Planning a pilgrimage trip to Kailash Mansarovar, which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the adherents of Bon, is a spiritual adventure unlike any other. Situated in the far-off area of Tibet Autonomous Region of China, climbing Mount Kailash demands more than passion—it demands valid travel permits. Whether you're visiting through Nepal or through the official Indian Government routes, obtaining the Kailash Mansarovar permit is a mandatory process. Here in this extensive guide, we're going to take you through the whole process of how to obtain your travel permits for Kailash Mansarovar, including documents, eligibility, application processes, tips, and so on.
As Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are located in China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), special permits are needed for all foreign visitors, including Indians. Along with a Chinese visa, one also needs:
A Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Alien's Travel Permit (ATP) for some areas
Military or border permits depending on the route
An Additional Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in some cases
These permissions are required because the region is strategically sensitive and in order to manage the inflow of tourists for environmental and security purposes.
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There are primarily two routes by which pilgrims can go to Kailash Mansarovar, and the permit process varies depending on the route.
Organized by the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this Yatra provides two sub-routes:
Lipulekleh Pass Route (Uttarakhand)
Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim)
This route is organized by private operators and is more popular among foreign nationals and NRIs. It's also suitable for helicopter or overland tour.
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Here is a list of documents required for applying for the Kailash Mansarovar permits:
Filled up application form properly
Valid Indian Passport (6+ months validity)
Passport photographs
Medical fitness certificate
Emergency contact information
Undertaking and consent forms
Payment of medical and application fees
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Visa application form
Passport-sized photographs
PAN Card or Aadhaar Card (for verification of identity)
Travel insurance certificate (optional)
Booking confirmation from a certified tour operator
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The MEA announces online applications on their official website: https://kmy.gov.in/ (typically in February-March every year).
Application Process:
Online Registration: Fill out application on the MEA website.
Document Submission: Scan documents and upload passport.
Medical Tests: Physically go to medical and fitness tests at authorized hospitals (Delhi or Guwahati).
Selection Process: A computerized draw of lots selects candidates.
Permit Processing: MEA helps the selected applicants obtain Chinese permits and visas.
Training & Orientation: An orientation camp of 3-4 days is organized in Delhi prior to departure.
Tip: You cannot personally apply for the Chinese visa through this channel—MEA does it for you.
It is a more relaxed and newer route, particularly for foreign nationals, NRIs, and those going for helicopter tours.
Application Process:
Select a Reputed Tour Operator: Select an Indian or Nepalese government-approved tour operating company for Kailash Mansarovar.
Book Your Package: Finalize your travel package and provide your documents to the tour operator. Check out our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Package for a well-organized and smooth journey.
Visa and Permit Arrangement: The tour operator will arrange with the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) to acquire:
Wait for Confirmation: Trip planners process permits 15-30 days before the planned trip.
Visa Collection in Kathmandu: Tourists are required to remain in Kathmandu for 2-3 days to finish visa formalities personally.
Important Note: Independent travel to Kailash Mansarovar is forbidden. Permits are released only to travelers with a confirmed booking through an approved tour operator.
| Route | Processing Time | Best Time to Apply | Best Months to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEA Route | 2-3 months | Feb to April | May to September |
| Nepal Route | 20-30 days | March to June | May to September |
Pro Tip: Book early! Few permits are given annually, and Chinese officials and political weather decide on approvals.
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Nationality: Indian nationals for MEA route; all nationalities for Nepal route
Age: 18-70 years (MEA); 10-70 years (Nepal route can consider with exceptions)
Fitness: Should clear high-altitude fitness and medical examinations
Passport: At least 6 months valid from travel date
Individuals suffering from hypertension, heart ailments, asthma, or epilepsy are dissuaded or excluded from the pilgrimage.
The permit costs are actually covered in the majority of travel tours. But to make an approximate guess:
Approx. ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh per individual (including permits, visa, logistics)
₹2.5 to ₹3.5 lakh for overland tours
₹3.5 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh for helicopter tours
A Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour package by helicopter can significantly reduce travel time while still offering breathtaking aerial views of the region.
Permit-related expenses include:
Tibet Travel Permit
Group Visa Fee
Alien's Travel Permit
Environmental protection fee
Border security permit
Incomplete or incorrect documents
Expired or damaged passport
Political tensions between India-China/Nepal-China
Medical fitness issues or inability to clear mandated tests
Using unauthorized or unrecognized agents
Start Early: Apply at least 3 months in advance.
Use Reliable Tour Operators: Hire only seasoned agencies like Epic Yatra with Kailash permit knowledge.
Have Your Passport Ready: Make sure it has a clean record and is valid for 6+ months.
Make Yourself Medically Fit: Physically train and seek a doctor's advice regarding high-altitude readiness.
Pay Attention to Instructions: Particularly in filling out photos, forms, and visa documentation.
Getting the proper travel permits for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is confusing at best, but with proper information and a good travel partner, this process can be an easy one. Whether taking the official MEA route or the more open Nepal-Tibet route, good preparation is the key to a successful pilgrimage.
Ensure that you apply early, have your documents in hand, and above all, remain healthy. Kailash Mansarovar is not a place—it's an experience that starts when you decide to undertake the trip. So plan carefully, obtain your permits in advance, and set out on a lifetime of spiritual journey.