How to Get WiFi and Mobile Internet During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

How Can You Get Reliable WiFi and Mobile Internet During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

If you would like to have reliable internet access while you are on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, purchase an Ncell or Nepal Telecom SIM card in Kathmandu prior to your departure for the stronger 4G service. You can change your SIM card to either China Mobile or China Unicom once you've crossed into the Kerung area, so that you will be able to have better connectivity in towns within Tibet.

You also may find some WiFi available at hotels and guesthouses in each of the following towns: Kerung, Saga, and Darchen, but the WiFi connection will likely be slow and unreliable because these towns are located in remote mountain regions.

It is possible that while you are on the Kailash Parikrama, you will not receive any mobile signal or WiFi service, particularly near Dolma La Pass. It is recommended that you download maps and documents for offline viewing, and also save emergency contact numbers, before you leave Kathmandu for Tibet. The internet usage will mostly be for sending quick family updates for most pilgrims, not for watching videos or making FaceTime calls.

Mobile Network and Wifi Internet Availability on Every Route to Kailash Mansarovar

Kathmandu (Nepal)

• Hotels: 3 - 5 star
• WiFi: Strong everywhere
• Mobile Network: Full 4G (Ncell/NTC)
• Internet Speed: 20 - 80 Mbps
• Cost: SIM ₹300 - ₹800, WiFi free

All the connectivity and communication prior to the start of your Kailash Yatra is done from Kathmandu, and pretty much all the lodges and cafes in Kathmandu do provide quite decent 4G network and fast-paced WiFi services. You also tend to complete all your SIM cards set-up, download all necessary and communication settings prior to getting to a region without any network coverage at all from here. Nepal Telecom and Ncell networks do provide a pretty strong signal strength and a stable connection within Kathmandu city. Considering you will not have a network in front of you throughout the trek, Kathmandu could be a very useful place to complete all your necessary network-based configuration and communication. 

Syabrubesi (Nepal Transit Town)

• Hotels: Basic lodges
• WiFi: Limited
• Mobile Network: Weak
• Internet Speed: 2 - 10 Mbps
• Cost: WiFi ₹0 - ₹300

Network services are quite rare here before the Tibetan border. Only a small number of lodges provide WiFi connections. Due to the high altitude and difficult mountain terrain, WiFi speeds at Syabrubesi are unstable. Network coverage from Nepal Telecom and Ncell is also poor, with very weak and unstable mobile signals. The connection is generally reliable only for simple text messages and not for any data-intensive use. Although the services are inexpensive, they are not very reliable. This is where pilgrims make their final communications before moving towards Tibet, a region with extremely limited network services. 

Kerung (Tibet Border Town)

• Hotels: Guesthouses
• WiFi: Available (slow)
• Mobile Network: China Mobile/Unicom
• Internet Speed: 2 - 8 Mbps
• Cost: WiFi ₹200 - ₹500

Kerung is the first place that you stop in Tibet after entering the border of Nepal. However, the accommodations are not luxury; but they have slow WiFi available and can help to activate a Chinese SIM card. Networks China Mobile and China Unicom are available. But they provide a slow signal (1-3 bars). And the internet is really slow because of the firewall, altitude, and it's quite cheap compared with Nepal, but definitely not like in Nepal. Here you can experience a new Chinese SIM before going further into Tibet.

Gyirong Town (Alternative Kerung Region Stop)

• Hotels: Basic Tibetan hotels
• WiFi: Limited
• Mobile Network: Weak
• Internet Speed: 1 - 5 Mbps
• Cost: ₹200 - ₹400

Gyirong can serve as an alternative or extension to Kerung if your flight into Lhasa is on a later date. Hotels here are as basic as those in Kerung, but they also provide limited WiFi and patchy mobile network service. The signal strength for China Mobile and China Unicom will only be sufficient to send text messages. The internet is quite slow due to the remote location. Costs are similar to Kerung.

