Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Cost and Route(complete guide)

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the divine pilgrimage Yatras in Hinduism which starts from Pangala to Mount Kailash. The Yatra starts from Delhi to Almora then Dharchula to Pangala. Pangala is just the beginning of the yatra and you will have to trek from here. Lipu Lake is the border between India and China(China-occupied Tibet). Read the full article to get all the answers you might have in your mind. Don’t miss to read the FAQ section of the article as it contains answers to most of the frequently asked questions.

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake have been covered in mystery since time immemorial. Juggling between various questions, it has proved to be a sacred mountain. Despite being 2,000 meters shorter in height than Mount Everest, no one has been able to climb Mount Kailash.

Cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Frankly stating, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra costs around 1,40,000₹ to 1,80,000₹ per head. This may vary depending on the external support you need throughout the journey.

Route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Yatra will start from Delhi to Almora – Dharchula – Pangala. From Pangala you have to start trekking. It will take 3-4 days to Lipu lake or Lipu Pass which is the border between India and China (Chinese occupation of Tibet). Mansarovar Lake and Rakshas Tal will fall on the way. Then you will reach Darchen. There your permit will be checked as it is the army base point. From Darchen you will reach Deraphuk. It is from Deraphuk you will have to go to Mount Kailash.

Eligibility criteria to apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• The age limit is between 7 years to 70 years.
• BMI or Body Mass Index should be 25 or below 25.
• The applicant has to be mentally and physically fit.
• Applicants with any serious medical condition like High blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, etc are not eligible to apply for this Yatra.

Some Terms and Conditions to apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2023

• Incomplete or false applications will be cancelled immediately.
• The applicant must fulfil the criteria of physical and mental fitness which consists of multiple tests. These tests are done at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi.
• If any applicant by any chance fails to pass any of the tests, the authority reserves the right to cancel their application without refunding any amount paid earlier.
• Candidates with any legal sanctions might not be allowed to participate in this Yatra.
• First-time going candidates will get a preference over those who have participated in this Yatra before.
• Candidates who have been on this Yatra four times already will remain on hold and will be able to participate only after getting approval from the ministry.
• The Yatra will begin on the scheduled date without any further delay.

How to apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The process to apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not offline. The process is only online and can be done by visiting the official website for Kailash Yatra.

Here are the three steps to apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2023.

Step 1. Visit the official website of https://www.kailash-yatra.org/

Step 2. Choose between the two given routes Nathula(Sikkim) and Lipulekh pass(Uttarakhand).

Step 3. Choose the endpoint of the Yatra from the following

• Route 1. Lipulekh – Dharchula or Delhi
• Route 2. Nathu La – Gangtok or Delhi

What are the Medical Tests required for this Yatra?

The medical test is conducted by Delhi Heart and Lung Institute (DHLI) and Indo-Tibetan Border Force (ITBP). The following are the tests conducted:-

1. Haemoglobin
2. TLC
3. DLC
4. TMT
5. ECG
6. HbA1c
7. Blood Sugar (F & PP)
8. Blood Urea
9. Creatinine
10. Serum Bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT
11. Blood Group with Rh typing
12. Lipid Profile
13. Urine RE
14. Chest X-ray
15. Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
16. Stress-Echo-Test
17. Blood Pressure (B.P)
18. Cholesterol test

The Mount Kailash where modern science fails…

There has been no logical or scientific evidence as to what happens when someone tries to climb this mountain. Experienced mountaineers have lost routes, mysteriously disappeared, faced sudden weather changes, and deaths and faced illogical circumstances which have made climbing Mount Kailash unclaimed till now. It is now banned to climb Mount Kailash.

What will you see in this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Mount Kailash is made out of black rocks and is shaped like a diamond. It is considered to be the centre of the earth. Mount Kailash is the very point where heaven meets earth. It is 21,778 feet tall. It is the most sacred place on earth. Below the Kailash mountain, there are two lakes which represent the Yin and Yang theory. These are the Mansarovar Lake (a freshwater lake) shaped like the sun and the Rakshas Tal (a saltwater lake) shaped like a moon. These two lakes represent the conflicting nature where Mansarovar Lake represents “light” and the Rakshas Tal represents “darkness”. The mountain has four sides. The Northside appears golden during sunrise and sunset. The South side has a formation resembling the third eye of Lord Shiva. The East and West sides are witnessed by the pilgrims during the Inner Kora.

It is revered among the followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon religions. According to Hindus, it is the abode of Lord Shiva. As per the Buddhists, it is the abode of Demchok/Chakrasamvar (an incarnation of Buddha). According to Jains, this is the abode of Rishabhdeva ( the first Jain Tirthankar) who attained liberation here. If we consider Bon’s religion, it is the cosmological axis and the abode of Sipaimen (sky Goddess).

