What is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? Its Importance and Process

Imagine chanting “Om Namah Shivay,” while taking the holy steps to Kailash Parvat, it feels like our soul is uniting with Shiva (Bhole Baba) in the valley of Kailash. Moreover, while being at Kailash, one can deeply feel Shiva himself welcoming his devotees to bless them.

The feeling is wonderful, unforgettable, and deeply satisfying. How? 

Well, Shiv Purana states that Shiv Ji resides at Kailash Mansarovar with Maa Parvati, or mostly in an eternal state of meditation, and his presence has been deeply felt here by his devotees. It has left many Shivbhakts teary-eyed, as they profoundly experienced his love, energy, and positive vibrations, transforming their inner selves. It is believed that one somehow loses ego, anger, jealousy, and other traits, to give them a moment to contemplate, reflect, and connect with themselves and that of Shiva. 

Aren’t you eager to experience this divine journey of uniting with Shiva, not just externally but inwardly too? 

Also, here’s your chance to learn why the Mount Kailash yatra is important, how to be prepared for Kailash Yatra, and the booking process for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage in 2025 to make the most of your Kailash Yatra.

About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons believe Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be one of the highest pilgrimages. The Himalayan range of Kailash is the source of four major Asian rivers: the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and Karnali, and also home to Lake Mansarovar, a freshwater lake which makes this place sacred and divine. 

Many sages and monks have meditated at Kailash Mansarovar, and others have been taking a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash worldwide. Believed to be ‘Axis Mundi’ or ‘Centre of the Universe’, Mount Kailash is the central point of unification between heaven and Earth, balancing the cosmic energies of the Universe. The mountain has remained an unsummitted peak for centuries, however, pilgrims circumambulate this holy peak as a part of a sacred ritual known as ‘Kailash Kora’ during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. 

Let’s read what else Mount Kailash unfolds, being one of the highest points of the great Himalayas.

Mandala of Kailash Mansarovar or the reservoir of divine energy

If you’re planning the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India, here’s what you need to know:

According to Tibetan Philosophy, a Mandala is established in the Kailash Mansarovar region, which is known as Khylikhor, meaning- centre of the circle, and implies the wheel of life and death, the cosmos, and the journey towards enlightenment. In Mandala, Mount Kailash is positioned as the central peak surrounded by rivers, valleys, monasteries, and other spiritual landmarks, credited with the formation of this divine Mandala. The Kailash Mandala can be represented in the form of a circular diagram, where the outer circle symbolises the cosmos and the inner circle refers to a human-made world.

Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in different religions 

Mount Kailash unites four major religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, and each of these religions holds great spiritual significance, making Kailash Mansarovar Yatra one of the most desired pilgrimages in the world. 

Let’s uncover the Significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in different religions:

Hinduism

For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the throne of Lord Shiva, ‘Mahadev’, and his consort Maa Parvati. As per Shaivism, the Kailash Parvat’s shape and structure are identified as the Shiva Lingam, which is the source of life and existence. As per Mahanirvana Tantra i.e., a dialogue between Shiv and Shakti about a manifestation that nurtures a creation,  Mount Kailash is believed to be the ‘Lord of Mountains’, adorned with jewels, and Puranas state that the eight closely located peaks near Kailash Parvat are the treasure houses of Kubera or the God of wealth, Ravana who’s the King of Demons and a devotee of Lord Shiva who composed ‘Shiv Tandav Stotram’ at Kailash Parvat to please his godhead, Lord Shiva. Moreover, Hindus circumambulate the Kailash Mansarovar mountain in a clockwise direction, which is believed to liberate one from the human lifecycle.

Jainism 

As per Jain texts, Rishabhnatha, the first Tirthankara of the Jain religion, achieved enlightenment at the holy peak of Mount Kailash, also termed as Mount Ashtapada, which helps the pilgrim to move eight steps forward to enlightenment. Asthapad, the Jain Tirth, is located close to Mount Kailash. The exact location of Ashtapad has not been located to date, as a result, it is even said to be a lost tirth. As per Jain literature, the son of Rishabhanatha, emperor Bharata Chakravartin, established 3 stupas and 24 shrines of Tirthankaras at Kailash Mansarovar. So, Jains also consider the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage one of the most fruitful religious events. 

Buddhism 

As per Tantric Buddhism, Mount Kailash is termed as ‘Kang Rinpoche or the snow jewel’, the abode of ‘Demchok’, or ‘Chakrasamvara’ (the tantric deity), who resides with his consort Dorje Phamo (Vajravarahi). Tibetan Buddhists perform parikrama of Mount Kailash in a clockwise direction, often called ‘Kailash Kora’. It’s also preached that Maya conceived Lord Buddha near Lake Anavatapta, from which Lake Mansarovar (Mapam Yamtso in Tibetan language, meaning the victorious lake) was born. In the same line, Chortens or Stupas on the way to Kailash, housing the relics of Buddha, feature the mantra of Boddhisattva Avalokiteshwara, ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’, on ‘Mani stones’, chanted during the yatra of Kailash Mansarovar by Buddhists.

Bons 

Even before the birth of Buddhism, the Bonpos (adherents of the Bon religion) were believed to be the experts in occult, tantra, burial, exorcism, and other tantric practices. Later, the Bonpos got inspired by Buddhism, and Buddha is said to have laid the foundations of the Bon religion, where mountains are believed to be a manifestation of powerful cosmic energies. Mount Kailash (Tise in Tibetan language, believed to be the soul mountain of Zhang Zhung) is the abode of the Goddess Sipaimen and the founder of the Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, who descended from heaven

How is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Hinduism done the right way?