Saga (Major Tibetan Stop)

• Hotels: Mid-range
• WiFi: Available but unstable
• Mobile Network: Patchy
• Internet Speed: 1 - 5 Mbps
• Cost: WiFi ₹200 - ₹400

Saga is a main stop to get acclimatized, and it will have slightly better, though still unstable, WiFi. The mobile networks here still suffer from frequent drops in signal, though you may have just enough strength to send quick texts or an occasional email. Speeds here are no better, and you are limited to sending simple messages if it works at all. The costs are a little higher as you have better amenities, but the unreliable connection is still a hassle. It will be hard to get connected from here onward until you are back in Lhasa from the Kailash region.

Mansarovar Lake

• Hotels: Guesthouses/dorms
• WiFi: Very limited
• Mobile Network: Weak/spotty
• Internet Speed: 0 - 3 Mbps
• Cost: ₹200 - ₹500

This is one of the most sacred places to stop during the Yatra, and the accommodation is more limited in comparison. There will only be extremely limited WiFi available in guesthouses here. The China Mobile/Unicom signal strength is weak, often at best one bar, and sometimes only just above nothing. The speeds will only allow you to send messages. The costs of accommodation are cheap enough to justify, but connection speeds will not support anything other than a few texts at most. Many people will be less worried about connecting here and more focused on spiritual practices.

Darchen (Base Camp Town)

• Hotels: Basic hotels
• WiFi: Limited
• Mobile Network: Very weak
• Internet Speed: 1 - 3 Mbps
• Cost: ₹200 - ₹500

Darchen is the starting and ending point for your Kailash Parikrama, so while there are some tourist services here, it's still quite basic. The hotels provide very limited WiFi that might only work if you are directly next to the main area where the signal originates. Mobile networks are very weak; it may even be impossible to pick up a signal from either of the Chinese networks. If by chance you can pick one up, then the internet will only be slow enough to send a message. Costs for lodging are similar to previous stops. This will be your final semi-functional connection point before you are entirely offline in Kailash itself.

Yamdwar (Trek Start Point)

• Hotels: None (day stop)
• WiFi: None
• Mobile Network: None
• Internet Speed: 0 Mbps
• Cost: Not applicable

This is the spiritual entry point of the Kora around Kailash, where the trek is officially deemed to have started. There will be no hotels available, and hence no WiFi and absolutely no mobile network. All signals from the various China Mobile or Unicom SIM cards you might have will cease to exist at this point. The speed and cost of the internet are all irrelevant here, as there is no connectivity whatsoever.

Dirapuk (Day 1 Kora Stop)

• Hotels: Basic shelters
• WiFi: None
• Mobile Network: None
• Internet Speed: 0 Mbps
• Cost: Not applicable

This will be your first camping/shelter spot on the Yatra. They offer a very basic bed to sleep on at night and no further amenities. There is no WiFi and no cell signal here whatsoever due to the sheer altitude. While staying here in Dirapuk, you will be entirely disconnected from any form of communication on any networks, and you'll need to rely on your guide for communication back with civilization or your group.

Zuthulpuk (Day 2 Kora Stop)

• Hotels: Dorm shelters
• WiFi: None
• Mobile Network: None
• Internet Speed: 0 Mbps
• Cost: Not applicable

Zuthulpuk is the second of two basic dorm-like shelters, providing a place to sleep overnight during your Kailash Parikrama. Again, you'll get very rudimentary lodging with nothing else. Just like in Dirapuk, there is no WiFi or cellular signal here at all, and absolutely no way to communicate via any network.

Dolma La Pass (Highest Point)

• Hotels: None
• WiFi: None
• Mobile Network: None
• Internet Speed: 0 Mbps
• Cost: Not applicable

Dolma La Pass is the most important and highest pass on your pilgrimage. You won't find many facilities here apart from rocks and perhaps heavy snowfall. There is no WiFi or mobile signal service here whatsoever due to the extreme altitude. It is a totally zero-connection zone.

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Nepal SIM Cards for Mobile Network and Mobile Internet That Work Best Before Entering Tibet

Before traveling to Tibet, while you are in your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you will need the benefit of the perfect mobile internet, mobile call and update access using the Nepal SIM card. SIM cards are specific to Nepal, but they will provide high Internet speed for calling, updating, and all downloads till the zero network zone.

