The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a journey rooted in immense spirituality and natural beauty, attracting pilgrims and adventurers from around the globe. Located in the majestic Himalayan range in Tibet, the sacred Mount Kailash is not only revered as the abode of Lord Shiva but also holds deep significance in various religions, including Buddhism, Jainism and Bon religion. This breathtaking snowcapped peak, alongside the tranquil Lake Mansarovar, creates a spiritual haven that embodies the quest for enlightenment and self-discovery.
The Yatra involves traversing through stunning landscapes that range from lush valleys to rugged mountains in the picturesque Tibetan plateau, offering pilgrims a unique blend of adventure and divinity. However, the path to Kailash Mansarovar is not without its difficulties. The region’s unpredictable weather, high altitudes, and challenging terrain require careful preparation and respect for the natural environment. Therefore, pilgrims must research and plan well in advance.
If you’re considering undertaking this sacred pilgrimage, read on to explore essential information about the best times to visit, weather conditions, suggested itineraries, and practical tips to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey.
History and Significance
Kailash Mansarovar holds immense significance in the hearts of millions, particularly within the Hindu community, due to its profound spiritual heritage and rich mythology. Mount Kailash is considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva, one of the most prominent deities in Hinduism. Tibetan Buddhists call it Kangri Rinpoche, which translates into “Precious Snow Mountain”. For them, this sacred mountain symbolizes the Axis Mundi — the center of the universe, where heavenly and earthly realms meet.
Kailash is part of the highly revered Panch Kailash, a collection of five sacred peaks in the Himalayas, each embodying unique spiritual attributes. Among them, Kailash Mansarovar is the most revered, followed closely by Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand, and the lesser-known Shikhar Kailash, Kinnaur Kailash, and Manimahesh Kailash in Himachal Pradesh.
There are many legends surrounding Kailash Mansarovar that add to its mystique. It is believed that Shiva meditated in this region for thousands of years, while Parvati demonstrated her unwavering devotion through rigorous penance and meditation. It also was the site where their wedding procession started before finally culminating at Triyuginarayan Temple in Uttarakhand, India.
Kailash Mansarovar is not just a pilgrimage; it is a journey through the sacred narratives that have shaped spiritual practices and beliefs across centuries. Each step taken along this path connects pilgrims to the divine history and legends that continue to inspire countless devotees.
Adi Kailash Yatra Route Map and Itinerary
Route Map
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has many different routes that vary in the amount of time they take and also the mode of transport. The Kodari-Nyalam road has been unoperational post the 2015 earthquake, while the Lhasa- Shigatse route has been closed after the Covid-19 lockdown. Presently, the two major routes that are operational are via Kerung and Via Simikot-Hilsa.
The Yatra generally starts from either Nepalgunj or Kathmandu. One can drive from Lucknow, crossing the Nepal border to Nepalgunj, which has emerged as a prominent base for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Or, one could fly to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, from where they can either fly to Nepalgunj to take the Simikot route, or continue on the Kerung route.
Itinerary
If you’re going via Nepalgunj, it takes less number of days than via Kerung. The detailed itinerary for the same is as follows:
Day 1- Reach Nepalgunj via Lucknow or Kathmandu and stay overnight. From Lucknow, it is a around 200 km and takes almost 4-5 hours to reach by road. Alternatively, a flight from Kathmandu takes around an hour. Stay overnight in Nepalgunj.
Note- If you are traveling to Nepalgunj via Kathmandu, you can also visit major religious sites in the city like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa.
Day 2- Fly from Nepalgunj Airport to Simikot in the Humla district in Nepal. Here, the day is spent acclimatizing and finishing all the immigration formalities on the Nepal side. You can also use the time to hike around Simikot and soak in the beauty of the region. Spend the night in Simikot.
Day 3- The trip from Simikot to Hilsa is generally done by a helicopter for ease and saving time, since there are no direct flights available, which generally takes around 20 minutes. After reaching Hilsa, you have to walk to the immigration office where the permit to cross Nepal-Tibet border is received. Once you enter Tibet, a car ride of about 45 minutes takes you to Taklakot/Purang where you spend the night.
Day 4- On this day, you can make a trip to Mansarovar Lake but it is ideal to spend the day acclimatizing. At an altitude of almost 4000m, it is better to prepare your body for the ascent that lies further.
Day 5- Finally, it is time to witness the beauty of Lake Mansarovar and get the first glimpse of Mount Kailash. An 88 km drive takes you to this serene Lake where you can take a dip and perform other rituals as per your faith. The breathtaking view of this lake with a backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kailash makes it the perfect spot for reflection and meditation.
Additionally, you can visit Chiu Monastery which sits atop a rocky hill that offers breathtaking views of Lake Mansarovar and Kailash Parvat. Stay overnight at local lodgings at Mansarovar Lake.
Day 4- Drive to Darchen from Mansarovar Lake, which is at about 40 km away and takes almost 2 hours to reach. Darchen is the base camp of Mount Kailash Trek, or Parikrama, also known as Kora. You spend the day acclimatizing again and stay here overnight.
Day 5- The actual trek to Mount Kailash begins today. A 10-15 km drive up to Tarboche, also known as Yama Dwar marks the beginning of the trek. Pilgrims officially begin their Kailash Kora by passing through the Yama Dwar, which literally translates into The Gateway of the God of Death. From here, an uphill trek of around 12 km takes you to Dirapuk. Upon reaching here, you can witness the North face of Mount Kailash. This marks the end of Day 5.
