Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Best Time to Visit, How to Reach, Tips

By Shrine Yatra September 26, 2024

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Suppose we consider all the famous pilgrimages that Hindus have revered so much, and then Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will immediately come to our minds. This is because Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva. No other mountain is worshipped as devotedly as Mount Kailash.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is going to take place from May to September. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 Registration is the first step in the process of going for this pilgrimage. We have given other details about this yatra in this blog so that you can also plan this holy pilgrimage to the sacred mountain in Tibet.

Religious Significance of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake

Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain for the Hindus. But other religions like Jains, Buddhists, and Bon religion also regard this as a very holy pilgrimage site.

Hindus: For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the place where Lord Shiva resides with Parvati, sons Ganesh, and Kartikeya, and his innumerable ganas or followers.
Jains: According to the Jains, Lord Rishabhnath, who was one of the Tirthankaras, got moksha on Mount Kailash.
Tibetan Buddhists: Mount Kailash is the representation of Mount Meru for the Buddhists. The mountain peak is regarded as the father and Lake Mansarovar is the mother.
Bon: Mount Kailash is the center of the universe and the source of mythical creatures.

Mansarovar Lake

This is a freshwater lake near Mount Kailash. Lake Mansarovar is also part of the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. The lake is no less significant in terms of religion.

According to mythological Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma created Mansarovar from his mind and therefore was named Manas Sarovar. These scriptures also tell of Mount Meru and Lake Manas.

Lake Mansarovar is the lake where Maya bathed so that she could become pure to receive Buddha in her womb.

The founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, bathed in Lake Mansarovar.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

It is not known exactly when did travelers started making the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. But it is a known fact that pilgrims have been making a circumambulation (parikrama) of Mount Kailash for many centuries. This yatra is now one of the major pilgrimage journeys in India. This is an annual yatra, where people from India and many other countries undertake the difficult yatra to Tibet.

Although modern modes of travel have eased the difficulty level of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is by no means an easy trek. The actual trekking starts from Darchen and it is a 52 km yatra route that goes around Mount Kailash. What makes the trek difficult is the mountainous terrain and high altitude. Although most of the terrain is easy, there are some sections where there is high ascent and descent.

Places to visit during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The major places you will visit in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are shown below.

Mount Kailash: Mountain of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Lake Mansarovar: Sacred lake with crystal clear waters.
Rakshas Tal: Saltwater lake near Lake Mansarovar. The water of Rakshas Tal is not fit for drinking or bathing.
Guge Kingdom: Ancient ruins of Guge Kingdom of Western Tibet.

Explore more places to visit near Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The best time to visit

May to September is the duration when you can safely undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

How to reach Kailash Mansarovar?

There are two popular routes that tourists take to reach Kailash Mansarovar.

Via Nepal

Take a flight to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Get permissions and visas for this yatra through tour operators and travel agencies.
Travel by road transport from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi or Syabrubesi. These are situated close to the Nepal-China Border. It will take 6-8 hours of travel.
Once you cross the border, you will again travel by road through Gyirong County in Tibet.
You will now travel to Saga near Mansarovar Lake and finally, reach Mount Kailash.

Via India

Reach Delhi and take a flight to airports in Lucknow or Prayagraj.
Reach Nepalgunj, which is on the border with Nepal.
Now travel from Nepalgunj to the town of Simikot or Hilsa (on the Nepal-China border).
Cross the border and reach Taklakot (Burang Town), Saga, and Mansarovar Lake.
Now finally you will reach Mount Kailash and follow the tour itinerary as chosen by your tour operator.

Mount Kailash Parikrama

The circumambulation of Mount Kailash is called Kailash Parikrama. This is a trek of 52 km and the route goes round Mount Kailash. There is less snow during the summer months so you can easily do this parikrama.

Weather

The temperatures during the summer months are in the range of 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius during the day. This is the perfect weather for trekking and outdoor activities in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The night is cold and you will need woolen clothing to face the cold.

Travel tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra needs great planning and peak physical fitness. You will have to book this yatra and also need to acclimatize to the low-oxygen air in the high altitudes.
You will have to go on long treks and do a lot of walking on foot during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. To do this, you will have to do a lot of exercising at least 5-6 months before the yatra. You should go for jogging, walking, aerobic exercises, Yoga, Prayanam, hiking, stamina building exercises. You should consult your doctor before going for this yatra and do medical checkups.
During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra you will reach altitudes of over 16,400 ft (5000 meters). Altitude sickness is common in these altitudes. So you will have to acclimatize to the high-altitude air. Your body should adjust to such conditions. During gradual ascent, you will have to take in a lot more oxygen so breathing can get difficult. You should stay hydrated at all times, and should not panic. Take short halts and rests at regular intervals so you conserve energy.
You should not litter or throw garbage on the Yatra route. These are very sacred places and are highly respected. Therefore you should dispose of the waste properly and stick to the yatra route. Also, do not disturb the wildlife of the region.
You must take travel insurance during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It should cover medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellations, and other emergencies.
You should not hurry or walk rapidly during this yatra. The high-altitude air is low in oxygen and breathing can become difficult at times. Therefore you should walk with a relaxed pace, and take short halts are regular intervals.
Weather at high altitudes can become unpredictable at times. It can also snow at times, and become cloudy. Therefore you should be prepared for such rough weather and pack woollen clothes and waterproof gear.
You should pack clothes according to the weather. Water-proof jackets, windcheaters, rainwear, sturdy shoes, first aid kits, energy bars, sunglasses, and water bottles, are a must for such a journey. Keep your travel permits, visa copies, medical records, and other travel documents ready.
You should respect the local customs and religious sentiments. You should remember that Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is taking place in Tibet, which is under Chinese government rule. So you should not hurt any religious sentiments or disrespect the local gods and idols. You should dress modestly, behave courteously with your fellow pilgrims, and show respect to the local communities.

FAQs.

Why is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra so spiritual in nature?

People believe that Mount Kailash is a mountain of Lord Shiva and therefore, has great energy. You will get spiritual enlightenment if you do Kailash Parikrama.

Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra difficult?

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered to be among the most difficult treks in the world. You will have to trek at an altitude of 16,000 ft or over 5000 meters.

What are the different types of medical tests required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

You will be required to take blood sugar, blood pressure, urea proportion in blood, lipid profile, asthma test, stress echo test, and others.

Can I bathe in Lake Mansarovar?

You can change your clothes in tents and then take a dip in Mansarovar Lake. But remember that the lake water is cold and you should be comfortable with it.

Conclusion

We hope you got every bit of info about Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. If you are awaiting the yatra to commence then you will have to wait till April-May of 2025. But can stay updated on the announcement of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Registration dates. Till then you can do regular exercises and try to maintain a strict routine for your prayanams and Yoga exercises. This Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is going to be one of the most highly-anticipated pilgrimages in 2025.