Nepal Telecom (NTC)

• Cost: NPR 100 - 200 (SIM) + NPR 500 - 1200 (data pack)
• Where to Purchase: Kathmandu Airport, Official NTC store, Thamel, Pokhara,
• How to Purchase: Passport and photograph, fill out the Registration Form, and receive instant activation.

NTC covers a larger area than any other provider available in Nepal and provides a stable calling connection in the cities (3-5 bars) as well as moderate 4G service. NTC is favoured for travellers going further than Kathmandu, due to having better coverage in rural areas.

Ncell

• Cost: NPR 100-150 (SIM) + NPR 700-1500 (data pack).
• Where to Purchase: Airport kiosks and also at Ncell outlets in Kathmandu.
• How to Purchase: Requires passport verification and instant activation.

Ncell has the fastest internet speeds of any provider, and the best performance of 4G service in urban areas (30-80 Mbps in Kathmandu). Ncell is ideal for video calls, uploading, and heavy internet usage before leaving for your trip.

Best Data Packages

Most tourist packs have 5GB - 25GB data for 7-30 days, which should be ample for maps, uploading, and communication until entering Tibet.

Airport SIM vs City SIM

Airport SIMs are more readily available, though a little more expensive. City SIMs, especially in Kathmandu, are cheaper and have a better range of packages and data, making them the more suitable choice if you are prepared in advance of your lengthy "yatra".

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Chinese SIM Cards for Mobile Network and Mobile Internet That Work in Tibet During Kailash Yatra

Tibet does not support Nepalese SIMs once you enter, so you must change to Chinese networks; also, there is limited connectivity in Tibetan towns with Chinese networks.

China Mobile

• Price Range: ¥100-200 (~$14-28) for the SIM card plus ¥150-500 (~$21-70) for a data package.
• Where: Border shop in Kerung, Telecom stores in Lhasa, and authorized travel agencies.
• How to: Registration via biometrics will use your passport to activate the SIM card that you bought from this place and/or your hotel.

The most used telecom network in Tibet is China Mobile, providing the most coverage, which is only 1 bar, with a maximum of 3 bars in Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. The SIM will help you to make calls over the network, but there will be no internet connection.

China Unicom

• Price Range: ¥80-180 (~$11-25) for the SIM + ¥120-400 (~$17-55) for the data package.
• Where: Border towns (Kerung), stores in Lhasa, with assistance from the tour operators.
• How: You must register your SIM using your passport at the store with assistance from your hotel or your travel agency.

Although coverage is similar to China Mobile, China Unicom does have some areas where connectivity may be more stable than China Mobile within specific regions of Tibet. Again, you will not be able to browse the internet, but you can send messages when using your China Unicom SIM.

China Telecom

• Price Range: ¥80-150 (~$11-21) for the SIM + ¥100-350 (~$14-49) for the data package.
• Where: Approximately 100 locations throughout Lhasa and in major towns throughout Tibet.
• How: You must provide your passport for registration at the store to activate your SIM card; you will generally receive assistance from your travel agency in activating your SIM card.

Coverage is limited for China Telecom due to its low levels of connectivity in most of Tibet's remote regions; however, you will be able to activate your SIM card in a limited number of towns. China Telecom is the least commonly used provider among the foreign pilgrims.

Important Note on Chinese SIM Cards for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Because of activation problems and limited mobile service in remote parts of Tibet along the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you shouldn’t rely solely on a Chinese SIM card for your journey. A Tibet SIM card from China Telecom costs about CNY 80-120 or around INR 900-1,200.

Most Chinese SIM cards will allow you to receive calls; however, they will generally not let you make calls or use data (including GPS) in some areas.

If you want to have some level of mobile connection when you are travelling through Tibet, you could use a Chinese SIM card; however, it’s probably better to use a local SIM card while in Tibet to get directions, updates about your trip, and keep in touch with your guides, hotels, or other support along the way.