Does time move faster at Mount Kailash?

It is said that time moves faster here. The energy here is so powerful that people have experienced their nails and hair grow faster in just 12 hours. Even compasses don’t work here. Many scientists have tried to decode the mystery surrounding this place. American, Japanese and Russian scientists claim that it is a man-made pyramid. It is too perfect to be a natural structure. It is claimed that there are two underground cities under it which is a highly advanced civilization than ours. Stonehenge is 6666 km away, the North Pole is also 6666 km away, and the South Pole is 13332 km away. NASA has claimed to find a Shiva face protruding out of the mountain.

What is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Due to its religious significance and because no one is able and allowed to climb the mountain; circumambulation is done around the mountain. It is said to remove the sins and purify the soul of all darkness. This yatra also helps to achieve enlightenment. It is a 52 km long route. The weather is very inhospitable as it is situated at a very high altitude. It generally takes 3 days to finish the Yatra. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims walk clockwise but the Jain and Bon pilgrims walk anti-clockwise.

What can be those extra supports?

Well, you may think that you are fit enough to do it well. But that may not be true when you are on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You may need:

1. A Horse ride to go uphill on the holy Mount Kailash
2. A Jeep ride from Nepal-China Border to Mount Kailash if travelling by road
3. Acclimatization for 2 to 3 nights at Nylum, many start to fall due to low oxygen levels and need oxygen cylinders earlier than others
4. The Cost varies depending upon the route you choose, be it airway or roadway.

Is Government organized Yatra cheaper than private ones?

There is very minimal difference in the private operators and KMVC-operated yatra costs. It mainly depends on the mode of transportation and its route.

FAQ’S =》

Q1. What is the best time to go to the Yatra?

Ans. May to September is the best time to go for the Yatra. July and August are generally chosen by the Indian pilgrims to go on this Yatra. As it falls during the month of Shravan/Sawan (the Hindu month dedicated to Lord Shiva).

Q2. Who organizes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans. The Government of India along with Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) organizes this pilgrimage.

Q3. How to register for the Yatra?

Ans. You have visited the official website of KMVN and get yourself registered with an advance payment of ₹5,000 (non-refundable).

Q4.How long do we have to wait for permission?

Ans. Generally, a group of 30 people is made. When a batch registration and compilation of 30 people is done, you will receive a consent email, text or call. After that, you will be given a specific date to reach Delhi to get your medical test done.

Q6. What will happen if I don’t pass the medical test?

Ans. The main test is the Body Mass Index test. It should be 25 or below 25. If you do not qualify for the test then you will not be allowed to go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the advance payment of ₹5,000 will be lost.

Q7. What is the age limit for the Yatra?

Ans. Children above the age of 7 years and people up to the age of 70 years can go for the Yatra.

Q8. Is a passport required for the Yatra?

Ans. Yes, as Mount Kailash falls in Tibet (China occupied) you need to have a passport for this Yatra. No visa is required.

Q9. For how many days does the Yatra continue?

Ans. It generally requires 25-30 days to finish this Yatra. It depends on the package you choose. Due to the various options available nowadays you can also finish your Yatra in 5 to 15 days.

Q10. How long is the route?

Ans. You have to trek for 52 km to reach Kailash Mansarovar.

Q11. How long does it take to finish the Parikrama (circumambulation)?

Ans. It takes 4 hours to  3 days to finish the Parikrama.

Q12. Where do we have to stay?

Ans. KMVN provides packages which include accommodation, transport, food, guide charges, insurance of yatries during the Yatra period and transportation of luggage (up to 15 kgs per yard).

Q13. How would be the accommodation?

Ans. You have to stay in a tent, camp or a homestay.

Q14.  How will we do the Parikrama of Mount Kailash?

Ans. The Parikrama generally takes 3 days to complete by trekking. You can also book a VIP Darshan which is done by helicopter. And also you can hire a personal helper and a local horse.

Q15. How much will the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost?

Ans. It will cost around ₹1,40,000 to ₹1,80,000 per head.

Q16.  How to avail of the subsidy for this Yatra?

Ans. You have to visit the state government website where you are staying or you can also contact the KMVN office for further queries.

Conclusion

Mount Kailash is undoubtedly the most mysterious mountain range in the world and the most sacred one. The Yatra is very difficult and only those who are blessed get the opportunity to complete it. If you want to experience and immerse yourself in the bliss and devotion of “Devon Ke Dev Mahadev” then make sure to add this to your travel list.