It is every pilgrim's wish to have a soul-stirring spiritual experience on their journey, one that would forever change them. For thousands of years, Mount Kailash, together with Lake Mansarovar, has been the Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage that tests your endurance, opens up your soul, and humbles your heart. Mount Kailash is a giant above the Tibetan Plateau; Hindus regard it as the seat of Lord Shiva, Buddhists as the abode of Demchok, and Jains as the place where Rishabhadeva attained liberation, while Bonpos see the mountain as the center of their spiritual universe. The Kailash Mansarovar region makes for a great mystical attraction that beckons seekers from all over the world.
Planning a Kailash Yatra from the United Kingdom is considered a very complex, long, and tedious journey. Yet, one can consider a very worthwhile pit stop through Nepal. The Nepal route, for pilgrims from the United Kingdom, is the most practical, accessible, and culturally enriching way to reach Kailash. This blog will furnish the reader in the United Kingdom with an exhaustive guide to participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal. We cover everything from the best travel times, visas and permits, routes, and altitude preparation to spiritual rites, including tips for ease and pleasure. This intentional experience will surely be one of deep meaning, whether in terms of religious intent, spiritual awakening, or just plain adventure.
What is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a complete pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, two of the most popular sacred entities in the Himalayas. For Hindus, Mount Kailash is said to be the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, where Shiva is said to meditate for eternity. Lake Mansarovar, reputed to be the purest, is supposed to have formed from the mind of Brahma, and taking a bath in its water is said to wash away all sins. Likewise, there is great importance for the Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. This pilgrimage offers purification, liberation (moksha), and a very close association with the cosmic Spirit, attracting devotees from all corners of the world, many of whom set out for the Yatra right here in Kathmandu.
Undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is difficult but rewarding beyond measure. There are a number of routes one can take: arriving by helicopter, going overland to the border, or flying across Lhasa, each with its unique set of vistas and challenges. The main pilgrimage involves circumambulating (parikrama or kora) Mount Kailash and taking a ritual bath in the pure water of Lake Mansarovar. Physically demanding in itself by virtue of the high altitudes, this trek offers rugged terrain and fluctuating weather, challenging the traveler in the remote Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, where these sites lie.
Learn More: What is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Facts
Here are some facts related to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
Journey |
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra |
Trip Duration |
Minimum: 10 Days Maximum: 17 Days |
Major Attractions |
Mount Kailash (6638 m) Lake Mansarovar (4650 m) Rakshas Tal (4600 m) Yama Dwar (4750 m) |
Average Elevation |
4000 m |
Maximum Elevation |
5600 m (Dolma la Pass) |
Difficulty |
Strenuous |
Starting point |
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Ending Point |
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Yatra Attractions
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is much more than a trek; it is an intense spiritual journey through a mix of exquisite natural beauty and ancient sacred sites along its route. The additional pull for devotees in every halting place on the route is the picturesque view and spiritual importance it bestows. From the sacred Mount Kailash to the pure waters of Lake Mansarovar and various other landmarks filled with cultural significance, this section dwells on the main attractions that are at the focus of this life-altering pilgrimage.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash lies in the remote region of Tibet, a stunningly perfect pyramidal peak acclaimed as the dwelling of Shiva in Hinduism. Buddhism recognizes it as a mandala, whereas Jains and practitioners of Bon also consider it a sacred place. The major ritual observed by pilgrims is the Kailash Kora (or Parikrama), which comprises a circumambulation around the base of the mountain. This auspicious circumambulation usually takes three days and is said to forgive sins, cleanse the soul, and bring one closer to moksha. While the Outer Kora, around 52 km, is the most taken route, the much more taxing Inner Kora allows just a few to get a closer and more intense spiritual experience.