In addition, if you have a local SIM card, there will still be limited connectivity at high altitudes during the Kailash Parikrama and a total lack of connectivity during the Kailash Parikrama portion of your journey. After arriving in Tibet, if you find that your international roaming doesn't work, you can acquire a local SIM card from a registered telecom store in Lhasa. These companies can also assist you with registering your phone with the Chinese mobile phone systems and activating your new SIM card. SIM cards from local telecom companies in Lhasa and Shigatse have slightly better reliability than satellite data roaming coverage from telecom companies located at border points of entry/exit.

In order for your new SIM card to activate and work properly, your phone must be factory unlocked, and the radio must support Chinese mobile network bands. If your phone is not in compliance with either one of these conditions, the new SIM card will not activate.

Phone Compatibility for Chinese SIM Cards

Compatible Phones

Modern smartphones (iPhone 8 and later, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and Xiaomi (Global models), and any other unlocked 4G/5G phone) should be compatible if your phone supports the GSM and LTE bands used in China.

Not Compatible Phones

Most carrier-locked phones (especially US/UK contract phones) will not work with Chinese SIM networks. Most 3G-only devices will not work with a Chinese SIM either. Region-locked phones typically will block at least one of their dual SIM slots to be able to accept international bands (depending on the model).

Confirming that your phone will work in advance of travelling is vital since once you get into remote areas of Tibet, you will not be able to resolve any problems you may have with your network connection.

Which SIM Cards Work in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Travelers From Different Countries?

Will American SIM Cards Work During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Verizon International Roaming

Will it work?

Verizon international roaming is partially supported on the Kailash Mansarovar trip. It works well in Kathmandu and in some parts of lower Nepal. Once you reach Tibet (Kerung, Saga, Darchen) connection will be poor, unstable, or non-existent. While doing the Kailash Parikrama, Verizon roaming does not work because there is zero infrastructure. Even where the signal shows, data usage will be so slow and extremely costly.

What to do if the SIM does not work:

Only use Verizon on the Nepal side and in Kathmandu for emergency purposes. Once you cross the Kerung border to China, use a Chinese SIM (China Mobile or China Unicom) for good connectivity.

How to activate international roaming

Activate Verizon International Roaming on the My Verizon app TravelPass or set on pay-per-use "International services" prior to departure. Activating your account does not ensure that the coverage works in Tibet due to absent infrastructure.

AT&T International Day Pass

Does it work?

 AT&T International Day Pass works in Nepal and some small towns in Tibet. The service is reliable in Kathmandu but very sporadic in Tibet; it is only functional in small towns like Kerung or Saga, and does not work outside the range of cell towers for areas like the Kailash Kora. Data roaming is extremely expensive with throttling.

If SIM doesn't work:

 AT&T in Nepal is only for easy connection. Purchase a local Chinese SIM to get in contact with people after arriving in Tibet.

To activate international roaming:

Through AT&T International Day Pass in the app for the selected line prior to departure. Make sure roaming is turned on in the cell phone settings. But remember: it relies completely on local Chinese cell towers.

T-Mobile International Plans

Will it work?

T-Mobile provides limited international roaming for Nepal and limited connectivity for Tibet, which is unreliable. It may work when entering Nepal and sometimes at Kerung, but deeper Tibet doesn't provide any connectivity. For the Kailash Parikrama, it fails to provide any connectivity.

What to do if the SIM is not working:

Use T-Mobile only for your communication on arrival in Nepal and switch to China Mobile for trekking in Tibet.

How to activate international roaming:

T-Mobile international roaming is enabled for all Magenta plans by default. Turn on data roaming on settings of your phone before travelling to the destination. There's no additional setup necessary. However, service is not reliable in Tibet.

Should Americans Buy a Chinese SIM Instead?

Yes, Definitely. Chinese SIMs (China Mobile or China Unicom) are the only working SIMs available inside Tibet during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The American SIMs work only inside Nepal. Inside Tibet, working only with limited functionality with Chinese SIMs in towns like Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. Even the Chinese SIMs do not work during the Kailash Parikrama due to a lack of infrastructure at all. Americans must insert a Chinese SIM after reaching the border for their own safety and to communicate.

Will Indian SIM Cards Work in Kailash Yatra?

