Frequently asked questions
Every question answered
34 answers across 8topics — Tibet permits, costs in USD & INR, helicopter vs overland routes, fitness, Saga Dawa dates, documents, and refund policy.
Section 1
Booking & getting started
How do I book a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with The Kailash Holiday?
Pick a package (helicopter, overland, or India-departure), choose a departure date, and submit the booking form on /book. Pay a 30% deposit to confirm your seat — this locks the Tibet permit slot. The 70% balance is due on arrival in Kathmandu before the yatra begins. Most pilgrims book 8–12 weeks ahead for Saga Dawa departures.
When should I book for the 2026 Kailash yatra?
Book at least 8 weeks before departure to give Tibet permit processing room to run (21–28 working days). For Saga Dawa 2026 (May 31 – June 30), book 12+ weeks ahead — that window fills up fast every year.
What is the booking process step by step?
1) Inquiry on /book or WhatsApp. 2) We confirm seats and send a written quote. 3) Pay 30% deposit. 4) Send us your documents (passport/Voter ID, photos, fitness certificate). 5) We process Tibet permit + Chinese visa (~3 weeks). 6) Arrive in Kathmandu, pay balance, attend pre-yatra briefing. 7) Yatra departs.
Can I do a custom or private group yatra?
Yes — submit a custom inquiry on /custom with your group size, preferred dates, and any specific requirements (private vehicle, dedicated guide, special meals). Custom group quotes are typically 15-20% more than the published group package rates but offer full schedule flexibility.
Section 2
Tibet Permits & visas
Do I need a Tibet permit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Yes. Mount Kailash is inside the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Every foreign pilgrim — Indian, Nepali, or other — needs a Tibet Group Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, plus a Chinese Group Visa. Both are arranged by The Kailash Holiday as part of every package.
How long does it take to get the Tibet permit?
Tibet Group Permit and Chinese Group Visa together take 21–28 working days from the date documents reach the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Send us your documents 30–45 days before departure. See our full Tibet permit guide for details.
How much does the Tibet permit cost?
Tibet Group Permit ~USD 90/pilgrim, Chinese Group Visa ~USD 85/pilgrim, Tibet Travel Permit ~USD 20/pilgrim. Total ~USD 195 per pilgrim. All government fees are included in your yatra package — you do not pay separately.
Can Indian citizens use Voter ID instead of passport for Tibet permit?
Yes — Indian citizens can use Election ID (Voter ID) for the Tibet Group Permit, under a bilateral India-China pilgrim arrangement. You still need an Indian passport for international travel to/from Nepal.
What if my Tibet permit gets denied?
Permit denial is extremely rare for properly documented pilgrims. If it happens, we refund 100% of your deposit (we only retain the actual government application fees of ~USD 195) or reschedule you to the next departure at no extra cost. Written guarantee.
Can children get a Tibet permit?
Children under 18 are generally not permitted on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra group permits due to altitude safety regulations (the parikrama crosses 5,600 m). Pilgrims 18+ accepted; medical clearance required for 60+.
Section 3
Cost & payment
How much does Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost in 2026?
Overland 13-day group package from $2,176 / ₹1.8 lakh per pilgrim. Overland 15-day from $3,499 / ₹2.9 lakh. Helicopter 11-day from $3,499. Indian Pilgrim package 12-day from $2,150. Trek via Simikot 20-day from $4,299. Prices include Tibet permit, Chinese visa, accommodation, meals, guide, and oxygen support.
How much in Indian Rupees does the Kailash yatra cost?
Approximate INR equivalents at current exchange rates: Overland 13-day ~₹1.8 lakh, Overland 15-day ~₹2.9 lakh, Helicopter ~₹2.9 lakh, India package ~₹1.8 lakh, Simikot trek ~₹3.6 lakh per pilgrim. We accept payments in USD or INR.
What's included in the Kailash yatra package price?
Tibet Group Permit, Chinese Group Visa, all inland transport (vehicles or helicopter), accommodation (hotels in Kathmandu and Kerung + tents during Parikrama), all meals (pure veg available), English/Hindi-speaking guide, oxygen cylinders, sleeping bag rental for parikrama, and airport transfers in Kathmandu.
What's NOT included in the price?
International flights to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee, travel insurance, personal trekking gear, tips for guide/porter/driver (~$50/pilgrim suggested), pony or porter for parikrama (optional, ~$200 extra), and personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs).
How do I pay for the yatra?
30% deposit at booking confirmation, balance on arrival in Kathmandu. We accept USD, INR, NPR in cash, bank transfer, or card (when card gateway is live). eSewa and Khalti coming soon. International wire transfer available for NRIs.
Why book direct vs MakeMyTrip or aggregators?
Direct booking with The Kailash Holiday avoids 15–25% aggregator markup. You also get direct WhatsApp access to your coordinator (no escalation queues), written guarantees on Tibet permits, and transparent itemised pricing. As TAAN-licensed operator 1586, we're the actual people running your yatra — not a reseller.
Section 4
Yatra routes & duration
Which route is best for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra — helicopter or overland?
Helicopter (10-11 days): minimal walking, suitable for elders or time-constrained pilgrims. From $3,499. Overland (13-15 days): more acclimatisation, traditional pilgrim experience, lower cost from $2,176. See our full helicopter vs overland comparison.