Did you know how Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is done in Hinduism?

Well, it starts from the darshan of Shri Pashupatinath Mandir in Kathmandu, Nepal. After reaching Tibet, pilgrims get a sight of all four faces of Mount Kailash, followed by its Parikrama. Let’s uncover the detailed process of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama:

Kailash Mansarovar parikrama is performed by Hindus and Buddhists in a clockwise direction, and by Jains, Tibetans, and Bons in an anti-clockwise direction in just 3 days. Moving ahead, Darchen, a village located at the foot of the Southern hills of Kailash massif, is the starting point of the Kailash Kora that absolves sins committed in past lives and liberates one from the human lifecycle.

To be precise, pilgrims usually repeat parikramas of the chorten/stupas in a clockwise direction three times, in Darchen, before performing Kailash Kora. On the way to parikrama, you can find yak skulls, ghosts, mantra syllables on chortens, prayer flags, etc. Indian pilgrims, especially ring the bell in Lhachu Valley. Also, Tarboche, a flagpole erected every year, marks Kailash yatra during the Saga Dawa festival, an occasion celebrating the birth of Buddha Shakayumani on the full moon day of the Tibetan calendar’s fourth month.

The Parikrama can be further divided into two parts: 

Inner Kora:

The inner Kora route is a 30-34 km long route, where you can witness the South face of Mount Kailash during Kora. Inner Kora is quite challenging compared to the outer Kora, as it involves a high-altitude trek in the rocky terrains. The inner Kora trek starts from Darchen and ends at Dirapuk. Additionally, you can visit Ashtapada, Nandi Parvat, Atmalingam, and Saptarishi caves during inner kora charansparsh.

Outer Kora:

The outer kora parikrama of Kailash Parvat is done in 2.5 to 3 days, travelled from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk, followed by Zuthul Puk. Places to witness during parikrama are Yamdwar, Nandi Parvat, Dirapuk, Dolma La Pass, Gauri Kund, and Serlung Monastery. 

Lake Mansarovar parikrama: 

Lake Mansarovar was formed when Lord Brahma visualized it and later materialized on Earth. Lake Mansarovar parikrama is another important ritual done during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Pilgrims perform the Mansarovar parikrama after the Mount Kailash parikrama, typically in a Volvo category bus. The water of Lake Mansarovar is believed to possess therapeutic properties, where you can also find many swans across the Lake. Indian pilgrims dip into Lake Mansarovar's holy water and carry it to their home as Prasadam, whereas Tibetans call it ‘Jilab’. Moreover, monasteries located close to Lake Mansarovar include Chiu Monastery, Gossul Monastery, Trugo Monastery, and Yerngo Monastery. 

Rituals & mantra chanting:

While Hindus usually perform puja near Lake Mansarovar and chant the Shiv mantra,  Tibetans practice meditation and sadhna at Kailash Mansarovar. 

Note: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra challenges commonly include trekking at high altitudes, lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes causing breathlessness, rocky terrains, changes in weather conditions, obtaining VISA/Permits, and so on.

But trekking through 40 km for almost 3 days is not everyone’s cup of tea. What’s for them now? We’ve got a quick fix for you in this as well. Now with our Kailash Mansarovar Aerial Darshan package, you can experience Mount Kailash darshan without any trekking, visa, or permit, in only 3 days, and it has no age limit. 

Don’t wait much, grab your chance now! 

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Registration process, booking & preparation

Curious to know the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra registration process 2025 and how to book for Kailash Yatra 2025? Read it all below: 

Eligibility criteria for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• An Indian citizen between 18 to 70 years as of January 1, 2025, can apply for the yatra

• Applicants should have a valid Indian passport

• The applicant must have a Body Mass Index or BMI up to 25

Medical tests for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Blood pressure

• Urea proportion in blood

• Lipid profile

• X-ray of the chest

• Stress echo test

• Asthma test 

• CBC test

Note: The Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi conduct all medical examinations.

Documents required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Indian passport holders having a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity before yatra

• Tibet Travel Permit and a group visa

• For Kailash yatra’s Nepal route, the Chinese visa will only be issued by the Embassy of China in New Delhi

• Passport-sized photograph

• Medical certificates, obtained by an MBBS doctor for physical fitness

How to book Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Trip To Temples? 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with us:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Trip To Temples and log in to your account 

Step 2: Click category title ‘Kailash Mansarovar’ & pick your preferred plan

Step 3: Go to ‘Explore’, proceed, and check the seat availability calendar

Step 4: Choose an available date, then add your details: name, email, mobile number, gender, DOB, etc 

Step 5: Add the details of your co-travellers (if any). Booking up to 6 co-travellers only

Step 6: Click the ‘Proceed to Pay’ option and apply your Coupon Code (if any).

Step 7: Pay the Registration Amount/Full Amount and accept the T&C

Furthermore, you’ll receive a confirmation through email regarding your booking.

Popular routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Know everything about the popular routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Tibet, especially curated and executed by Trip To Temples:

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter from Lucknow 

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Aerial Darshan

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by bus

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter in 5 days

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter for 9 days in Lucknow

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter from Kathmandu

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra inner Parikrama 

Contact our experts at 91- 8510007751 to learn more about the process of booking and registration of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, or to know more about the yatra’s significance.