Lake Mansarovar
The essence of the spiritually potent and highly pure freshwater Lake Mansarovar is right next to Mount Kailash. According to Hindu cosmology, it was created from Lord Brahma's mind and is thus the ascendant source of creation and purification. For pilgrims, it is fortunate by way of ritual bathing in the icy waters that can wash off all sins and lead to salvation. The lake's calm blue-green water reflects the snow capped peaks, creating a mesmerizing and tranquil atmosphere.
Rakshas Tal
Just west of Lake Mansarovar, separated from each other by a thin stretch of land, lies the Rakshas Tal, or the Demon Lake. In complete contrast to the auspicious Mansarovar, Rakshas Tal is a saltwater lake and, therefore, is often depicted as being associated with darkness or negative energy. This unusual contrast between the two lakes is symbolic of the eternal balance that exists between good and evil.
Yama Dwar
Yama Dwar literally means "The Gateway to the Lord of Death" and is considered the official start point of the Kailash Kora. Located a short drive away from Darchen, this entrance also holds symbolic significance of being the last step into the spiritual vastness around Mount Kailash, a symbolic crossing into a plane of deep contemplation.
Listen to Our Podcast: Kailash Yatra Major Attractions
Why is Nepal the Ideal Gateway?
Nepal is mostly considered the most practical and favorable gateway to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for any UK passport holder for the following reasons:
- Flight Connectivity: The international airport of Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport, is well connected with the big international hubs, and it is also easy to get connecting flights from the UK. This, as a result, reduces the duration of the travel to the place from where the pilgrimage begins. Not only that, if one is opting for the flight route, Nepal has direct flights to Lhasa, which most countries don’t.
- Easier By Land Route: Nepal has by far the easiest land route to Tibet. As Nepal is a landlocked country and is connected to Tibet, China, on the northern side, major import and export routes have been established for easy transportation for ages. Out of which, Rasuwagadhi and Hilsa Border are used for entry to Tibet for the Kailash Yatris.
- Simplified Chinese Visa Procedure: This is extremely important for non-Indian nationals who cannot enter Tibet without a Chinese Group Visa. That is generally arranged by your tour operator post-arrival at Kathmandu; thereby, it removes a big logistical obstacle, since this is usually easier than attempting to get these Chinese visas and permits directly from the UK for a pilgrimage type trip.
- Acclimatization Advantages: Nepal's topography very well offers a possibility of gradual acclimatization. The overland trip from Kathmandu would tend to gain height smoothly, so the body has an opportunity to adjust to altitude even before reaching the Tibetan plateau. Even some helicopter intakes accept initial acclimatization stops in towns such as Simikot in Nepal.
- Experienced Tour Operators: Some of the more capable and reputed operators for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are Kathmandu based. They are simply unparalleled in treating their clients with permits, logistics, and high-altitude challenges, especially their foreign clients.
- Cultural Immersion: The other advantage of starting your journey in Nepal is that you get to immerse yourself in strong Hindu and Buddhist cultures resonating with the spiritual undertones of the Yatra, an invaluable prelude to the main pilgrimage.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Preparation from UK
Traveling to Mount Kailash for a pilgrimage from the UK requires a lot of planning and preparation, especially with the high-altitude environment and international travel involved. Here is a detailed guide for the UK nationals that covers everything from visa requirements to health and fitness to packing lists and cash exchange guidelines, among others, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for all that stands ahead.
Visa Requirements
For UK citizens, a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, is relatively simple, but to save time, it can be applied for online beforehand. The more crucial matter is the Chinese Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit necessary for the trip. Your Nepal-based tour operator, like us, will handle applications for these permits after you arrive in Kathmandu. One would need a clear photocopy of their passport (valid for at least nine months from the return date) and their passport-size photograph. This whole process of permits, and visa time will normally take a few weeks, so it is imperative to book well in advance.
Learn More: Visa Information
Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended that all UK travelers who wish to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra carry comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy must expressly include high-altitude trekking (up to 6000m or above), extensive medical emergencies, and, most importantly, emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue, from an otherwise inaccessible area. Before buying the policy, double-check that the policy covers all the activities or the altitude levels where you are going to be participating in the Yatra.