Jio International Roaming

Will it work?

Jio roaming works well in Kathmandu and on Nepali routes, but the signal becomes patchy and dies in Tibet. Might pick up in Kerung and Saga, but extremely unreliable. There is no service during Kailash Parikrama. Roaming of data is very costly and works with a Chinese network partner.

If SIM fails:

Use Jio only while in Nepal and on Nepal routes. Get a China Mobile SIM after crossing the border.

Activating Roaming:

Get the pack on the MyJio app before your departure and enable roaming. This is only valid when a partner network of China exists.

Airtel International Roaming

Will it work?

Airtel roaming works slightly better than most of the Indian SIMs in Nepal. It may work in Kathmandu and somewhat in the Tibetan towns, but it's patchy in Saga and doesn't work in trek locations.

What to do if the SIM does not work:

Use Airtel for communicating within Nepal. Use a China SIM for the whole of the Tibet route.

How to activate roaming:

Activate Airtel International roaming through the Airtel Thanks app, International Roaming-travel pack select, then activate, before leaving India.

Vi (Vodafone Idea) Roaming

Will it work?

Vi roaming works in Nepal, but is not reliable or strong in Tibet. Works at border towns like Kerung but not after it, completely disconnected, not dependable.

What to do if the SIM does not work:

Use Vi only in Kathmandu or within Nepal. Switch to a China SIM as soon as one is on the Tibet border.

How to activate roaming:

Activate using the Vi app International Roaming packs manually before starting the journey.

BSNL International Coverage

Will it work?

BSNL roaming is by far the least capable of all Indian networks. Whilst it might work in Kathmandu, it will almost certainly never connect in Tibet itself. Even near the borders, it often cuts out.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Rely on BSNL for neither travel within Tibet nor communication in Tibet itself, only perhaps for communication in the majority of Nepal.

How to activate roaming?

BSNL roaming needs to be pre-activated with the customer service center or online at the BSNL portal prior to departure. Connectivity is of extremely poor quality in areas of high altitude.

Is Indian SIM Reliable in Tibet?

No. It is not reliable within Tibet due to limits on international roaming deals with Tibetan networks and geographic limitations. At best, they will work in Nepal and limited areas near border towns; beyond this, to have any reliability, it's imperative to obtain a Chinese SIM upon arrival in Tibet.

Will UK SIM Cards Work During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Vodafone UK

Will it work:

Vodafone UK's international roaming service works in Nepal and may work in the border villages like Kerung (Tibet), but the service will be extremely weak in the deeper Tibet region. The reception in Saga, Darchen, will be very poor and will not have any network during the Kailash Parikrama. Even if connected, the speeds are extremely slow, rates of roaming are too high, so continuous roaming is not feasible.

If the SIM does not work:

Use Vodafone UK in Kathmandu or lower Nepal only for calling and coordination purposes, and while entering Tibet via Kerung, purchase a China Mobile or China Unicom SIM.

How to enable Roaming:

Activate international usage via "Global Roaming" or "Roam Abroad" options in the Vodafone app before you depart on your Kailash Yatra. Switch ON the data roaming in your mobile phone settings.

EE

Will this work?

EERoaming will work well in Nepal - especially in Kathmandu - but is quite unreliable in Tibet. It may hook up in border towns like Kerung, but once inside Tibet, the service soon deteriorates. In Saga and Darchen, it keeps dropping out, and throughout the Kailash trek, the service is absent. Mobile data is quite expensive when on international roaming.

What to do if the SIM does not work:

Use the EE SIM primarily for landing and onward travel within Nepal. Change to a China SIM card once entering the border of China. Communication and GPS functions could work properly.

How to activate roaming:

Switch on the EE App; activate a 'Roaming Pass' or 'International Add-on' and turn on the data roaming setting, then set off. Always use the Chinese partner network within Tibet.

O2

Will it work?

O2 works in Nepal and works reasonably well in Kathmandu, but is very unstable in Tibet. It may work briefly in a Tibetan town, but the network is either very unstable or nonexistent outside the towns. O2 works in absolutely no places in Kailash Parikrama, because there are no networks at all in that area.