How many days is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Helicopter yatra: 10-11 days. Overland 13-day group package. Overland 15-day comfort package. Simikot trek: 20 days. India-departure: 12 days from Delhi/Lucknow/Gorakhpur. Choose based on time, budget, and fitness.
What is Kailash Parikrama and how long does it take?
Kailash Parikrama (Kora) is the 3-day, ~52 km circumambulation of Mount Kailash at altitudes of 4,500–5,600 m. The highest point is Dolma La pass at 5,630 m. Walking pace varies — fit pilgrims complete in 3 days, others may take 4 days with rest stops. Ponies and porters available throughout.
What is the difference between helicopter and overland yatra?
Helicopter: fly from Nepalgunj to Hilsa, vehicle to Manasarovar, 3-day parikrama, helicopter back. Less walking, faster acclimatisation done in stages. Overland: drive from Kathmandu to Kerung border to Manasarovar via Saga, longer acclimatisation, more time at Mansarovar. Both routes cover the full parikrama.
Section 5
Health & fitness
How fit do I need to be for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Helicopter yatra: minimal walking — suitable for elders aged 70+. Overland yatra: moderate fitness needed for the 3-day parikrama at 4,500-5,600 m. 2-3 weeks of cardio prep (walking 5 km/day, climbing stairs) is recommended. Ponies are available throughout the parikrama for an additional fee.
What is the age limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
No upper age limit set by government, but: standard overland packages accept 18-75 with fitness certificate, helicopter packages accept up to 70 with medical clearance. Pilgrims 60+ must submit a fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor dated within 3 months of departure. Under-18s not permitted.
Can elderly pilgrims do Kailash yatra?
Yes — we regularly take pilgrims in their 60s and 70s. We recommend the helicopter route for ages 65+ as it minimises walking and altitude exposure. All groups carry oxygen cylinders, and we provide ponies + porters during the parikrama. A guide doctor accompanies overland groups.
Is there a medical fitness certificate requirement?
Yes — all pilgrims must submit a medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor, on letterhead, signed and stamped, dated within 3 months of departure. The certificate should confirm cardiovascular fitness and absence of altitude-aggravating conditions. We send the format when you confirm booking.
What about altitude sickness on Kailash yatra?
Mild AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is common above 4,000 m. We mitigate this through: gradual altitude gain (3-4 days acclimatisation before reaching parikrama altitude), oxygen cylinders available throughout, accompanying guide doctor on overland packages, and the option to descend immediately by jeep if symptoms worsen. Diamox is recommended — consult your doctor.
Section 6
Best time & Saga Dawa
When is Saga Dawa 2026?
Saga Dawa Festival 2026 runs from May 31 to June 30. The Saga Dawa Düchen (full moon day, most auspicious) is June 14, 2026. This is the holiest month for Mount Kailash pilgrimage in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
When is the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
May to mid-October is the official yatra season. Saga Dawa (May–June) is most spiritually significant — religious merit is believed to multiply 100,000 times. July–August has rain at lower altitudes but lush landscapes. September is the most stable for first-timers — clear skies, dry weather, moderate temperatures.
Is Kailash yatra open in winter (November to April)?
No — the Tibet permit office stops issuing permits between mid-October and late April due to heavy snowfall on the Mansarovar plateau and Dolma La pass. Don't book any operator promising a winter yatra; it's not legally possible.
Section 7
Documents & visas
What documents do I need for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages) OR Election ID for Indian citizens (Tibet permit only), 4 passport-size photos with white background, completed visa application form (we send), medical fitness certificate from MBBS doctor. Send 30-45 days before departure.
Do I need a Nepal visa for the yatra?
Indian citizens: no Nepal visa required (passport or Election ID accepted at entry). Other nationalities: Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport ($30 USD for 15 days, $50 for 30 days). Bring 2 passport photos and exact USD. Nepal visa cost is NOT included in package price.
What about Chinese visa for non-Indian pilgrims?
All non-Indian pilgrims need a Chinese Group Visa (type L, group), issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu as part of your yatra group. Cost ~USD 85/pilgrim, included in package price. Processing 21-28 working days. An individual Chinese tourist visa from your home country won't work for this — must be the group visa via Nepal.
Section 8
Cancellation & refund
What is the refund policy?
60+ days before yatra: 100% refund minus $50 admin fee. 30-59 days before: 50% refund of deposit. Less than 30 days: deposit non-refundable. Weather or border-closure cancellations (force majeure): full refund or free reschedule. Tibet permit fees become non-refundable 21 days before departure.
What happens if Tibet closes or my flight is cancelled?
If the Chinese border closes due to government order or natural disaster, we either reschedule at no extra cost or refund the unused portion (operator costs of ~USD 195 retained for government fees). We carry written agreements stating what is and isn't refundable before you pay any deposit.
Can I get travel insurance for Kailash yatra?
Strongly recommended. Look for: medical evacuation coverage at altitudes up to 6,000 m (most policies cap at 4,500 m — won't help), trip cancellation, baggage loss. World Nomads and SafetyWing offer policies. ICICI Lombard and HDFC Ergo are popular Indian options. We can recommend brokers — ask at booking.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp our India-desk coordinator (Hindi support 9 AM – 9 PM IST) or send a custom inquiry. Average reply time under one hour.