Here is an exciting news for Indian pilgrims! After years of waiting, the pilgrimage route to Tibet’s Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is set to reopen. Thanks to the recent agreements between China and India, the pathway to these two significant pilgrimage sites is now clear, and your Kailash parikrama is closer than ever.

What’s New for Indian Pilgrims?

In the future, it will be more convenient for Indian pilgrims to make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. In 2017, due to security concerns, China temporarily suspended the route for Indian pilgrims to travel to Tibet. This decision was a blow to many Indian pilgrims as Mount Kailash is considered a holy land of pilgrimage, and the travel route became more complicated as a result. However, on December 18, 2024, China and India reached six consensus points during bilateral talks on border issues, which included an agreement to resume the pilgrimage of Indian devotees to Tibet.

The 23rd Meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China

This decision not only means that Indian pilgrims can once again embark on Mount Kailash Parikrama to Tibet via Nathu La Pass and Lipulekh Pass but also signifies that the pilgrimage route will be much more convenient. It greatly shortens the travel time and avoids the complex process of transfers.

Furthermore, with improvements in border infrastructure and the simplification of entry procedures, the pilgrimage route has become smoother and more efficient, making it easier for Indian pilgrims to complete their Kailash Parikrama. For Indian Hindus who revere Mount Kailash, this means a more accessible pilgrimage experience and lays a stronger foundation for friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations.

What Visas and Permits Do Pilgrims Need for Kailash Parikrama from India?

For Indians who want to go to Mount Kailash, whether you are citizens with Indian passports or Indians with foreign nationalities, you need to follow specific regulations to handle the corresponding documents and procedures, but there are some differences between the two, which we will introduce in detail next:

For Indian Passport Holders

Indian passport holders can be divided into two groups: those traveling around Lhasa and its surrounding areas like other foreign tourists, and those traveling for religious pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The process for obtaining travel documents differs for these two types of travelers.

1. Regular Indian Tourists to Tibet without Kailash Area

Chinese Visa: All foreign nationals, including Indians, must apply for a Chinese visa to travel to China. You can apply for this visa at the Chinese embassy in India, and it is recommended that you apply at least a month before your planned travel date. If you’re entering Tibet from Nepal, a Chinese Group Visa is required.

Tibet Travel Permit: For Indian tourists traveling to Tibet, a Tibet Travel Permit is required. After submitting a copy of your passport and Chinese visa, we can process the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. The permit will be sent to you before your departure. If you plan to visit areas outside Lhasa, such as Mount Everest or Shigatse, additional permits like the Aliens' Travel Permit or Military Area Entry Permit are required. This type of tour can be booked through an authorized Tibet travel agency like Tibet Horizon.

2. Indian Pilgrims to Kailash Manasarovar

Indian pilgrims wishing to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar for religious purposes must follow a different procedure, especially during the pilgrimage season starting in May. Individual pilgrims are not allowed to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Pilgrims must register for the official pilgrimage organized by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center (Pilgrim Center). This involves applying for a Tibet Pilgrimage Permit, which is issued jointly by the Tibet Autonomous Region Foreign Affairs Office, the Tibet Military Region, the Border Defense Armed Police, and the Tibet Public Security Department.

For Indians with Foreign Nationalities

For Indian-origin tourists holding foreign passports, the process is similar to that for other foreign nationals. You need to obtain the following documents:

1. Chinese Visa or Chinese Group Visa (depending on entry point)
2. Tibet Travel Permit
3. Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit

Even if you go to Mount Kailash for a pilgrimage, you will not be considered a pilgrim. You can choose our popular itineraries in Kailash tour or let us customize a special Tibet trip for you.

Top 4 Mount Kailash Parikrama Routes for Indian Pilgrims

Currently, there are four Kailash Parikrama routes for you to choose from. Although all routes center around Mount Kailash, they have different starting points, degrees of difficulty, and scenery.

1. Three-Day Kailash Outer Parikrama

The classic Mount Kailash Parikrama is to trek around the outer circle of Mount Kailash, which takes three days to complete. This is the most popular route for pilgrims.

Day 1: The journey begins at Darchen and leads to Dirapuk Monastery, passing landmarks such as Yamduwar and Qugu Temple. This 13-kilometer trek involves an altitude increase of 200 meters and takes around 10 hours.
Day 2: From Dirapuk Monastery, the trek continues to Zutulpuk Monastery, covering 24 kilometers over 14 hours. This day includes crossing the highest point of the pilgrimage, the Dolma La Mountain Pass.
Day 3: The final stretch returns from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of the parikrama.

