Complete Travel Guide to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The mountains and rivers in India have always been a center of faith, spirituality, and reverence that have attracted millions of devotees, yogis, pilgrims, and those in search of ultimate peace and tranquility.

And if you too are seeking a getaway where you can find your inner peace and feel the presence and aura of the Almighty then pack your bags and get ready for a thrilling and soul-filling expedition to the Kailash Mansarovar as we lead you step by step through this journey of adventure and aesthetics that connects you to the depths of your inner soul.

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: A Journey to the Abode of Gods

Standing tall as the epitome of holiness and sanctity, Mount Kailash is often referred to as the home of 8Lord Shiva. Structured naturally in the Western Himalayan region, the diamond-shaped Mount Kailash is 6638 meters tall and is the source of five life-giving rivers-the Indus, the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Sutlej. Undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is often considered the ‘Ultimate Tirth’ that not only gives you a soul-searching experience but takes you on a life-changing trek unleashing a new meaning of life.

Besides Hindus, Mount Kailash holds great reverence amongst Buddhists and Jains who hold it sacred and undertake this life-changing pilgrimage just like the Hindus. Here are some highlights of the Mansarovar Yatra that you cannot miss on this spiritual journey:

Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama

The Parikrama around Mount Kailash is known as ‘kora in the local language. It includes two routes-the Inner kora covering a distance of 52 km and the outer kora that spans a distance of 42 km.

The outer kora which takes 3 days to complete is relatively an easier trek on foot while the inner kora takes 4 days covering a distance of 52 km of which 10 km is by driving. The inner kora can be done on a horse pony or yak as the terrain is rough and trekking on foot is super challenging.

A holy dip in Lake Mansarovar

The highest freshwater lake in the world-Lake Mansarovar lies at the foot of the holy Mount Kailash. The surreal freshwater lake looks stunning throughout the day as it changes colors from pristine blue waters near the shore to emerald green at its core. In the charming moonlight when the reflection of the divine Mount Kailash falls on the lake waters, it is an eye-catching sight to behold for a lifetime.

A round trip around the mighty Mount Kailash is called the ‘Kailash Parikrama’ which is to be followed by a round trip and a holy dip in the Mansarovar lake. This entire sojourn is believed to be away from the sins of your past seven lifetimes while repeating the same 108 times is known to give the devotee ‘moksha’ or ultimate nirvana.

Exploring Temples and Monasteries

If you are on a visit to Kailash Mansarovar, you cannot miss visiting the five famous monasteries-Nyari Monastery, Drirapuk Monastery, Dzultripuk Monastery, Selung Monastery, and the Gyangzha Monastery that surround the majestic Kailash mountain.

Each monastery speaks volumes about Tibetan culture and is drenched in vibrant colors, thangkas, and eye-catching murals and sculptures.

The Sacred Nandi Parikrama

The Nandi Parikrama gets you closer and nearer to Mount Kailash and is one of the holiest walks around the mountain. Starting from Darchen via the Sealong Monastery to the Saptarishi Cave it encircles the Nandi mountain covering a distance of about 5800 meters.

It is an exclusive sacred walk undertaken by only a few because of permit issues, rough weather conditions, and the challenges that the rough terrain offers.

Getting a glimpse of the Rakshas Tal

Surrounded by various legendary stories and tales, the Rakshas Tal lies to the west of Lake Mansarovar and is known as Lang-Tso in the Tibetan language.

As per legend, the origin of the lake dates back to the time when Ravana was meditating at the place to obtain supernatural powers from Lord Shiva. Naturally formed like a sleeping human body, the lake contains salty water and does not support marine life.

Permissible Routes for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The journey to the Kailash Mansarovar can be taken through three of the following permissible routes.

Through Uttarakhand: This is the new route to Kailash Mansarovar that is relatively cheaper and saves time too. The route is divided into three stretches. The first stretch is from Pithoragarh to Tawaghat covering 107.6 km, the second stretch starts from Tawaghat and ends at Ghatiabgarh spanning 19.5 km on a single lane and the third stretch is from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulek Pass at China border. This new route allows pilgrims to traverse the pilgrimage mostly on Indian land and only the last leg of the journey needs entry to China or Nepal.
Through Kathmandu: Going through Kathmandu, Nepal there are three overland routes that one can follow. Take the trekking route via the Kerung border or book a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa and then drive down to Mount Kailash which takes about 2 days. The last route is to take a helicopter flight or a week-long trek to the Hilsa Tibetan border very close to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Through Sikkim: Passing through Nathu La Pass, the Sikkim route entails the lengthiest journey to Kailash Mansarovar. Though one of the easiest routes to cover, it is the most expensive and is best suited for aged pilgrims who wish to undertake this expedition mostly through private vehicles.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: A Trek of Challenges and Commitment

Early May to September when the weather is warm and clear is the best time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Since the climate and weather around Mount Kailash are extremely cold and harsh, Travellers are advised to be mentally prepared for the challenges that they are likely to face during their expedition. Besides, there are various medical tests that one has to pass, before being certified as medically fit to undertake the pilgrimage.

The average daytime temperature at Kailash Mansarovar and adjoining areas is around 10-15 degree Celsius while at night it drops to below zero degrees plunging as low as -5 to -15 degree Celsius. Low levels of oxygen at high altitudes, cold barren terrain, and chilling winds pose the biggest challenges and barriers during the entire journey.

Travel Permits and Visa for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Situated in a remote region of Tibet, Kailash Mansarovar is a restricted area. To travel to this divine destination you need to hold an Indian passport with a Chinese visa and a Tibet travel permit. It is to be noted that for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra individual visa are not allowed, rather Chinese visa is issued for groups which is a special visa exclusively for this expedition.

Getting Ready for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Here is a quick checklist of all that you need to pack for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that keeps you warm, comfortable, and worry-free during your entire journey.

Clothing: Combat the harsh and extreme weather conditions with woolen sweaters, jackets, thermals, ample pairs of socks, shawls, monkey caps, gloves, and raincoats to protect you from the drizzling rain and occasional snow along with an umbrella and windcheaters. Since you shall be trekking a good distance on foot carry comfortable sports shoes, rubber sandals, slippers, and trekking shoes to face different terrains throughout your travel.
Camping Accessories: Since the trek involves camping at various sites, therefore it is important to equip yourself with the correct camping accessories like a torch, Swiss army knife, plastic mugs, lighter, and candle. Also keep a sufficient amount of toiletries like paper soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet rolls, shampoo, and sunscreen lotion.
First-Aid Kit: To encounter medical emergencies and minor injuries carry a first-aid box having basic medicines like aspirin, painkillers, lip balms, plasters, cotton swabs, and band-aids.
Trekking Tools: Caps, Hats, sunglasses, water bottles, and walking sticks are some basic trekking tools that can make walking easier and less cumbersome.
Other Items: Carry lightweight snacks like biscuits, nuts, milk powder, fruit juices, and other ready-to-eat food to fuel you with the requisite energy during your trek.

The Bottom Line

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves necessary planning and execution. The above-detailed guide aims at helping you prepare for this journey and be fully informed before you embark to drench your soul in the tranquility of the great Mount Kailash.

Get ready for a soulful experience of traversing a life-changing path where you rediscover the purpose of your life and unleash a better you by undertaking this odyssey to the Great Kailash Masarovar-the embodiment of peace and spirituality.

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Complete Travel Guide to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra