How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar - By Flight, Road & Train

How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar?

Every year, thousands of devotees dream of visiting Kailash Mansarovar, a sacred destination that holds deep spiritual meaning for millions. This holy place sits high in the Himalayan mountains within Tibet, China. People believe Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati live on this divine peak. The journey takes 14 days and tests both your body and mind, but the spiritual rewards make every step worthwhile.

This sacred mountain attracts followers from different faiths. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons all consider this place holy. Many major rivers in India start from this region, which makes it even more special. People call it the centre of the universe because of its religious importance.

The path to reach this destination requires good health and strong determination. You must prepare yourself for tough weather, high altitude, and long walking hours. Indian travelers cannot go directly to Tibet. You must pass through Nepal or other parts of China first. This guide explains all the ways you can travel from Delhi to reach this blessed destination.

How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar?

Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar by flight (1,385 km):

Flying offers the fastest way to start your journey. You cannot book a direct flight from Delhi to Lhasa. First, you need to fly from Delhi’s international airport to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan international airport in Nepal. From there, catch another flight to reach Lhasa Gonggar airport.

The Delhi to Kathmandu flight covers 813 kilometers and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. After landing in Kathmandu, your next flight to Lhasa takes another 1 hour 30 minutes to cover 572 kilometers. Flight prices change based on which months you travel.

Some travelers consider flying from Lhasa to Ngari Kunsha Airport. This flight lasts 2 hours. But doctors warn against this option. The sudden jump in altitude can make you very sick. Your body needs time to adjust to the thin mountain air.

When you reach Lhasa, you can join organized group tours heading to Kailash Mansarovar. These tours run for 14 to 15 days. They take care of everything and guide you through a life-changing spiritual experience.

Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar by road (2,003 km):

More pilgrims now choose to travel by road. This option lets you see beautiful natural landscapes that remain untouched by modern development. Indian citizens find this route easier because they can move freely through Nepal and nearby areas without many restrictions.

Your road journey starts with a bus from Delhi to Kathmandu. This trip covers about 1,150 kilometers and takes more than 24 hours. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, buses do not go further to Mount Kailash. You must rent a private car or hire a taxi for the remaining journey. The road crosses the Nepal-China border at the Gyirong port.

Tour packages handle everything for you. They arrange your stay, pay entry fees, provide vehicles, and give you experienced guides who know the route well.

The Indian government recently finished building new roads to make travel easier. Now you have two good routes to choose from:

Kailash Mansarovar route via Uttarakhand

This route begins in Delhi and continues by road. You pass through Tanakpur or Kathgodam, then move forward through Dharchula, Tawaghat, and the Lipulekh Pass. The route also goes through the beautiful Darma and Johar Valleys.

The Lipulekh Pass does not have proper roads for vehicles. You need to trek on foot for some parts. The complete journey from the Kumaon region takes 24 days. Along the way, you can visit amazing places like Patal Bhuvaneshwar and Narayan Ashram. These stops add spiritual value to your trip.

Kailash Mansarovar route via Sikkim

After reaching Sikkim using your preferred transport, the journey to Kailash Mansarovar starts at Nathu La. This pass has motorable roads, which makes travel comfortable. Older pilgrims who cannot trek long distances prefer this route.

The path begins in Gangtok and passes through stunning natural beauty. You will see places like Hangu Lake that take your breath away. This route takes 21 days to complete from start to finish.

Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar by train

No train runs directly from Delhi to Tibet. You must first take a train from Delhi to Gorakhpur. This train journey covers 822 kilometers and takes about 12 hours. Train tickets cost less than flights, which saves you money.

After reaching Gorakhpur, take a bus to Kathmandu. This bus ride covers 323 kilometers and needs 11 to 12 hours. The fare remains affordable for most travelers. No trains currently connect Nepal to Tibet. The nearest train station sits in Shigatse, which is 50 kilometers from the border.

Once you reach Kathmandu, you can pick either the flight route or the road route explained earlier. Choose based on how much money you want to spend and what feels comfortable for you.

Kailash Mansarovar yatra route map from Delhi

The route map shows both road paths and helicopter options. Here is the best path for your Kailash Mansarovar yatra:

Delhi – Lucknow – Nepalgunj – Simikot – Hilsa (by helicopter) – Taklakot – Kailash Mansarovar.

Kailash Mansarovar from Delhi itinerary summary

This short summary shows what happens each day during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Delhi:

Day 1 – Delhi – Lucknow – Nepalgunj

After leaving Lucknow, you travel by road to reach Nepalgunj. You spend the night in Nepalgunj to rest before the next day.

Day 2 – Nepalgunj – Simikot

From Nepalgunj, you board a small aircraft for the next leg. This part often causes delays because mountain weather changes quickly. The flight takes 45 minutes when conditions allow. You rest in Simikot after landing.

Day 3 – Simikot – Hilsa – Taklakot

A helicopter takes you from Simikot to Hilsa in 25 to 30 minutes. After landing, you walk across a swinging bridge that moves with the wind. You complete border formalities and walk from Nepal into China. On the Chinese side, a bus waits to take you to Taklakot. This bus ride covers 22 kilometers. You stay overnight in Taklakot.

Day 4 – Taklakot

This day you rest in Taklakot. Your body needs time to adjust to the high altitude. Without this rest, you might get mountain sickness that can ruin your trip.

Day 5 – Taklakot – Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

This marks the final stretch of your journey. You travel by road from Taklakot to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The route passes several important religious sites worth visiting. You check into a guesthouse near the mountain to prepare for the parikrama.

The parikrama (walking around the holy mountain) takes 2 to 3 days depending on your walking speed and health. After completing the parikrama, you return using the same route you came from.

Travel documents required:

A Tibet travel permit stands as your most important document. Even if you skip Lhasa, you must carry this permit to enter Tibet. Officials consider all Indian passport holders as pilgrims, even tourists who come just for sightseeing.

Every Indian pilgrim must apply for both a Tibet travel permit and a China visa. You get these documents through the Foreign Affairs Office in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. This office, along with the China India Pilgrim Service Center, handles all matters for Indian pilgrims. Only these two organizations have permission to organize the pilgrimage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Kailash Mansarovar?

Ans. The months from May to mid-October work best time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. During these months, weather stays relatively stable and roads remain accessible.

Q2. What Is The Biggest Risk Involved While Undertaking The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans. High-altitude mountain sickness poses the biggest danger during the Kailash Mansarovar yatra. The thin air at high elevations makes breathing difficult and can cause serious health problems.

Q3. What Is The Average Altitude Of The Kailash Mansarovar Trip?

Ans. Most of your journey happens at 5,000 meters above sea level. This height means much less oxygen reaches your lungs compared to normal areas.

Q4. How Many Days Is Needed For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans. Plan for 14 to 15 days to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra properly. This time includes travel, rest days, and the parikrama.

Q5. Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Difficult?

Ans. Yes, this ranks among the toughest pilgrimages you can undertake. However, with proper preparation and determination, you can complete it successfully.