Going on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Most Hindus wish to go on the Yatra at least once in their lifetime, considering how highly revered it is. Here are a few things to know about it-

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost: There are 2 routes for the Kailash Yatra from India. The Lipulekh Pass route, which has a trek of approximately. 200 KMs & costs approx. 1.65 Lakhs. And the Nathu la Pass route, which has only 40 KMs of trekking, and the rest is by bus. Costs approx. 2 Lakhs. Selection of pilgrims is on a Lucky draw basis & a medical checkup. The Yatra rates keep changing every year. The Nepal route, however, is a lot more convenient for pilgrims. There is a Helicopter route that starts from Lucknow and takes between 5 and 11 days. The Overland route from Kathmandu will take around 14 days. If time and convenience are the topmost priorities, then the Nepal route is the best choice. Yatra from Nepal is from the Hilsa and Kyirong border. This route has comfortable and hygienic stops. The Nepal route is cost-effective too. No Lucky draw system. Since there is less trekking, a lenient medical procedure is followed.
• Best time to go: The best time to go on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is between May and September.
• Age restrictions: This is not a pilgrimage for small children. If the Nepal route is considered, people between the ages of 10 and 70 are only allowed to go, while the Government of India route only takes travellers between the ages of 18 and 70 years, considering the hazardousness of the destination.
• Visa requirement: As Mount Kailash is under the administrative authority of China, one will need a passport and a Visa to travel there. This is a staple visa issued only for pilgrims. With the help of this visa, pilgrims can visit the Kailash region, and nowhere else in Tibet. The Chinese visa is not effective here. To get a VISA, 1^st permit is issued by the Nepal Government, then a visa is applied for at the embassy. Nepal puts a stamp on passports at its border, but China doesn’t.
  *Only agents are permitted for the visa process; individuals cannot get a visa.