Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Key Facts and Numbers

This page collects the key facts and numbers for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in one reference. The parikrama is about 52 km over 3 days, with the highest point at Dolma La Pass, 5,630 m. Mount Kailash rises to 6,638 m and Lake Mansarovar lies at 4,590 m. Pilgrims over 70 are not permitted on any route. Saga Dawa usually falls in May–June (the 4th Tibetan lunar month); 2027 dates will be published once confirmed. Package rates are quoted on request.

Current status: Kailash yatras are currently on hold after the August 2026 Rasuwa floods, and the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung road crossing is currently closed. We are building the 2027 priority list now — message us on WhatsApp to be added. 2027 dates and rates will be confirmed once the Tibet side confirms.

The numbers, all in one place

This page is a quick reference for pilgrims researching the yatra: distances, altitudes, routes, documents and the rules that apply. Where a rule comes from the 2026 season, it is labelled; 2027 terms will be confirmed later.

Routes and rates

Package	Duration	Rate
Overland Group Yatra	13 days	On request
Overland Comfort Yatra	15 days	On request
Helicopter Yatra (via Simikot–Hilsa)	11 days	On request
Simikot Trek + Kailash	20 days	On request

Tibet permits are included in our packages. The Tibet Travel Permit can only be obtained by a registered agency. Group discount: 5% for 6+ pilgrims, 7% for 10+. See our cost guide for what drives the price.

Distances & altitudes

• Mount Kailash height: 6,638 m (21,778 ft)
• Lake Mansarovar altitude: 4,590 m (15,059 ft)
• Kailash Parikrama distance: about 52 km over 3 days
• Highest point on the parikrama: Dolma La Pass at 5,630 m (18,471 ft)
• Darchen (parikrama base): 4,675 m
• Kerung border crossing altitude: 2,700 m
• Kathmandu to Kerung distance: ~150 km (8–10 hour drive)
• Kerung to Mansarovar distance: ~720 km
• Total drive distance per overland yatra: ~1,400 km round trip from Kathmandu

Season and dates

• Usual season: roughly May to early October
• Saga Dawa: usually falls in May–June (4th Tibetan lunar month); 2027 dates will be published once confirmed
• For reference only: Saga Dawa 2026 ran 17 May – 15 June 2026, with Duchen (full moon) on 31 May 2026
• 2026 note: 2026 was the Tibetan Year of the Horse; the 2026 season was cut short by the August 2026 Rasuwa floods
• 2027 departures: dates will be confirmed once the Tibet side confirms

Age limits & fitness requirements

• Maximum age: pilgrims over 70 are not permitted (Chinese authority rule, all routes)
• Minors: checked case by case with us before booking
• Medical certificate: fitness certificate from your doctor required
• Fitness baseline: walk 5–8 km on flat ground without stopping
• Acclimatisation: at least 2 nights above 2,800 m before going higher (2026 rules; 2027 terms confirmed later)
• Recommended prep: start cardio training about 6 weeks before departure

More detail in our age limit and fitness guide.

Documents required

• Passport: every pilgrim needs a passport valid for at least 6 months — an Election/Voter ID is not accepted for Tibet
• Chinese Group Visa: overland from Nepal, everyone travels on a Chinese Group Visa issued in Kathmandu; any existing Chinese visa in the passport is cancelled
• Tibet Travel Permit: obtained by a registered agency only; included in our packages
• Deadline: documents must reach us at least 30 days before entry into Tibet (2026 rules; 2027 terms confirmed later)
• Also needed: passport photos and a medical fitness certificate

Group size & logistics

• Minimum group size for departure: 2 pilgrims
• Helicopter capacity (Simikot–Hilsa): about 5 passengers per flight; larger groups fly in several rotations
• Guides: English/Hindi-speaking
• Meals: arranged; details in your quote
• Gear: duffel bag, sleeping bag and down jacket on loan for the trip; you can keep them for an extra charge — ask us
• On the parikrama: ponies and porters can be hired locally for the steep sections

Cancellations

Cancellation terms are set out in each quote and on our FAQ page. Permit fees usually cannot be refunded once permits are issued.

Operator credentials (The Kailash Holiday)

• TAAN Member ID: 1586 (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal)
• Nepal Company Reg: 147653/072/073
• Tourism Licence: 2838/072
• Founded: 2016 (parent company: The Everest Holiday Pvt. Ltd.)
• Contact: WhatsApp +977 9810 351 300

Citing this page

If you reference these Kailash Mansarovar Yatra facts, you are welcome to cite this page. Suggested citation:

"Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Key Facts and Numbers." The Kailash Holiday (TAAN 1586). Retrieved [date]. https://thekailashholiday.com/blog/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-facts-numbers

For deeper dives

• Kailash Parikrama: 52 km, 3 days, 5,630 m max altitude
• Tibet Permit for Kailash Yatra: documents and timeline
• Kailash Helicopter Yatra cost: what's included
• Saga Dawa dates and the Kailash Yatra
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost: what affects the price
• Kailash Yatra Age Limit & Fitness Requirements

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Updated October 2026. Rules marked "2026 rules" applied in the 2026 season; 2027 terms will be confirmed later. For 2027, join the priority list on WhatsApp or see our packages page.