About Kailash Mansarovar
Mt. Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, the supreme power of the universe, the GOD of the Gods. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to reside on the summit of Mount Kailash, which is seen as the center of the universe, a spiritual cosmic axis, and the source of all existence. Its iconic symmetrical shape, perpetually capped with snow, rises like a mystical pyramid above the Tibetan Plateau.
Located at the foot of Mt. Kailash is Lake Mansarovar, which lies at an altitude of 4,590 m/ 15,060 ft and is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The name “Mansarovar” is a combination of the Sanskrit words “Manas” (mind) and “Sarovar” (lake), symbolizing a lake born from the mind of Lord Brahma. According to Hindu mythology, a single dip in its pristine waters purifies one’s soul and absolves all sins, even from past lives.
The journey to these holy sites is not just a physical trek but a pilgrimage that touches the soul, bringing devotees closer to the divine essence that Kailash and Mansarovar embody. The entire region exudes an aura of mysticism and spiritualism, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year from all over the world, including Indians.
However, several challenges led to the closure of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims for several years, leaving many with a sense of spiritual void and unfulfilled aspiration. The sudden closure was a disappointment for countless devotees who had longed to complete the pilgrimage.
Reasons for the Suspension of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indians:
Mount Kailash was banned for Indians due to a combination of factors, primarily affected by to COVID-19 pandemic and several others.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 led to strict travel restrictions worldwide. China, aiming to prevent from the virus spread subsequently applied travel restrictions, closing its borders to foreign visitors, including Indian pilgrims.
India-China border tension
The deterioration of diplomatic relations between India and China is also another major factor in the suspension of the Kailash Yatra for Indian pilgrims. The geo-political disputes, particularly after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, led to heightened security concerns. This incident, in which soldiers from both countries lost their lives, significantly heightened tensions at the India-China border. As Mount Kailash lies close to the contentious border areas, the Chinese government became increasingly cautious about allowing Indian nationals to visit, halting the issuance of permits for Indian pilgrims.
Administrative and Policy changes
Apart from pandemic and geopolitical issues, the policy and administrative changes also led to the suspension of the Yatra. To visit Kailash Mansarovar, you will require three permits: a Chinese Visa, a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), and an Alien Travel Permit (ATP). Chinese authorities halted the issue of Alien Travel Permit to Indian passport holders, even if they possessed valid Chinese visas and Tibet Travel Permits. This administrative decision effectively barred Indian citizens from entering the Kailash region.
Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
The region of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is geographically fragile and very sensitive. The increasing number of pilgrims each year led to concerns for authorities regarding the environmental impact on the area. The unpredictable climate change, harsh weather conditions, and limited infrastructure to accommodate the pilgrims made it challenging to manage the visitors.
The government aimed to reduce human-induced stress on the natural environment, particularly after observing how pilgrimage activities had affected the area’s ecological balance. Concerns over waste management, pollution, and the degradation of sacred sites led to restrictions on the number of pilgrims, with Indian nationals being particularly affected due to the large volume of visitors from India.
The emotional impact of the closure of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was deeply disappointing for Indian devotees. Many devotees' plans for their visit were halted, leaving a spiritual void in their hearts as the opportunity to visit Lord Shiva’s abode remained out of reach.
Reopening for the Indian
After a long hiatus of 5 years, the much-anticipated Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has finally reopened for Indian pilgrims. On March 25, the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held in Beijing, discussing the resumption of cross-border cooperation, including Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, to enhance ties. After the talk in Beijing, The Indian Government Ministry of External Affairs on May 4 said, “Pilgrims can undertake the Yatra via two main routes—Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim, as well as overland routes via Nepal, whichever is easier and more accessible between June to August 2025.” So, the question is:
Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Open in 2025 for Indians?
In short: Yes, Kailash Mansarovar is open again for Indian passport holders in 2025. The reopening of this sacred pilgrimage for Indian devotees has rekindled the hopes of thousands of devotees.
