Good News: Indian Pilgrims Can Visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Again This Summer!

Indian pilgrims visiting Tibet's sacred mountains and lakes for pilgrimage have been an important part of cultural exchanges between China and India. However, since 2017, the pilgrimage route has been suspended for security reasons. With growing exchanges between the two countries, the route will be reopened this summer.

Official Confirmation

At a press conference on April 28, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated that Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet are considered sacred by followers of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. As per the agreement between China and India, Indian pilgrims to these sacred sites will resume this summer, with preparations currently underway.

What Visas and Permits Are Needed for Indian Pilgrims to Do the Kailash Parvat?

1. Indian Passport Holders

Indian passport holders can be divided into two types: regular tourists visiting around Lhasa and Indian pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. These two groups require different methods to obtain Tibetan travel documents.

Ordinary Indian Tourists Not Traveling to Kailash

Chinese Visa: All foreign tourists, including Indians, must apply for a Chinese visa to travel to China and Tibet. You can apply at the Chinese Embassy in India, ideally at least one month in advance. If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, you need to apply for a Chinese group visa.

Tibet Travel Permit: Indian tourists going to Tibet also need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit. We will apply for it once you provide a copy of your passport and Chinese visa. If you plan to go to areas outside Lhasa, such as Mount Everest, you will also need to apply for an Aliens’ Travel Permit and other related documents. If you follow Tibet Horizon to explore Tibet, we will provide you with free document processing services.

Indian pilgrims to Kailash and Mansarovar

Indian pilgrims wishing to visit Kailash and Mansarovar must follow different procedures. They must join official pilgrimage tours and apply for a Tibetan Pilgrimage Permit. Only the Tibetan Foreign Affairs Office and the Tibetan Indian Pilgrimage Center can organize these groups, while other travel agencies are not allowed to handle pilgrimages.

2. Indian Tourists with Foreign Nationalities

Indian tourists of other nationalities visiting Kailash and Lake Mansarovar only need a Chinese visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit, just like other foreign tourists. Even if visiting Kailash for pilgrimage, they are not considered pilgrims. You can choose our popular Kailah Tour or even let us customize a special Tibet tour for you.

Mount Kailash Parikrama Route for Indian Pilgrims

Currently, there are four parikrama routes centered on Mount Kailash:

1. Three-Day Kailash Outer Parikrama

The classic 3-day outer circle of Mount Kailash is the most popular among pilgrims.

Day 1: Start from Darchen and hike 20 km, passing the Yamduwar and Qugu Temple, marking the pilgrimage start, before reaching Dirapuk Monastery. The altitude increases by 200m, and the hike takes about 10 hours.
Day 2: The journey from Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery is about 18 km and takes around 14 hours. Along the way, you'll cross the most challenging part of the pilgrimage - the Dolma La Mountain Pass.
Day 3: You returned to Darchen from Zutulpuk Monastery, completing the mountain parikrama.

We offer a 13 to 15-day Kailash Mansarovar group tour that includes the outer trekking of Mount Kailash, with added time for plateau acclimatization and sightseeing in Lhasa, ensuring a smoother and safer pilgrimage.

2. Four-Day Kailash Outer Parikrama with Charan Sparsh

For those seeking a deeper connection with the sacred mountain, the four-day outer parikrama is a must. On the second day, you’ll visit the northern slope of Mount Kailash, adding a 3-km walk from Dirapuk Monastery. This is a chance to touch the sacred mountain and experience its powerful spiritual energy.

3. One-Day Inner Parikrama

The inner pilgrimage route is shorter but more challenging, with a dangerous and complicated path that requires greater physical strength.

The journey starts from Darchen, passing Jiangzha Temple and Selung Temple. As the altitude rises, it leads to Nandi Parvat. After worshiping at the pagodas, you return to Darchen via the right path through Selung Temple.

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

After the 13th three-day outer parikrama, the 14th circle offers a chance to worship at the Dakini Secret Path. The route is: 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 the worship, continue to Zutulpuk Monastery and return to Darchen. This route is more challenging, requiring two crossings of Dolma La Mountain Pass and greater physical strength.

Conclusion

With the reopening of the pilgrimage route for Indian pilgrims, are you ready to experience the majesty and sacredness of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in person? We will also continue to provide you with the latest information on the pilgrimage and wish you a smooth journey.