Kailash tour for Indian citizens and NRIs: What factors to consider?

Every year, thousands of Indian and NRI pilgrims from the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities trek around the Mount Kailash region. Reaching the Kailash region, performing Charan Sparsh and Kailash Parikrama, and taking a holy dip in Mansarovar are the activities pilgrims do. However, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a physically demanding yet deeply transformative journey. 

If you are an Indian citizen or NRI and wish to make the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal in 2025, you must understand the preparation for the trip. This blog serves as a guide to prepare for the Kailash Tour 2025. 

7 Factors Indian and NRI Should Consider For Kailash Tour  2025

Let’s look into some crucial factors that Indian citizens and NRIs must consider if they want to make a Kailash Tour via Nepal.

1. Documentation and Permits

Kailash tour for Indian citizens demands the following official papers:

  • Valid Indian passport with at least six months
  • Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibetan Tourism Bureau (TTB).
  • Group tourist permit for the Yatra.
  • Valid medical fitness certificate 
  • Full vaccination certificate for COVID (Optional)

Check out our blog on Kailash Parikrama Reopens for Indian Passport Holders After 5 Years.

Whereas NRIs must have these:

  • Valid passport
  • Tibet Travel Permit
  • Chinese Group visa
  • Nepal visa (usually on arrival), as they enter Nepal. 
  • Valid medical fitness certificate
  • Full vaccination certificate for COVID (Optional)

To complete visa and permit formalities, it can take 3 to 10 working days. Thus, NRIs should arrive in Kathmandu several days before the Yatra. The entire permit and visa process.

2. Physical Fitness and Health Preparation

The Kailash Mansarovar region is above 5,000 meters above sea level. Thus, walking around or making Kailash Parikrama or circumambulation can be difficult. Travelers can have difficulty breathing. To avoid such health-related issues, the Indian pilgrims must start preparing for the trek. The interested traveller must undergo medical screening for conditions like heart issues or asthma. They can do cardiovascular training, strength building, and endurance exercises 2 or 3 months before the trip. Carrying medications like Diamox can be the best solution to prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safe, successful pilgrimage.

3. Packing Essentials

Trekking to high-altitude and cold regions such as Mount Kailash requires some essential clothing and accessories. Let’s look into the packing essentials:

  • Thermal innerwear, windproof and waterproof jackets, gloves, and hats.
  • Durable trekking boots
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, and cream
  • First aid kit 
  • High-energy snacks
  • Water bottle

However, one should be mindful when carrying the necessary items.

4. Travel and Accommodation Planning

Kailash tour for Indian citizens and NRIs starts with their arrival in Kathmandu. They can spend a couple of days on briefings and completing visa and permit formalities. The Kailash trek group then travels through Syabrubesi, or Timure, and eventually reaches the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi. With the same vehicle, pilgrims can reach Tibet’s Kyirong (Kerung) city and onward to Saga, Lake Mansarovar, and Darchen.

Accommodation along the entire route can include guesthouses and hotels. These stay options provide warm meals in the package (breakfast, lunch, dinner). 

5. Budgeting and Financial Preparation

The overall cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal roadway depends on travel permits, visas, vehicle fare, accommodation, meals, guide and porter fees, and emergency services. For Indians, it can take up to 2 lakh INR, whereas for NRIs, the total cost is higher, somewhere between USD 3000 to 5000. It is advised to carry local currency, Nepalese Rupees, and Chinese Yuan, as ATMs are scarce beyond Kathmandu and Saga. Kailash pilgrims must have travel insurance to cover high-altitude health risks, emergency evacuations, trip cancellations, and unexpected travel disruptions.

6. Safety and Emergency Tips

 It is crucial to ensure safety when trekking around Mount Kailash. The traveller must have good health, a hydrated body, proper acclimatization, and travel during the suitable time, i.e, May to September. Warm clothes and necessary medicine, and even oxygen gas should be carried to prevent or tackle altitude sickness. Also, ensure to keep documents and valuables waterproofed and accessible in case of emergencies.

7. Choosing a Tour Operator

To make a successful trip to Kailash, it is a must to have a reliable tour operator. These operators handle permits, logistics, guides, porters, accommodation, and emergency support. Kailash travel operators ensure compliance with government regulations and provide cultural and safety briefings. Trip to Kailash is a reliable travel agency for Kailash trips. We have seasoned Kailash tour guides devoted to providing pilgrims with the most amazing and spiritual experience. We have made hundreds of Indians and NRIs’ Kailash trip safe, easy, and memorable. 

Final Thoughts

Mount Kailash is considered the center of the universe. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons have utmost respect for Kailash region in Tibet. For Indians and NRIs, taking Mount Kailash can be thrilling and challenging. To confirm the Kailash trip, various important documents (such as a visa and, group tour permit) are required. Other than documents, a healthy body, medical fitness, wearing essentials, personal medication, travel accessories, and personal care items are also important to ensure a smoother and safer journey.

Want to make a safer and trouble-free Trip to Kailash? Trust the team Trip to Kailash, which has provided their tour guide service for years. You can choose from our Kailash Tour Packages via Nepal. Contact us for any inquiries.

Read More: Trip To Kailash: A Detailed Guide To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can NRIs join the journey with Indian passport holders?

Yes. NRIs can travel together with Indian passport holders on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. 

However, NRIs must arrive in Nepal 3-5 working days before the Yatra date to complete visa and permit formalities. 

  • Do NRIs need a visa to enter Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Yes, NRIs require a Nepal Visa to enter Nepal for the Kailash Tour. This visa can be issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or the Nepal border points.

  • I have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. Can I use that instead of a passport for the Kailash Yatra?

No, you can’t use PIO or OCI cards instead of a passport for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. 

PIO or OCI cards are valid for entry into India, but they are not enough for international travel to Nepal or Tibet. A valid passport is a must.

  • What is the cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for those with NRI passports?

The exact cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra depends on various factors. NRIs should make their budget for:

  • Nepal Visa on Arrival (approx. USD 30 for 15 days)
  • Group Chinese Visa and permit fees
  • Travel, accommodation, guide, and logistics costs.

Typical Kailash Mansarovar yatra packages for NRIs can range from USD 3,000 to USD 6,000.

Tagged , ,