Booking a flight
International flights are the first to be arranged for your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from the UK. Since Kathmandu in Nepal acts as the prime route, knowing the best routes, airlines, and timing for your flights will change the travel from an easy journey to an arduous one. This section shall provide useful information concerning booking your own flights for Nepal, thus enabling a smooth beginning to your sacred journey.
Direct Flights: There are no direct flights presently from the UK to Nepal in general. However, these may include a stopover, especially if you book with a foreign airline or an airline from a third country.
One Stop Flights: On the other hand, various airlines offer one-stop flights from different airports in the UK to Kathmandu. Usually, these flights have a layover at their home country or any major hub. Some of the popular airlines operating one-stop flights to Kathmandu are:
- Qatar Airways (via Doha)
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
- Emirates (via Dubai)
- Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi)
- Oman Air (via Muscat)
Multi-Stop Flights: There are also several airlines that offer flights from the UK to Kathmandu with multiple layovers. These flights are usually less expensive but take more time.
Departure Airports: Major airports in the UK that offer flights to Kathmandu include:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Tips for Booking Flights
- Book Early: It is always advised to book well in advance to get better offers and availability.
- Compare Prices: Have an online flight comparison from a range of options and airlines.
- Layover Time Is Important: Consider the layover time while booking your flight. Longer layovers would be more exhausting, whereas very short layovers would be stressful if your first flight gets delayed.
- Check Luggage Allowance: Check the allowance dictated by the airline for luggage with regard to the baggage you will carry for the Yatra.
- Consider Arrival Time: Try to book a flight landing in Kathmandu during the daytime so that you get time to rest and get acclimatized before the Yatra.
Best time to visit
The season from May to September is considered the best for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Relatively mild and stable is the weather in the Tibetan Plateau during these months, with a clearer sky and more manageable trekking conditions. Temperatures remain warm during the day, except for nights, when it turns quite cold. Early May and late September are quieter times with fewer travelers, while June through August witness the peak season when more services are available. Plan your trip around auspicious dates as an added spiritual touch, such as the Saga Dawa Festival in May-June.
Learn More: Best time to Visit Kailash
Packing Requirements
Preparation for the unpredictable Himalayan weather means some serious layering! Bring moisture-wicking base layers, fleece for mid-layers, and an outer shell that's warm, waterproof, and windproof. Your feet will thank you for sufficiently broken-in hiking boots and thick socks. Carry a full-fledged first aid kit with altitude sickness meds, water purification tablets, high sun protection creams, and your own toiletries. A good backpack, a quality sleeping bag, trekking poles, and high-energy munchies are other essentials.
Learn More: Kailash Yatra Packing Guide
Health and Fitness
High altitude calls for being physically and mentally ready. Start intensive cardio and breathing training at least 2 months before the yatra. Most importantly, keep ample time for acclimatization; ascend slowly, keep well-hydrated (3-4 litres daily), and refrain from alcohol and caffeine. Always have a complete medical checkup about altitude sickness medication such as Diamox and any other pre-existing condition with your general practitioner. The moment you feel any AMS symptoms, listen to your body and report them to your guide.
Indepth Read: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Preparation
Recommended Packages
In order to accommodate varying tastes for adventure, comfort, and time constraints, we have prepared a broad spectrum of packages for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Choosing the right package to serve your blessed aspirations is key-whether the wish is for a full-fledged overland experience, a short helicopter trip, or a very private experience. This section provides an overview of the more commonly booked and recommended package choices for travelers leaving the UK through Nepal.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Drive
The most common and classic overland journey begins in Kathmandu, from where you go by road along scenic routes to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kyirong. Comfortable vehicles then cross the vast Tibetan plateau, passing towns such as Saga en route to Lake Mansarovar and Darchen (Kailash Yatra base camp). This option allows for slower acclimatization and enjoying an immersive travel experience contrasting landscapes, generally for about 17 days.