What to do if the SIM does not work:

The O2 works only when one is in Nepal. All travellers need to replace their China Mobile or China Unicom SIM card as soon as they cross the Kerung border.

How to activate roaming:

Activate the O2 Travel Bolt-On or international roaming pass through the My O2 app and switch on data roaming in the mobile settings. The availability of network services depends on roaming agreements, and signal coverage at high altitudes can't be guaranteed.

Three UK

Will it work?

Three UK will roam in Nepal and may work around the borders. However, the performance in Tibet is extremely bad, and the signal will drop immediately once one is in China. The network is very unstable, even in towns like Saga, and will not work at all during the Kailash trek. Data roaming will also work expensively.

What to do if the SIM does not work:

Only for use in Nepal, once you enter China, you should get a new China Mobile or China Unicom SIM card.

How to activate roaming:

Turn on the 'Go Roam' feature in the Three app before departure. Make sure the international roaming and data roaming services are enabled in your mobile settings and plan.

Roaming Charges in Tibet (UK SIMs)

The rates charged on any UK SIM card (including Vodafone, EE, O2, Three) when in Tibet are exorbitant due to the lack of direct deals between providers and the remote geography. The roaming is either a charge per Mb or a charge per day, making usage extremely expensive. Because the infrastructure is so poor, paid roaming is not guaranteed to be stable or dependable either. UK SIMs are not recommended for anything beyond occasional usage while on the Yatra, and they are only to be used in Nepal.

Will Canadian SIM Cards Work in Tibet During Kailash Yatra?

Rogers:

Will it work?

Roaming with Rogers is possible, but very inconsistent in Tibet. Although the signal might work in border towns like Kerung, once deep into Tibet, it's nearly impossible to get service. In places like Saga and Darchen the signal starts to disappear. During the Kailash trek, Rogers doesn't work.

What should I do if my SIM cards don't work?

Use your Rogers SIM only in Kathmandu and the earlier parts of Nepal. Purchase a China Mobile SIM once you are in Tibet for consistent service.

How to activate roaming?

Activate a roaming plan through the app or enable international roaming before you depart. Make sure the data roaming is activated in your phone's settings. The connection depends completely on China's cellular infrastructure.

Bell

Will it work?

Roaming with Bell is possible, but also very weak and unreliable in Tibet. While the signal may work in a few areas, it disappears very quickly, and even if you're using it while trekking, you probably won't get any service while high in the mountains. While signal strength can vary significantly, generally, Bell's roaming internet is also quite slow and can be an issue for something like navigation.

What should I do if my SIM cards don't work?

Use your Bell SIM card in Nepal only for communication, and in Tibet, purchase local SIM cards once you've reached there.

How to activate roaming?

Turn on roaming on the Bell my account international roaming section before you leave. Turn on data roaming in your phone's settings. Signal strength still depends on the Chinese network.

Telus

Will it work?

Telus roaming is similar to the other Canadian SIMs. It will most likely not work much in Tibet, but it is probably reliable up to a certain degree in border towns like Kerung, and then it will probably become unreliable once you get higher up in the Tibetan plateau. The signal disappears, and the trek itself is impossible using this SIM card.

What should I do if my SIM cards don't work?

Replace your Telus SIM card with a China Mobile or China Unicom once you arrive at the Tibetan border town called Kerung for a reliable connection during your Kailash journey.

How to activate roaming?

Turn on the easy roam on Telus My account, or turn roaming on before you leave on your phone.

International Roaming Tips (Canada)

Canadian SIMs are very expensive in Tibet. They depend on the partner cell phone networks from China, so this is probably not the greatest option for trekking in the high mountain regions of Tibet. I would suggest you use your cell phone only in Nepal and buy a SIM card in China for use in Tibet.

Will Australian SIM Cards Work During Kailash Yatra?

Telstra

Will it work?

Telstra roaming is possible to work in Nepal; you may get a network in the border towns of Kerung, but further into Tibet, it starts weakening. There is a constant problem in finding a network, even in Saga and Darchen, and no connection during the Kailash Parikrama.

