How to Visit Kailash Mansarovar in 2025: Full Details on Routes, Cost, Registration & Travel Requirements

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025, one of the most sacred pilgrimages for devotees of Lord Shiva, officially resumed this year after a five-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The yatra, which reopened in June 2025 and continued through August, drew hundreds of pilgrims who had waited years for the opportunity to visit Mount Kailash and the holy Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Here are all the details on how to visit Kailash Mansarovar, including routes, costs, eligibility & complete journey details:

Who organises the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the Uttarakhand government and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN).

According to official information, this year's yatra has been planned with more safety, medical supervision, and logistical support, considering the challenging high-altitude terrain.

A total of 750 pilgrims will undertake the yatra this year, travelling in 15 batches, each consisting of 50 yatris. The selection is conducted through a computerised, gender-balanced lottery.

The journey begins in Delhi, from where pilgrims travel to major transit points including Tanakpur, Dharchula, Gunji, and Nabhidang, and later cross into Tibet at Taklakot. The full pilgrimage spans 22 days, covering both outbound and return routes via Almora, Bundi, and Chaukori.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes

1. Lipulekh Pass Route (Via Uttarakhand) Primary Route: The journey via this route starts in Delhi, moving through Tanakpur, Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Gunji, and Lipulekh Pass. It is fully motorable up to the India-China border and includes the sacred Outer Kora and Inner Kora (parikrama) of Mount Kailash. Tourists stop at Mansarovar Lake for ritual havan and puja.

2. Nathu La Pass Route (Via Sikkim): This also begins in Delhi and proceeds to Gangtok before crossing Nathu La. This travel is used less frequently due to geopolitical restrictions. Just like the Lipulekh Pass Route, this also requires minimal trekking and has smoother travel. The Nathu La Pass Route covers the same Tibetan pilgrimage sites.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost

Being one of the most difficult pilgrimages, the amount required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is on the higher side. The estimated cost for each pilgrim stands at Rs. 1.74 lakh, covering accommodation, transport via buses, jeeps, and connecting flights, meals, border permits, logistics, and security arrangements.

Personal expenses, tips, shopping, and medical insurance are not included. Due to altitude levels reaching 18,000 feet, a full medical examination and high-altitude preparedness are mandatory.

Both active routes this year, the Lipulekh Pass route and the Nathu La Pass route, were fully motorable, requiring little to no trekking, which was a major relief for elderly and first-time yatris.

Eligibility, Documents & Registration

To join the pilgrimage, devotees must complete online registration through the MEA portal. Required documents include:

• Valid Indian passport or OCI card
• Updated medical fitness certificates
• Standard government-issued identification
• Selected pilgrims receive a full itinerary and guidelines from MEA and KMVN, along with orientation sessions before departure.