Beginning the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 2026 is a dream of many explorers and spiritual seekers. Mount Kailash, located in the remote western part of Tibet, is deemed a sacred site by Buddhists, Bonpos, Jains, and Hindus. The journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is not just a challenging physical journey but also a deeply life-changing experience. For those departing from the UK or Australia, careful planning and preparation are necessary for making a simple and memorable journey.

Where are Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash?

Location: Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is located in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, near the meeting point of several of Asia’s biggest rivers, including the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali.

At 4,590 meters above sea level, Lake Mansarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and holds valuable spiritual value.

Area: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are situated in the Ngari Prefecture, around 1,200 kilometers from Tibet’s capital, Lhasa.

How to Set Out on Your Journey

1. Travel from the UK or Australia to Nepal.

From the United Kingdom:

There are direct flights from London to Kathmandu, Nepal, operated by major airlines such as Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Turkish carriers.
Including breaks, the flight lasts 12 to 15 hours.

From Australia:

Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Kathmandu are provided by Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air India.
Including stops, the flight lasts 14 to 18 hours.

2. Arrival in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is the main hub for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Spend at least two or three days in Kathmandu in order to:

Create Tibet’s permit and visa requirements.

Before the Yatra, attend a training session.

Visit holy places such as Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

3. Travel to Tibet

From Kathmandu, there are two primary routes to Mount Kailash:

A. The more traditional overland route: Kathmandu to Kerung, a border town

Saga to Mansarovar; and Darchen, the foot of Mount Kailash.

Time frame: around five to six days.

Traveling by road offers breathtaking views of Tibet and Nepal, including virgin valleys and high-altitude passes.

B. The Faster and Less Taxing Helicopter Route

By helicopter: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Mansarovar → Darchen.

Time frame: around four to five days.

Perfect for anyone with limited time or health issues.

The Circumambulation, or Kailash Parikrama
The journey’s high point is the 52-kilometer Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation), which takes place after you arrive at Mount Kailash.

Day 1: 22 kilometers from Darchen to Dirapuk
5,080 meters above sea level

A difficult but interesting hike that offers stunning views of Mount Kailash’s North Face.

Spend the night at a guesthouse at the Dirapuk Monastery.

Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk (18 km)
Cross the Dolma La Pass (5,645 m)—the highest point of the trek.

Offer prayers and seek blessings at GauriKund (a sacred lake).

Descend to Zuthulphuk for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Zuthulphuk to Darchen (12 km)
Complete the trek and return to Darchen.

Spend the evening in reflection and relaxation.

How to Spend Time During the Yatra

1. Spiritual Practices

Participate in morning and evening prayers.

Meditate near Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash for spiritual cleansing.

Offer water from Lake Mansarovar to Lord Shiva (symbolic of washing away sins).

2. Explore Cultural and Natural Wonders

Visit ancient monasteries like Chiu Monastery near Lake Mansarovar.

Observe Tibetan Buddhist rituals and ceremonies.

Experience local Tibetan cuisine and culture.

1. Religious Activities

Take part in the nightly and morning prayers.

For spiritual purification, meditate close to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Present Lord Shiva with water from Lake Mansarovar, which is a representation of sins being washed away.

2. Discover Wonders of Nature and Culture

See historic monasteries such as Lake Mansarovar’s Chiu Monastery.

Take part in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.

Discover the Tibetan food and culture of the area.

3. Make Contact with Other Pilgrims

In order to develop a sense of community and shared spirituality, the journey may be undertaken in groups.

Talk to other travelers about your spiritual experiences and stories.

Important Travel Tips

✔️ Physical Fitness: The walk is very taxing due to the high elevation and rough terrain. Strength training, cardio, and altitude adjustment are ways to get ready.
✔️ Visas and Permits: You need to have:

visa for travel to China or Tibet.

tour operator-arranged special Kailash Mansarovar Yatra permission.
✔️ Travel Insurance: Verify that medical evacuation and high-altitude treks are covered by your travel insurance.
✔️ Safety measures: Take medicines for altitude sickness.

Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.

Packing needs:

Rain gear, trekking shoes, gloves, and warm clothes.

energy bars and snacks heavy in calories.

personal hygiene products and a first aid kit.

Best Time to Visit

May and September are when the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 2026 season takes place.

The high-altitude passes are easily accessible, and the weather is generally modest.

Beyond just physical travel, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from the UK and Australia offers a path to greater self-awareness and transformation. Every stop on your journey, from the famous Lake Mansarovar to the stunning Mount Kailash, improves your connection to the natural world, your spirituality, and your inner peace. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be absolutely unforgettable if you plan to arrive, choose the right path, and connect with the spiritual energy of the country.