Every year, hundreds of people visit Kailash Mansarovar. The thrilling journey of Kailash Mansarovar is famous worldwide. The pilgrimage can be done as a trek through the Himalayan mountain range. Alternatively, there could be a government-facilitated yatra, which is overland from Uttarakhand. Overall, this is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon. This guide has put together the best of official resources and expert trek operators to simplify all there is to know about the yatra for every seeker, adventurer, pilgrim or just someone curious.
Key Details
| Category | Details | |
| Net Worth | Mansarovar Agri Farms: Net worth under INR 1 crore as of March 2018; Mansarovar Forgings: Authorized capital ₹2.00 Cr, paid-up capital ₹1.90 Cr; Mansarovar Logistics: Authorized capital ₹1.50 Cr, paid-up capital ₹1.26 Cr; Mansarovar Business Pvt Ltd: Authorized share capital INR 15 lakh, paid-up capital INR 10.78 lakh. | |
| Family | No publicly available details about “Mansarovar” family members; some business entities have multiple directors but specifics are not disclosed. | |
| Career Highlights | Mansarovar businesses span multiple industries—agri, logistics, forgings, and paper; Mansarovar Global University operates a career development cell bridging industry and academia for students seeking career guidance and placement. |
The Spiritual Magnetism of Kailash Mansarovar
- At 6,638 meters, Mount Kailash is beyond the reach of climbers a fabled habitat of Lord Shiva, where every step is believed to bring the pilgrim closer to liberation. Beside it, Lake Mansarovar, whose water is believed to wash away sins and provides rebirth.
- Hindus think that Lord Shiva is perpetually meditating at Kailash. For the Buddhists, the place is a cosmic axis. The Jains link it to their first Tirthankara. The Bon followers consider it a cradle of life.
- The pilgrims do ‘Kora’ (circumambulation) of the mountain and perform various rituals at Mansarovar, like puja and chanting. The Charan Sparsh (Touching of feet) is allowed.
Route Options: Tibet via Nepal or India via Uttarakhand
Popular Approaches
- Kathmandu-Tibet Route (Trekking Tour):
- Operated by trekking companies like Trek The Himalayas, this takes 15 days with an organized vehicle trek from Kathmandu to the Tibetan plateau and an epic walking circuit around Kailash.
- Passes: Rasuwagadhi (Nepal-Tibet), Kyirong, Saga, Darchen, Deraphuk, Zuthulphuk.
- Logistical support for accommodation, transport, meals, and medical emergencies.
- Overland Uttarakhand Route (Indian Government Facilitation):
- It starts in Pithoragarh, crosses Lipulekh Pass, and reaches Kailash via Indian infrastructure, with facilities managed by the government.
- Ideal for Indian citizens preferring travel within India most of the way. Applications through official government sites.
- Advantages: Enhanced safety, administrative support, group travel.
Key Comparison Points
| Feature | Kathmandu-Tibet Trek | Uttarakhand Overland Route |
| Organizer | Trekking companies (private) | Govt. of India (Ministry of External Affairs) |
| Entry points | Kathmandu, Tibet | Pithoragarh, Lipulekh Pass |
| Route length | ~15 days, 50 km trekking | ~21 days, longer distance |
| Eligibility | Indian and foreign nationals | Indians only |
| Permit process | In Kathmandu | Indian government selection/lottery |
| Accommodation | Hotels, guesthouses, tents | Govt. rest houses, guesthouses |
| Group size | Private/groups | Fixed government batches |
| Cost | Market-driven pricing (INR 2.75 lakh and up) | Subsidized government pricing |
Day-wise Itinerary Highlights
A Sample Kathmandu-Tibet Yatra Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Arrival, acclimatization, Kathmandu sightseeing (Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha).
- Day 4-7: Overland drive through lush valleys, border crossings into Tibet, arrival at Mansarovar.
- Day 8-12: Parikrama begins visits to Yamdwar, the high passes Dolma La and Mayum La, Deraphuk monastery, Charan Sparsh ritual, meditation in caves.
