Traveling to Mount Kailash from India stands as one of the most important pilgrimage route, particularly significant for Hindus who embark on the kora trek around its base. Lying in the western Ngari Prefecture in Burang County, Mount Kailash is the sacred mountain and the ‘central of the world’ for pilgrims from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon Faith.

Even though Mount Kailash is just 145 kilometers northeast of the border between China and India, you can’t go straight from New Delhi. It’s only about 476 kilometers from New Delhi to Mount Kailash if you go in a straight line, but to get to the sacred mountain, you need to enter Tibet Autonomous Region from Nepal or the mainland of China.

Here, we are going to introduce you the different ways to get from Delhi to Kailash. You can pick the one that suits you best.

1. Get to Mount Kailash from Delhi via Kathmandu by Road: The Most Popular Way among Pilgrims

Traveling overland from Delhi to Mount Kailash is an epic journey of more than 1,838 kilometers. The first part of the route is from New Delhi to Kathmandu, which is relatively easy as Indian nationals have unrestricted access to traveling into and around Nepal.

Kathmandu to Mount Kailash Tour Ma[

The overland journey from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash is around 846 kilometers for about 4 days. As you back to Kathmandu follow the same route, the round trip takes 10 days, including the 3-day Kailash Kora.

To make your journey hassle-free, we provide 10-day Kathmandu to Mount Kailash overland tour. Our Nepali staff will take you from Kathmandu hotel to the border and our Tibetan guide and driver will pick you up once you cross the border and take you to Mount Kailash. The required travel permits for a Mount Kailash tour are also included in the package.

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Price from USD1749 p.p

2. Get to Mount Kailash from Delhi via Kathmandu by Air: The Reopened Way to Travel in 2024

Since the reopening of the Kathmandu to Lhasa international flight in 2024, it has become possible to reach Mount Kailash from Kathmandu by flying through Lhasa. Because there are no direct flights to Mount Kailash, the route involves taking a flight to Lhasa first. The direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which stands as the sole international flight to Tibet, typically takes around 90 minutes and incurs a cost of approximately $260 USD.

The Kathmandu-Lhasa flight flies over the Himalayas.

From Lhasa, you can take a Mount Kailash tour by land. It usually starts with a tour of Lhasa, including the city's main highlights. From there, the route to Mount Kailash is one of the most picturesque in the world. You'll see beautiful sites like Yamdrok Lake, the ancient city of Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, and Rongbuk Monastery. The overland journey is one of the best ways to experience Tibet.

It is also possible to fly from Lhasa to Ngari and drive to Mount Kailash from there. Tibet Airlines operates a flight from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport several times a week. The flight takes a little over 2 hours. While convenient, this option is expensive. Tickets usually cost between $400 and $500 USD. A well-paved route leads from Ngari to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash. It takes about 5 hours to drive.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2059 p.p

3. Get to Mount Kailash from Delhi via the Mainland of China: Recommended for Those Who Already Have a Chinese Visa

If you already have a Chinese visa, entering Tibet via the mainland of China is recommended. Entering Tibet through Nepal requires a group visa issued by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. When the group visa is issued, any existing Chinese visas are canceled.

Transferring to Lhasa from the mainland of China can be done through many cities. Direct flights are available from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and others. It is also possible to take a train to Tibet. The Tibet train travels between Xining and Lhasa via the Qinghai-Tibet railway. It takes around 20 hours, and along the way, amazing views of the Gobi desert, snow-capped Yuzhu Peak, and the peaceful Tuotuo River can be seen. Xining can be reached by plane or train from any major Chinese city.

Enjoying the Mount Kailash tour with easy access from the mainland of China to Tibet.

The tour route from Lhasa to Mount Kailash and then to Kathmandu takes 13 days and includes an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp. Before starting the 3-day trek around Mount Kailash, you'll have seen wonders such as the 8,027-meter-high Mount Shishabangma, golden Pelku Tso Lake, and Korola Glacier. The tour finishes by passing through the beautiful Gyirong Valley and crossing the border to take you to Kathmandu.

13 Day Lhasa Mt. Everest Mt. Kailash Lake Manasarovar and Kathmandu Adventure Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2059 p.p

4. Get to Mount Kailash from Delhi by Train: A Future Possible Way to Go

While India has a great network of railway lines, both Nepal and Tibet are limited when it comes to rail travel. There are actually no railways in Nepal, and in Tibet, the railway link only runs from the mainland of China to Lhasa and on as far as Shigatse. There is no direct rail link to either India or Mount Kailash. However, the region continues developing, so future rail connections are possible.

5. Necessary Travel Documents for Visiting Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake from India

All international tourists traveling to Tibet must obtain a Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit. A Chinese tourist visa can be applied for at the nearest embassy or consulate. On average, obtaining a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa takes four business days. Applications can be made by mail or in person.

Next, and most important, is the Tibet Travel Permit, which is required for entering Tibet and traveling around the area of Lhasa. If you are not traveling to Lhasa, the permit is still required for entry. This is obtained by us using the scanned passport copy that you provided, and the application process normally takes around 15-20 days, so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Tibet Travel Permit is an indispensable travel document for Tibet entry.

For Indian nationals or Indian Passport holders visiting Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, the required documents are different than those for citizens of other countries. All Indian nationals heading for Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are not classed as pilgrims rather than regular tourists, even if the trip is for tourism only. All Indian pilgrims and tourists who wish to visit holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar need to make their applications through the Foreign Affairs Office or the Pilgrim Center. These two organizations are responsible for organizing the applications for an Indian Pilgrimage Tour, such as the accommodation, transportation, itinerary, guides, yaks, etc. Other organizations and agencies are not permitted to receive pilgrims and tourists to Lake Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash.

6. Special Tips for Indian Passport Holders from Delhi to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake

As you plan your Mount Kailash tour from New Delhi, there are a few more things to know before you go.

1. The Mount Kailash trek is physically demanding. Make sure to get a physical health check from a doctor before traveling.

2. Altitude sickness is a serious risk. Even with time to acclimatize, it is still possible to suffer from the effects of the high-altitude environment. Talk to a doctor before traveling about what medication can help.

3. Consider visiting Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival. It is considered the most auspicious time to trek around the mountain, and many special activities are held, including the installation of a new prayer pillar this year. In 2024, the Saga Dawa Festival will fall on May 23rd.

4. Arrange your tour well in advance to ensure you can obtain all the permits in time. We recommend starting the process at least 25 working days ahead of time.

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Price from USD1749 p.p

Conclusion

A Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a profoundly spiritual journey, offering an unforgettable experience for all, regardless of religious affiliation. The sacred mountain itself is awe-inspiring. The pilgrimage from New Delhi to Kailash and Manasarovar is revered as one of the holiest journeys. Even for non-religious tourists, visiting this untouched mountain is an indelible experience. Once you're familiar with the ways to reach Mount Kailash from New Delhi, you can then choose the best route to embark on your memorable Kailash tour.