The lifted travel restrictions by China have agreed to issue permits to 20,000 Indian Pilgrims. Indian pilgrims typically start the journey in Kathmandu or Delhi. There are two main overland routes that lead to Mansarovar, the traditional Uttarakhand route and the Nepal Overland Route. The Uttarakhand route is longer and arduous, taking about a month to complete, whereas the Nepal overland route to Kailash Mansarovar is much shorter and is highly recommended for Indians. NATTA travel officials note that the Nepal route is “much easier, time-saving, and cheap” compared to Uttarakhand.
The route from Kathmandu starts from the drive to the Nepal–Tibet border at Kerung, then crosses into Tibet and continues by road (via Saga) to Lake Mansarovar. Rasuwa–Kerung has a very close proximity to Kathmandu and is the preferred entry as it is accessible by road and avoids long Tibetan treks. Indian citizens don’t need a Nepal visa, so after arriving in Kathmandu, they simply present their ID (e.g., passport) at entry and join the guided tour onward.
Permits, Visa Requirements, and Documentation for Indian Pilgrims
Pilgrims with an Indian passport need only standard travel documents plus the special permits arranged by a government-registered tour operator like Walk Mountain. You will require:
- Indian Passport: Valid for at least 6 months (with blank pages). This serves as an ID for Nepal entry (no Nepal visa required) and for arranging Chinese entry.
- Chinese Group Visa: Indians traveling via Nepal enter Tibet on a special group visa, issued in Kathmandu by the Chinese Embassy. Tour operators apply for this visa (it is a separate paper listing all travelers)
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and other additional permits: Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Entry Permit, is a mandatory document for foreign visitors to enter and travel to Tibet. This permit explicitly authorizes entry from the Rasuwagadhi/Kerung border. Additional Chinese permits (Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Permit, Foreign Affairs Permit) are also secured by the organizer. All these are arranged by the Nepalese tour operator, so no individual visa applications from India are required.
In summary, Indian passport holders can go – no China-tourist visa is needed, but all pilgrims must travel in a pre-approved group with permits. The operator handles your Tibet/China paperwork, leaving you to focus on the pilgrimage. (Note: The Indian government’s MEA selects applicants by a fair computerized draw, so selected pilgrims simply join an authorized tour.)
How to do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India?
For the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India, you just need to have basic planning. Below are the outlined processes you could follow for the yatra from India.
- Apply Online Early: Visit the official Kailash Yatra website, kmy.gov.in. Fill out the online form when applications open (typically each spring). Selection is by lottery, so apply with your passport details
- Choose a Route: You should opt for the Nepal overland route, as it is shorter and more comfortable. The flights to Kathmandu are widely available, and there are other accessible modes of transportation. Also, there is a free visa for Indians in Nepal.
- Book a Tour Operator: Only government government-authorized travel agency can take you to Kailash. Choose a reputable operator like Walk Mountain, which provides an all-inclusive tour including Kathmandu Hotel, Permits, Transport, Guides, and Meals. Check out the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Overland tour by Walk Mountain, which includes all the details, inclusions, and itinerary with the necessary requirements that you need for this journey.
Tips for Indian Pilgrims
- Stay updated with official announcements from the Indian government regarding Yatra schedules.
- Consult your doctor before planning, as the trek involves high altitudes.
- Pack essential items like warm clothing, first-aid kits, and travel insurance.
- Practice physical fitness to cope with high-altitude trekking.
Conclusion
The reopening of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims in 2025 is a joyous occasion. With the support of both the Indian and Chinese governments, devotees can once again undertake this sacred journey. By choosing the Nepal overland route, pilgrims benefit from a shorter itinerary, lower cost, and a truly spiritual experience through the Himalayas. Whether you are traveling for spiritual reasons or seeking the tranquility of the Himalayas, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers a unique blend of devotion and adventure. Start your preparations now and embrace the spiritual experience of a lifetime.