For tourists who want to participate in this itinerary, we offer 13-day and 15-day Kailash Manasarovar group tours, which include time for acclimatization and sightseeing in Lhasa, as well as the overland journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash. These tours provide an enriching experience of Tibetan culture alongside your pilgrimage.

To do Kailash Parikrama from India is more convenient now.

2. Four-Day Kailash Outer Parikrama with Charan Sparsh

For pilgrims seeking an enhanced spiritual journey, the four-day Kailash Outer Parikrama including an additional day to explore the north face of Mount Kailash is recommended. This extended itinerary is perfect for those who wish to charan sparsh Mount Kailash.

On Day 2, from Dirapuk Monastery, you will trek 13 kilometers to the north face of Mount Kailash. Here, you have the opportunity to touch the sacred rock wall of the mountain (Charan Sparsh), an experience believed to bring immense spiritual blessings.

To fully immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and spirituality, we recommend our 16-day Saga Dawa Festival Kailash Touching Tour, which allows you to experience the vibrant Tibetan festival of Saga Dawa while completing your pilgrimage.

3. One-Day Kailash Inner Parikrama

The inner circuit offers a shorter but challenging pilgrimage. While only 26 kilometers long, this route requires greater physical endurance due to its steep terrain and complex paths. Key highlights include:

Starting Point: The journey begins at Darchen and passes through Selung Temple.
Highest Point: After you ascend, you will arrive at Nandi Parvat. According to legend, Nandi Parvat (Mt. Yinjietuo) is the guardian mountain of the sacred Mount Kailash, and you can also regard the inner kora as circling Nandi Parvat.
Ending Point: You descend from Nandi Parvat back to Serlung Temple, then climb a relatively gentle slope from Serlung Temple to Jiangzha Temple, and then back to Darchen.

Since there are fewer visitors in the inner circuit, and no supply and rest points like the outer circuit, you need to return to Darchen before dark. If you want to choose the inner circuit pilgrimage, you generally start at 4 am and return to Darchen around 6 pm.

4. Three-Day Kailash Outer Parikrama with Dakini Secret Path (Khado Sanglam)

Local Tibetans and sincere pilgrims, after completing the outer circle 13 times, start the 14th circle of the pilgrimage to the Dakini Secret Path: Darchen - Dirapuk Monastery - Sky-burial Site - Dolma La Pass - Gauri Kund (Cibei Lake) - Budong Diding - Entrance/Exit of Dakini Secret Path - Khado Sanglam Pass - Entrance/Exit. After several rounds of pilgrimage at the Dakini Secret Path, they continue to Zutulpuk Monastery and eventually return to Darchen. This route is more dangerous and difficult than the other three and more physically demanding for you.

Why Choose Us for Your Kailash Parikrama?

At Tibet Horizon, we have 8 years of expertise in organizing Tibet tours for international visitors. Our Mount Kailash Parikrama tour packages are designed according to both physical and spiritual needs of our clients. Here’s why thousands of Indian pilgrims trust us to make their journey seamless and meaningful:

Tailored Itineraries: You can choose from a variety of tour packages that suit your schedule and preferences. Whether you seek a short Tibet trip or a comprehensive Kailash Parikrama, we have you covered. Even if our travel packages are not suitable for you, you can contact us and let us customize your itinerary.

Worry-Free Permits Application: We specialize in managing all the necessary permits, visas, and travel documents required for your pilgrimage. With our expert assistance, you don’t have to worry about navigating complex paperwork or border requirements--we take care of it all for you.

Expert Guides: Our experienced guides will provide detailed explanations about the attractions, ensuring you fully understand and appreciate the sites you visit. They will also assist with practical matters and answer any questions you may have. Besides, the guides are bilingual, and fluent in both English and Chinese. If you have any specific concerns about communication or language preferences, you can inform us in advance, and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Book Your Parikrama Today!

Are you ready to start the Mount Kailash Parikrama from India? Since the path to your pilgrimage has never been easier, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar await your arrival. We offer discounted prices for early bookings. The earlier you book with us, the more you save on your Kailash Parikrama tour. And if you have any questions about Mount Kailash Parikrama or other Tibet tours from India, please leave your comment below or contact us without hesitation. We are more than happy to help you!