Complete Guide to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Budget, Itinerary, and Key Information
Introduction
Kailash Mansarovar is one of the oldest sites among several sacred pilgrimage sites that Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the followers of Bon pay respect to. This site is located in Tibet's distant locations. Mount Kailash has been considered to be Lord Shiva's earthly abode while Lake Mansarovar is regarded as the purest among all the lakes. Thousands of devotees annually seek spiritual salvation and peace while undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It is not just a test of the faith. This pilgrimage often requires proper preparation, planning, and budgeting since it is a quite challenging trek physically.
This travel guide contains comprehensive information on the total budget, itinerary, permits, and best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Overview of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is singularly distinctive in terms of its natural beauty combined with high-altitude treks and spiritual significance. It offers an experience that few other pilgrimages can match.
Location: Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are located in Tibet, China, near the border with Nepal and India.
Altitude: Mount Kailash stands at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), while Lake Mansarovar lies at 4,590 meters (15,060 feet).
Significance: Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. For Buddhists, it is the axis of the universe, and for Jains, it is the residence of their first Tirthankara-Lord Rishabhdev.
Routes and Itinerary
There are two routes to Kailash Mansarovar
1. Through India-Nepal-Tibet via Lipulekh Pass or Nathu La Pass: This is the most common as well as the most traditional route. It can either be sourced by the Government of India (Ministry of External Affairs) or private travel agencies.
2. Through Nepal-Tibet: Common route, under private travel agency. Primarily takes a flight to Kathmandu, passes overland through Nepal and in Tibet.
Standard Itinerary
The average Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour takes almost 14 to 18 days. One of the most common itineraries is as follows:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
On reaching Kathmandu, the visitors meet with the tour guides, attend a briefing session, and get ready for the tour ahead.
Some of the places visited are Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Final Preparations
Day 3: Drive to Syabrubesi (2,000m)
Drive through a scenic path to the border town of Syabrubesi. Enjoy the views of the Himalayan range en route.
Day 4: Cross the Nepal-China Border and Drive to Kyirong (2,700m)
Cross to Tibet from Nepal through the Rasuwagadhi border and reach the small town of Kyirong in Tibet.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Kyirong
As the altitude is ascending this day, it is resting and acclimatizing at such a high elevation.
Day 6: Drive to Saga (4,450m)
Drive for a long time crossing the Tibetan plateau. You will pass by several lakes and snow-capped peaks on your way.
Day 7: Drive to Mansarovar (4,590m)
It will finally reach the sacred Lake Mansarovar, which can perform rituals including a holy dip in the lake and prayers. Sights of Mount Kailash are also there for pilgrims to enjoy.
Day 8: Darchen (4,575m) Drive
Drive to Darchen, the base for Mount Kailash Kora (parikrama).
Day 9-11: Mount Kailash Kora (parikrama)
This three-day trek around Mount Kailash is the highlight with not-so-light but very satisfying spiritual experiences.
Day 9: Darchen to Diraphuk 4,900m - Trek starts with an ascent towards Diraphuk.
Day 10: Diraphuk to Zuthulphuk 5,200m - The toughest day of crossing the Dolma La Pass 5,630m
Day 11: Zuthulphuk to Darchen - Parikrama ends as pilgrims return to Darchen
Day 12: Drive to Saga
Kora finished. It's time to start the journey back home by driving back to Saga.
Day 13-14: Back to Kathmandu
The last two days will be return journey to Kathmandu on the same route.
Optional Days: If there is bad weather or AMS, extra days will need to be spent here.
Permits and Documentation
International borders have to be crossed to enter the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Therefore, multiple permits and documents are needed:
1. Passport: One needs a passport that has more than six months validity.
2. Chinese visa: Since the Yatra route takes us through Tibet (China), we will need a Chinese visa.
3. Tibet Travel permit: This permit issued by the Authorities of Tibet allows access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
4. Restricted Area Permit: This permit issued by the Nepali Government is required when we travel into the restricted areas, such as the Upper Mustang.
5. Medical Certificate: A fitness certificate from a government-approved medical institution is usually demanded especially in travelling via the organized route of the Indian government.
The whole process on getting these permits can be complicated, hence it would be best to use a travel agency or get through the official Indian government scheme.
Budget Breakdown
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra costs vary based on many factors, such as the route, mode of transportation, and choice of travel agency. The average comes around INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 3.5 lakhs ($2,000 to $4,500) based on the package and services opted for.
Cost Components
1. Travel Package: Maximum costs are involved in the travel package. This would be additionally the cost of accommodation, food charges, permits, and local transport in Nepal and Tibet.
Government packages: Between Rs 1.6 lakhs to Rs 2.2 lakhs
Private packages: Between Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs 3.5 lakhs.
There is an optional helicopter service for those who want to travel lesser distances, especially from Nepalgunj to Simikot; this may cost around INR 80,000 to INR 1 lakh ($1,000 to $1,250).
3. Visa and Permits:
Chinese Visa: between INR 6,000 to INR 8,000 ($80 to $100)
Tibet Travel Permit and Other Permits: between INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 ($150 to $200)
Medical Fitness Test: between INR 1,000 to INR 3,000 ($15 to $40)
4. Accommodation and Meals:
Accommodation in Kathmandu ranges from budget to luxury, from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per night ($12 to $60).
In Tibet, accommodation is mostly basic but included in the travel packages.
5. Miscellaneous:
Personal expenses like snacks, toiletries, and special equipment for trekking poles or high-altitude clothing could range from INR 5,000 to 10,000 ($60 to $120).
High altitude trekking travel insurance is advised, which may amount to around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 ($40 to $60).
Costs/Demands of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Physical Fitness and Preparation
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra comes with a high altitude and rugged terrain, so one needs to be at good physical shape. Acclimatization to high altitudes is must to avoid falling under conditions like AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
Recommended Preparation:
1. Cardio Training: The candidate must be able to perform cardio exercises such as walking, jogging or cycling for at least 2-3 months before the journey.
2. Strength Training: Train your legs and core so that you're ready to hold during the long trek.
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