Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Sri M
Basic overview of key requirements and what to expect. (A detailed note will follow soon.) This update is to help you make an informed decision.
There are 4 sections to read. Each next section appears only after you confirm you have read and understood the current one.
1. Documents
For Indian Nationals (all documents below are mandatory):
- Passport valid until May 2027, with at least 6 blank pages
- Voter's ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
For Foreign Nationals:
- Passport valid until May 2027, with at least 6 blank pages
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
2. Journey
The yatra will be conducted in groups in August / September, by:
- Overland route
- Flight via Lhasa (limited slots)
Approximate duration: ~15 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Transport:
- Kathmandu to Tibet border and return: 4-seater jeep
- Within Tibet: by coach
- Parikrama on foot
Stay:
- Kathmandu: 3/4/5-star hotels
- Kathmandu to Tibet border: decent guesthouses with modest facilities
- Tibet: standard guesthouses with hot water
- Manasarovar: dormitory-style modest guesthouse with basic facilities
- Satsang venue: good rooms with hot water and toilets
- Parikrama: humble guesthouse with no toilet facilities
Food:
Simple vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided throughout the journey.
Terrain, Altitude & Weather:
- High-altitude terrain with challenging conditions
- Possibility of altitude-related discomfort
- Elevation: 1,300 m (Kathmandu) to 5,650 m (Dolma La Pass) — approx. 5,000 ft to 18,500 ft
- Weather can be cold, windy, and unpredictable with rain
Temperature range:
- Daytime: 10°C to 15°C
- Night: 1°C to 7°C, and can drop below 0°C
3. Health and Preparation
Do not withhold any medical history from the organisers or doctors when seeking permission for the yatra. If you have any history of lung conditions (asthma, COPD), heart conditions, high/low blood pressure, diabetes, acute mountain sickness, pregnancy, infections, etc., kindly disclose this and complete all necessary medical checks before making your travel plans. Kindly do not put yourself at risk.
- Medical fitness certificate required by end of June
- Participants with pre-existing conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart or respiratory issues) must:
- Obtain doctor's clearance
- Ensure conditions are well-managed and stable by end of June
- Adequate insurance coverage is mandatory
- A fitness check will be conducted at Base Camp before parikrama by the authorities
Preparation:
- Participants are advised to begin walking, yoga, and pranayama
- Preparation support (yoga sessions) will be organised for confirmed participants
4. Expenses
Exact costings will be shared in the next update. The figures below are indicative, to help you take a decision.
- Overland route (KTM to KTM): approx. ₹3 – 3.5 lakhs (payable in two tranches). Includes travel, accommodation, meals and logistics from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
- By flight via Lhasa: approx. ₹8 – 8.5 lakhs (payable in two tranches). Includes airfares, premium accommodation (except during parikrama), meals and logistics from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Additional / variable costs (not included):
- Porter / pony support during parikrama (availability and pricing managed by local suppliers; weight limit applies for pony rides)
- Emergency evacuation: cost on actuals, paid by the participant
- Travel insurance
- Shopping, tips, etc.
- Any other cost beyond the defined itinerary
- Home country to Kathmandu travel and back
The Kailash Yatra covers travel through India / home country, Nepal, and Tibet Autonomous Region (China), and is subject to the regulations and approvals of the respective authorities in each jurisdiction.
Intent Form Closed
The intent form closed on Wednesday, 6 May at 4:00 PM IST. For questions or follow-up, please write to kailashwithsrim@gmail.com.