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu Arrival. |
DAY 02: Visa Application, Kathmandu Sightseeing. |
DAY 03: Bhaktapur Sightseeing, Nagarkot Stay. |
DAY 04: Chandragiri and Swayambhunath Sightseeing. |
DAY 05: Packing and Final Preparation. |
DAY 06: Drive to Dhunche or Syabrubesi or Timure. |
DAY 07: Drive to Kyirong. (2850 m) |
DAY 08: Kyirong Acclimatisation. |
DAY 09: Drive to Saga. (4500 m) |
DAY 10: Drive to Lake Mansarovar. (4650 m) |
DAY 11: Drive to Darchen. (4700 m) |
DAY 12: Drive to Yama Dwara, Trek to Derapuk. (5050 m) |
DAY 13: Trek to Zuthulpuk. (4800 m) |
DAY 14: Zuthulpuk to Saga. |
DAY 15: Drive back to Kyirong. |
DAY 16: Drive to Kathmandu. |
DAY 17: Transfer to Airport. |
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Drive
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Heli
A quicker option with helicopter rides has been considered for those with time constraints or preferring to spend less time on the road. From Kathmandu, the flight takes you to Nepalgunj, and from there to Simikot, joined by an exceptionally important helicopter flight into Hilsa at the Nepal-Tibet border. From Hilsa, travel proceeds into Tibet by vehicle, onward to Purang (Taklakot) for acclimatization, Mansarovar, and Kailash. This trip cuts down considerably on the time to complete the Yatra in 14 days.
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu Arrival. |
DAY 02: Visa Application, Kathmandu Sightseeing. |
DAY 03: Bhaktapur Sightseeing. |
Day 04: Chandragiri Sightseeing. |
Day 05: Packing, Fly to Nepalgunj. |
Day 06: Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot. (2812 m) |
Day 07: Simikot to Hilsa to Taklakot. (3900 m) |
Day 08: Acclimatisation day at Taklakot. |
Day 09: Drive from Taklakot to Lake Mansarovar. (4650 m) |
Day 10: Drive to Yama Dwara, Trek to Derapuk. (5050 m) |
Day 11: Trek to Zuthulpuk. (4800 m) |
Day 12: Zuthulpuk to Hilsa or Simikot. |
Day 13: Hilsa to Simikot, Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. |
Day 14: Departure. |
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Heli
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Private tour
This is the very highest option, presenting sterling flexibility and utmost comforts targeted towards the Kailash Yatra. Although mostly overland in private from Kathmandu, a fully customizable itinerary is available, including departure upon your own desired dates, pace, and any extra stops you may want for photography and cultural sightseeing. You can enjoy enhanced services, better comfort levels, and accommodation upgrades (best available, more often than not) offered to you in Tibet, thus making the almost uncomfortable path as smooth and comfortable as possible, in line with specific needs of your group.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival. |
Day 02: Visa Application, Kathmandu Sightseeing. |
Day 03: Bhaktapur Sightseeing, Nagarkot Stay. |
Day 04: Chandragiri Sightseeing. |
Day 05: Packing and Final Preparation. |
Day 06: Drive to Dhunche or Syabrubesi or Timure. |
Day 07: Drive to Kyirong. (2850 m) |
Day 08: Drive to Saga. (4500 m) |
Day 09: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar. (4650 m) |
Day 10: Drive to Darchen. (4700 m) |
Day 11: Drive to Yama Dwara, Trek to Derapuk. (5050 m) |
Day 12: Trek to Zuthulpuk. (4800 m) |
Day 13: Zuthulpuk to Saga. |
Day 14: Drive back to Kyirong. (2850 m) |
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu. (1400 m) |
Day 16: Transfer to Airport. |
Learn More: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Private tour
How to Book?
To book your trip and secure your spots for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from UK, you just need to follow some simple steps:
STEP 1: Check Availability and Discuss Your Plans.