Day 6- This is the most testing day of the Kora, requiring you to ascent to Dolma La pass, the highest point of the entire trek at 5600m. After this, a steep descent brings you to Gaurikund on the right side. You continue the trek to Zuthulphuk, where you retire for the night. The entire trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk is 22 km and takes the entire day.
Day 7- The final day of the Kora requires you to trek for about 7 km from Zuthulpuk to Darchen, which is an easy to moderate trek. From Darchen, drive back to Taklakot where after all immigration formalities, you can cross the Tibet border into Nepal. After a short walk to Hilsa, you can take a helicopter to Simikot if weather permits, or stay the night in Hilsa itself.
Day 8- If you stayed in Hilsa, then you can take a helicopter to Simikot. From Simikot, a flight to Nepalgunj and another flight to Kathmandu will conclude this trip. Alternatively, you can drive to Lucknow from Nepalgunj.
[Note: If you want to do Charan Sparsh, which is actually reaching the base of Mount Kailash and touching it with your own hands, you may add an extra day to this itinerary. On the second day of the Kora, you can trek 7 km upward from Dirapuk on the north face of Mount Kailash to seek blessings and feel the divine energy of Lord Shiva up and close.]
How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar
Kailash Mansarovar is accessible by a mix of airways and roadways, and based on the route that you’re taking, it can differ widely. For the itinerary that we suggest, here’s how you can reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar:
Reach Nepalgunj via road from Lucknow and either by road or by flight from Kathmandu. From here, you take a flight to Simikot and then a helicopter to Hilsa. The rest of the journey after crossing into Tibet is doable by road, until Darchen, beyond which, the Kora has to be done on foot or horseback.
Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar
The best time to embark on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is between May and October. In these months, the weather conditions are not too extreme, unlike winter months, when the harsh cold can make the Yatra difficult. In summer and autumn months, the temperature ranges from 5-20 degrees, which makes the trip more manageable.
Travel Tips and Guidelines
- Ensure you’re carrying all important documents like your passport, visa, identification cards and passport size photos.
- Indian pilgrims need to obtain their visa from the embassy in New Delhi and not the one in Kathmandu.
- Ensure restricted area permits and other immigration documents are getting arranged by your travel agent.
- Keep warm layers and waterproof jackets with you at all times; the weather can be predictable in the mountains, so it is best to be prepared.
- Carry all essential items like warm clothes, socks, gloves, etc. and your regular medicines, as well as, first aid kits.
- Prepare your body ahead of the trip. Fitness is key for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which is very demanding, physically. Make sure you start training for it a few months in advance.
- Do not take acclimatization lightly; always allow yourself to get used to the altitude before ascending.
- Stay hydrated during the trip, and especially during the trek.
- Follow local customs, avoid littering and stay respectful of the religious sentiments of others around you.
- Lastly, always listen to your body and inform your trek leader/tour operator if you feel uneasy and return if you feel any unease.
FAQs
Q-1: Where is Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar located?
Ans: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, on the remote South-West corner.
Q-2: Can we do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without travel agents?
Ans: Yes, you can choose to book this pilgrimage either with a private agent or with Government of India. Booking with GOI offers this trip through two routes — via Lipulekh Pass or Nathu La Pass. However, this takes way longer and thus most pilgrims prefer to book the trip with private tour operators and go via Nepal.
Q-3: How many days are required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Ans: It strongly depends on the route taken and the exact itinerary, but it takes anywhere between 8-12 days for the entire trip.
Q-4: Is Visa mandatory for this Yatra?
Ans: To enter Tibet, Chinese Visa is an absolutely mandatory document. It is not required for Nepal but definitely a requirement for the rest of the journey.
Q-5: Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra open for Indians in 2024?
Ans: Unfortunately, China has not been issuing visa to Indian passport holders for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since covid-19 lockdown. Therefore, this Yatra has been on hold for 5 years.
Q-6: What is the total cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Ans: Depending on your starting point, route and exact itinerary, this trip can cost you around 1.5-2 lac rupees if done via Nepal.
Q-7: What kind of accommodation is available on this trip?
Ans: Standard accommodation can be expected in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, but the further into remote regions that you go, you might have to make do with basic accommodation. Tents, local guesthouses, shared rooms in dormitories are the kind of lodging options you can expect.
Q-8: Why is going solo on this trip not possible?
Ans: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra requires a special type of visa called the Tibet Group Travel visa, which can only be availed for a group of pilgrims. Furthermore, tour operators organize the entire trip for a group of 30-40 pilgrims at a time to make it more practical and cost efficient. Thus, one has to travel in a group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers a transformative journey that blends spirituality, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. This challenging trek tests your physical limits, pushing you to confront and overcome obstacles in a breathtaking setting. As you navigate rugged terrains and high altitudes, you’ll discover newfound strength and resilience.
Pilgrims and travelers alike are drawn to this majestic peak that is believed to have a mysterious energy that can only be felt once you witness it yourself. The testing journey becomes instantly rewarding once you see the spellbinding beauty of Lake Mansarovar and the indescribable energy of Mount Kailash.
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