What to do if the SIM does not work?

Use only for Nepal travel, use the other option in Tibet and while entering China, switch to a China SIM card.

How to enable roaming?

First, enable international roaming in the Telstra app, then in the setting of your mobile allow data roaming.

Optus

Will it work? Optus roaming works in Nepal, but is not useful in Tibet, though you may get a network for some time in towns, and cannot use it in remote places. The speed of the Internet is very low. Hence may not be a very helpful choice for navigation and calling in the Kailash Yatra.

What to do if the SIM does not work?

After crossing the border, switch to a China mobile SIM card to get a clear and stable connection for communication.

How to enable roaming?

First, subscribe to the Optus international roaming pack before traveling and enable roaming on your mobile.

Vodafone Australia

Will it work?

Vodafone Australia will work in Nepal, while it will be of very weak range in Tibet. It may get some network in the initial cities of Tibet, but it cannot be used anywhere in remote Tibet and No connection during the Kailash Parikrama.

What to do if the SIM does not work?

Use Vodafone AU only for the Nepal traveling section, and after crossing the border, switch to a China SIM card for traveling in Tibet.

How to enable roaming?

On your mobile, switch on global roaming with the help of the Vodafone AU app or through settings and network, depending on its partnership with networks in China.

Will Singapore, Malaysia, and UAE SIM Cards Work During Kailash Yatra?

Singtel (Singapore)

Will it work?

The roaming in Tibet does work with the Singapore Singtel, but not very stable and can only work on borders and some major cities in Tibet. During the Kailash trekking there is no signal.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Use it in Nepal only, and purchase the China SIM in China, and change to the China SIM after crossing the Nepal border.

How to enable roaming?

Enable "ReadyRoam" in the Singtel mobile app before leaving Singapore.

StarHub (Singapore)

Will it work?

The roaming in Tibet does work, but not very stable and not strongly, only in some of the major cities, and cannot be used during the trekking period of Kailash Parikrama.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Purchase a China Mobile SIM when you reach the Chinese border and change to use it.

How to enable roaming?

Enable "Travel Pass" in the Starhub mobile app before travelling.

Celcom (Malaysia)

Will it work?

The roaming in Tibet does work, but not stable and not strong; it may only be stable in the border towns, but it will disappear during trekking.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Use in Nepal only, and purchase a Chinese SIM when crossing the border.

How to enable roaming?

Enable "International roaming" in the Celcom Life mobile app before travelling.

Maxis (Malaysia)

Will it work?

The roaming in Tibet is not very stable and is only useful in Nepal. In the middle of Tibet, the signal is down and not stable, so it cannot be used during the Kailash Trek.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Change to a China Mobile SIM when you reach Tibet.

How to enable roaming?

Enable roaming in the Maxis app before traveling.

Etisalat (UAE)

Will it work?

The roaming works in Tibet but is not very stable, and you may only be able to use it in a border town in Tibet, but not in a distant area of Tibet, like during a trek.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Use it in Nepal and get a China SIM Card from China to change before border crossing.

How to enable roaming?

Enable "International travel pack" in the Etisalat mobile app before traveling.

Du UAE

Will it work?

The roaming does work during your stay in Tibet, but only on the border and cannot be used at distant places. Even in Tibet, you can get it connected to some cities, but not during trekking duration when there is zero network at all.

What to do if the SIM doesn't work?

Get the China Mobile SIM and change to use it during the trek.

How to enable roaming?

Activate it through the du app or by sending an SMS (check for a specific activation sms from du).

Does WhatsApp Work During the Kailash Yatra in Tibet?

WhatsApp is not available during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet. As soon as you enter into the Tibet and attach with Chinese mobile network or the local Wifi the whatsapp would not work because China's Internet system blocks it, and you would be unable to receive any text message, call, image or any sort of video transmission unless there is a special provision of VPN or International Routing.

WhatsApp Restrictions in China

It's also a very important point to remember that WhatsApp is fully blocked in the mainland of China (also in Tibet) by the "Great Firewall". This indicates that you will find this application not working for sure, whether it is downloaded on your cell phone or not. All you might be able to use are the normal SMS or alternative applications if you have not purchased the VPN or have not switched on the international roaming.