- Day 13-15: Return journey, closing reflections.
Indian Overland Yatra
- Starting at Pithoragarh, the group travel through government-managed vehicles and guesthouses.
- Lipulekh Pass crossing into Tibet, guided parikrama of Kailash and rituals at Mansarovar.
- Return after parikrama, with batch-based departures and group support.
Health, Fitness, and Essential Packing
Both routes traverse altitudes up to 18,500 ft and demand good physical condition.
- Eligibility: Minimum age 18 years (trekking tour), health clearance per government norms in India. BMI and vital signs checked before trek.
- Recommended Gear: Warm layers (thermals, fleece, down jackets), trekking shoes (waterproof, high ankle), sunglasses, sun protection, snacks, medicines, personal hygiene items, torch/headlamp.
- Altitude Preparedness: Several acclimatization stops are crucial; medical kits and oxygen support available throughout both routes.
Accommodations and Food
- Kathmandu-Tibet Route: Hotels in Kathmandu, guesthouses and basic mud houses en route, cooked vegetarian food (Indian/Tibetan). Cloakroom facility in Kathmandu.
- Uttarakhand Overland: Government guesthouses/rest stations, vegetarian Indian food, robust group logistics managed by the government and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police).
Permits, Registration, and Costs
- Kathmandu-Tibet Trek: Passport and Tibet visa needed, plus permits for Kailash Parikrama. All logistics arranged by trekking company, costs range INR 2,75,000 – INR 3,00,000 for Indians (foreigners have separate pricing).
- Indian Overland Route: Strict selection process, online application, lottery system for batch assignment, passport and physical fitness certificate mandatory. Pricing is subsidized, but insurance and other personal expenses are extra.
- Refund Policies: Trek operators provide partial refunds on cancellations; the government route is less flexible.
Practical Tips and Arrival Procedures
- Arriving in Kathmandu: Direct flights, or train/bus via Gorakhpur. Allow 3 days before departure for permit processing.
- Indian Route: Arrive in Pithoragarh as per government schedule, bring all official documents and clear fitness tests before departure.
- Packing robustly for weather changes, carrying minimal yet essential equipment, and staying hydrated is key for altitude adaptation.
FAQs About Mansarovar
How do I choose the right route for Mansarovar Yatra?
If you prefer an organized trek with flexibility and are open to traveling through Nepal and Tibet, choose the Kathmandu-Tibet route. If you seek a government-supported journey and wish to remain mostly within India, opt for the Uttarakhand route.
What are the health and fitness requirements?
Candidates must have good cardiac, respiratory, and overall health. Government route enforces rigorous medical screening; private trek requires self-certification and medical documents.
Are non-Indians allowed for the government overland yatra?
No, only Indian citizens can apply for the Uttarakhand route. Foreigners should use the Nepal-Tibet path.
What spiritual rituals can I perform?
Both routes include Kora (parikrama of Kailash), puja at Lake Mansarovar, and chances to perform Charan Sparsh (“Touching the Feet”). Group bhajans, chanting, and meditation sessions occur regularly.
What about emergency medical support?
Both government and private treks carry oxygen cylinders, medical kits, and first-aid gear. Evacuation is managed locally, with possible extra insurance charges for emergency airlifts.
What is the best time to do the yatra?
The yatra runs mainly in summer and early monsoon (June to September), with July being the prime month. Weather is variable; acclimatization is key.
How do I register?
For the trekking tour, register online with trek agencies. For the Indian government route, fill the application on the official portal, await selection confirmation, and follow batch instructions.
What is included in the package cost?
Transportation, accommodation, vegetarian meals, local guides, permits, and medical support. Exclusions: personal expenses, travel insurance, and extra porter/horse charges.
Is the trek suitable for first-time trekkers or elderly people?
Yes, if they meet the fitness requirements and have no major health issues. Prior trekking experience is helpful, but not essential for determined pilgrims.
Is vegetarian food compulsory?
Yes, to maintain spiritual sanctity and support easier acclimatization, only vegetarian food is provided on both routes.