Contact us with your preferred travel dates. We'll confirm availability and provide detailed information about the entire tour arrangements.
STEP 2: Submit Passport Details.
Once your dates are finalized, please email a clear, scanned copy of your passport to [email protected].
Important: Passports must be valid for at least 9 months beyond your Yatra departure date.
STEP 3: Confirm Your Booking.
Confirm your reservation with an advance payment of USD 1,000 per person. Upon receipt:
- We will secure your accommodations and transport.
- We will initiate your visa processing.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to departure. Full payment is required by this deadline to finalize all arrangements.
Payment Options: USD cash or direct bank transfer.
Read Our: Booking Terms and Conditions
Kailash Yatra Travel Tips
The yatra to Kailash Mansarovar, while profoundly fulfilling, presents some challenges since it occurs in a remote, high-altitude setting demanding strict logistical planning. Thus, to guarantee a safe, comfortable, and deeply rewarding experience, knowledge must precede preparation for all manner of contingencies. This part offers some practical tips on how to deal with altitude sickness, how to pack efficiently, and how to respect local customs.
- Acclimatize Slowly: Never rush the ascent. Your itinerary should include days for proper acclimatization. Drink lots of water and herbal tea, keeping alcohol, caffeine, and smoking out of the picture.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated: This is something that really needs to be repeated. There will be increased fluid loss at higher altitudes. Keep drinking water throughout the day, even when you are not thirsty. Carry water purification tablets or a good filter bottle so that you never have to compromise on the quality of drinking water.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to all symptoms of AMS, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Inform your guide immediately of all such symptoms. Do not hesitate to rest or even move down if somehow you feel unwell; your health is more important.
- Pack in Layers: The temperatures fluctuate extremely in the Himalayas. Pack warm, moisture-wicking base layers with fleece-type insulating mid-layers and a heavy down jacket, along with waterproof outerwear. Never forget gloves, a warm hat, and a neck gaiter.
- Respect Local Customs: You are entering a deeply spiritual and culturally rich region. Be mindful of local traditions, dress respectfully (mainly while visiting monasteries and sacred sites), and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Must Read: 10 Must know things before visiting Kailash
Conclusion
As a journey from the UK via Nepal, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is beyond a simple trip; it is truly a spiritual opportunity that tests one's endurance, engenders devotion, and connects the spirit with the sacred Himalayan energies. Journeying across the busy streets of Kathmandu and along the tranquil banks of Lake Mansarovar, interspersed by the grandeur of Mount Kailash, offers moments of deep reflection and spiritual transformation.
These moments require readiness, physically and mentally, yet those moments are invaluable. For devotees and thrill seekers alike, this route, crossed with Nepalese culture and Tibetan spirituality, makes it most rewarding while doing the pilgrimage from the UK. With a little planning, a few good travel companions, and a willingness to let go, the Yatra can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll carry with you forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from the UK via Nepal:
Do I need a visa for Nepal and Tibet/China?
Yes. As the yatra involves crossing international borders, you will need a visa for both Nepal and Tibet.
- Nepal: A visa on arrival is available for UK passport holders at Kathmandu airport.
- Tibet: You will need a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit, which are typically arranged by your tour operator.
Can I travel solo for the yatra?
No, it is not allowed by Tibetan authorities to travel solo. One needs to apply for a Chinese group visa, best handled by authorized tour operators.
How do i go to Mount Kailash from the UK?
To visit Mount Kailash from the UK, the best and easiest route is from Nepal. One will have to reach out to any Kailash Yatra operator, preferably based in Nepal like us, and choose your preferred route (by Land, by Heli, or by flight) and trip type (Private or Group Joining) and select a date; the rest will be taken care of by the operator.
What are the major route to Mount Kailash from Nepal?
The major routes to Mount Kailash from Nepal are by Land via Kyirong, by helicopter via Hilsa, and by Flight via Lhasa.