Top 21 Mount Kailash Tour FAQs and Advices

Mount Kailash

1. Q: Is a passport required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

A: Yes, a valid passport is a must for the pilgrims who want to have Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

2. Q: How to get visas to Nepal and Tibet visa? Is visa cost included in the total tour cost?

A: Indian citizens do not need to have a visa for Nepal. Non-Indian citizens require a 15-day multiple entry visa which can be used on arrival at Nepal airport.

A valid passport is needed with a minimum validity of six months from the last date for Tibet (China) visa. The Chinease Government issues only a group visa and in order to arrange it we would need the copy of your passport at least 30 days prior to the commencing of your trip and we would need your actual passport five days before the visa issuing days.

Cost of Tibet Visa is included in the total cost. However, cost of Nepal visa is not included (applicable for foreign nationals only). Indian passport holders do not need Nepal Visa.

3. Q: Can I travel to Mt. kailash by myself?

A: According to China's regulation, individual travel to Kailash is not allowed. You have to take part in an organized group tour or customize your kailash tour with a local travel operator.

4. Q: How many days are required for Mt. Kailash Yatra?

A. Kailash Yatra requires 13 days by overland (Landcruiser/ Coach) and 11 days by Helicopter via Nepal. And it normally takes around three days to circle around Mt.Kailsh. However for the weak, it could take a couple of more days.

5. Q: What route does the 13- day Kailash and Lake Manasarova Pilgrimage tour follow?

A: The following route is for 13- day kailash tour: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhatse-Saga-Baryang-Darchen-Mt.Kailash-Lake Manasarova-Saga-Shigatse-Lhasa.

6. Q: What is the best time to visit Mt. Kailash?

A: The best time to visit Kailash is around end of April to July and mid-September to early October. During winter and spring roads might be blocked by heavy snow in eastern Tibet and Mt. kailash. Whereas in August, heavy rainfall makes travel in those areas very difficult.

7. Q: Is there any age limit for kailash yatra?

A: Age factor is not a barrier for this trip. Right from 14 years to 60 years, anyone can take this trip. The only requirement here is sound physical and mental health.

8. Q: What kind of fitness is required?

A: You have to be mentally and physically fit for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It is recommended to get a medical checkup before you plan to go for this religious trip. People with back pain may have problems during the journey on the jagged road, and people with asthma or allergic to dust are strongly recommended to wear mask on the dusty road.

9. Q: How about accommodation facilities, etc.?

A: Guesthouses and hostels are available in Tibet. Be noted that the quality of accommodation will vary from one place to another. Moreover, camping accommodation will be provided during kailash yatra.

10. Q: What's about the road & weather in Tibet?

A: The road from Lhasa to Mt. kailash is mostly asphalt. The Tibetan plateau is dry, cold, windy and dusty. Night is colder than daytime. Torrential rains and strong icy winds are the common weather. Flooding rivers and landslides are frequent. The average altitude is above 3,500m and the route covers many passes with high altitude.

11. Q: Are there any frequent landslides on the way?

A: No, it depends on weather. In rainy season, heavy rainfall will make landslides on the way.

12. Q: Is it essential or good to start your tour on a full moon day?

A: Actually, you can begin your yatra on any day, but it is much better on a full moon day. Festivals in Tibet happens during full moon, especially Saga Dawa Festival, one of the holiest days in Tibetan Buddhism. And on that day, tourists can appreciate beautiful view of full moon over Mt. Kailash.

13. Q: What currencies can be used in Tibet? Can I use credit card and ATM cards?

A. Only Chinese Yuan is accepted. Hotels only in Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse accept credit cards. ATM facility is not widely available. So exchanging your money to Chinese currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at Nepal Tibet border (Kodari) or at the Bank of China in Lhasa.

14. Q: How much money should I carry for this trip after paying all in the trip package?

A: After booking this trip, you need extra money for your own personal expenses, like buying meals, water, souvenirs, gifts and so on. Your extended expense is not included in this trip.

15. Q: What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?

A: You should keep in mind that there are some rules need to be followed during the trip in Tibet.
Do not take photos of the local people without permission, please show the respect to them!
Do not talk about the sensitive topics like political or religious matters.
Do not eat dog, donkey or horse meat in Tibet.

16. Q: How to avoid and treat the altitude sickness?

Please do not exert yourself and be relaxed before making trip to Kailash.
Take the prescribed medicion before reaching Tibet and continue to take the medicion upon arrival in Tibet.
Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol, and taking sleeping pills in the high altitude areas.
Drink plenty of water or tea.
Avoid active movements and try to relax in the first one to two days upon arrival at the high altitude areas.
Use Oxygen to relieve symptoms.
If nothing else works, return to the areas with the lower elevation or reach your guide and go to see the doctor.

17. Q: If we are not feeling comfortable or physically fit for yatra then what we should do?

A: In such case, you must stay back in Darchen and have a rest for 3 days.

18. Q: What preparation do you make for emergency?

A: Oxygen sets for emergency and medical purpose are always available throughout the trip accompanied by your tour guide. We make every effort to minimize the risk of altitude sickness and changes during the journey.

19. Q: Do I need to carry some medicines?

A: Yes. Our tour staffs only carry first aid medical kit. Therefore, you are advised to take sufficient stock of medicines that you have been taking and prescribed by your doctor.

20. Q: What sort of clothing and equipment is suggested for the trip?

A: As the Kailash Mansarovar is at high altitude, the climate is cold so you are recommended to have a warm sleeping bag and warm clothes, including thermo coat, monkey cap, comfort shoes, masks, gloves, sunscreen lotions, and sun glasses. Moreover, the wind is very strong at some passes. Thus, wind-proof clothes are also recommended.

21. Q: How many days it requires to hire the yak and porter during the whole trip and how much it costs?

A: The Yak and porter normally travel with tourists for 3 days. Hiring them is highly recommended given the extreme altitude and challenging journey. The cost of yak and porter depends on time and situation.