gov.in)
- MEA: Eligibility for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra
- Outlook Traveller: KMY 2026 opens – dates, routes, costs and how to apply
- IANS: CM Dhami flags off first KMY batch from Tanakpur (July 2026)
- Telangana Today: First batch enters Tibet through Lipulekh pass (July 2026)
- Kathmandu Post: Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage begins next week (May 2026)
- Kathmandu Post: Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage season begins (May 2026)
- Deccan Chronicle: India urges Kailash pilgrims to have all China travel documents (June 2026)
- Deccan Chronicle: Nepal floods expose reliance on risky private routes (Aug 2026)
- Outlook Traveller: The sacred circuit of Mount Kailash – 3-day parikrama
- North Nepal Trek: Regulatory guidelines for Indian citizens 2026 (operator guidance)