Every question answered

Kailash yatras are on hold at present after the August 2026 Rasuwa floods, so right now we are taking enquiries for a 2027 priority list — send one via /book, /contact or WhatsApp. Once 2027 departures are confirmed, you pick a package (helicopter, overland, or India-departure) and a date, and pay a 30% deposit to confirm your seat. The 70% balance is due on arrival in Kathmandu before the yatra begins.

Join our 2027 priority list now; we contact listed pilgrims first once departures are confirmed. After that, book at least 8 weeks before departure so the Tibet Travel Permit and group visa have time to process (usually 21–28 working days). Saga Dawa usually falls in May–June and fills fastest; exact 2027 dates are published once confirmed.

1) Enquiry on /book or WhatsApp. 2) We confirm seats and send a written quote. 3) Pay 30% deposit. 4) Send us your documents (passport, photos, fitness certificate). 5) As a registered agency, we apply for the Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese group visa (~3 weeks; issue is at the authorities' discretion). 6) Arrive in Kathmandu, pay balance, attend pre-yatra briefing. 7) Yatra departs.

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.

Package prices are on request, and 2027 rates will be quoted once the season is confirmed. The price depends on the route (overland, helicopter, India departure or Simikot trek) and group size. Packages include Tibet permit and Chinese group visa applications, accommodation, meals arranged (details in your quote), guide, oxygen support, and a duffel bag, sleeping bag and down jacket on loan.

Package prices are on request; once 2027 rates are confirmed we can quote in INR or USD. We accept payments in USD or INR.

Tibet Travel Permit, Chinese group visa, all inland transport (vehicles or helicopter), accommodation (hotels in Kathmandu and Kerung + tents during Parikrama), meals arranged (pure veg available; details in your quote), English/Hindi-speaking guide, oxygen cylinders, airport transfers in Kathmandu, and a duffel bag, sleeping bag and down jacket on loan for the trip. You return the gear afterwards, or keep it for an extra charge — ask us.

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).

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.

Direct booking with The Kailash Holiday avoids 15–25% aggregator markup. You also get direct WhatsApp access to your coordinator (no escalation queues), written refund terms in case a Tibet permit is refused, and transparent itemised pricing. As TAAN-licensed operator 1586, we're the actual people running your yatra — not a reseller.

Helicopter yatra: minimal walking — suitable for older pilgrims up to the age limit of 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.

Pilgrims over 70 are not permitted on Kailash under Chinese authority rules — this applies to both helicopter and overland packages. Under-18s are not permitted either. Pilgrims 60+ must submit a fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor dated within 3 months of departure.

Yes, up to the age limit of 70 — we regularly take pilgrims in their 60s. Pilgrims over 70 are not permitted under Chinese authority rules. 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.

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.

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; under the 2026 rules every group must spend at least 2 nights above 2,800 m before going higher, with 2027 terms confirmed later), 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.

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages) — required for every pilgrim, including Indian citizens, because the Chinese group visa is issued against it. Also 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.

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.

On the overland route from Nepal every pilgrim, Indian or otherwise, travels on a Chinese group visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu as part of your yatra group. Any existing Chinese visa in your passport is cancelled when it is issued, and an individual Chinese tourist visa from your home country cannot be used instead. Visa fee is included in the package price; processing usually takes 21-28 working days.