Why Google and Facebook Do Not Work

Google services, Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp are also blocked due to severe internet censorship and control of data in China and were replaced with local applications such as WeChat, which are the most popular within the country.

Apps Blocked in Tibet

These are just a few of the apps generally blocked or unavailable on local networks in Tibet:

• WhatsApp
• Google (Search, Maps, Gmail)
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• X (formerly Twitter)

International SIM cards (usually routed through the Chinese network) will often have the same problems.

Best Apps to Use Instead

• During the Yatra, travelers use the following types of communication and support tools:
• WeChat (the most commonly used messaging app throughout China)
• Offline maps (pre-downloaded Google Maps, Maps.me, etc.)
• SMS messages (used to send emergency messages)
• Hotel WIFI messaging service (rare in towns like Saga and Darchen)
• VPN apps (not usually accessible after entering China, need to download before you leave)

3 Days

Kailash Mansarovar Aerial Darshan Tour from Nepal - 3 Days

Best VPNs for Internet Access During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Many tourists consider using VPNs to access blocked applications such as WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, Facebook, etc., during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet. However, actually, the performance of VPNs in Tibet is extremely erratic due to the blocking and banning of VPN data through the Great Firewall. Premium VPNs with stealth technology will only sometimes work in towns such as Kerung, Saga or Darchen with weak, unstable or totally absent internet in remote areas and zero networks in Kailash Parikrama.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Astrill VPN are VPNs which might work sometimes in Tibet, but are not guaranteed connections. They are able to facilitate simple messages or incomplete browsing over China Mobile and China Unicom, but generally speed degrades very quickly, and connection fails in high altitudes.

It is most important to get the VPN installed and working before entering China (Kathmandu or your home country). Any VPN is very difficult to install in Tibet, as the App stores & Google are blocked. Always keep a second VPN as a backup, along with the maps and documents saved offline.

Is it possible to use Gmail in Tibet?  No, unless using an appropriate VPN service or by using the trick of international roaming to use Gmail in Tibet. Even a VPN cannot be reliable for Gmail because of strict filtration and networking issues, and one can never count on it for any emergency purpose during Yatra.

How to Upload Photos and Videos During Kailash Yatra?

When you’re on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and looking to upload photos or videos, you can only accomplish this while in select areas that have either 4G connectivity or Wifi. These areas include Kathmandu, Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. Unfortunately, most of your time spent hiking will be in areas where there is no internet connection, so your plan for uploading photos and video content will need to be carefully strategized beforehand. The best strategy will be to upload your media files based on the best available signal in stages and avoid transferring large files in remote areas.

Step-by-step process

• Step 1: During the Kathmandu days and in your hotel, utilize the stable 4G (or the very decent hotel WiFi, 20-80 Mbps) to upload all your hi-resolution photos and back up your videos (to Google photos/, iCloud/Dropbox). 
• Step 2: At stops in Kerung and Saga, you can perform selective and lighter uploads to save on time and to avoid spending too long with a China SIM card or hotel WiFi (1-5 Mbps) for uploads. 
• Step 3: Before your trek starts from Darchen, there is a final chance to clear all your pending uploads with WiFi. Zero connectivity while on Parikrama (trekking). 

Best Places for Uploading Photos

For the speediest and most dependable uploading, Kathmandu is quickly moving to the top and therefore is best for uploading, followed by Saga & Darchen, where basic Wi-Fi will allow for small transfers of files to be uploaded. While it works for small uploads of things like photos, do be aware that at Kerung, there are inconsistencies in the upload service.

When the Internet Is Fastest

You can expect to find your highest upload speeds in Kathmandu at speeds ranging between 20 and 80 Mbps; however, while in Tibet, you will find small upload windows in small towns only and generally late night and early morning, when networks are the least congested, providing a window for uploading your photos.

Cloud Backup Tips

Always enable autosync within Kathmandu; if you are using Google Photos, you will want to ensure that you are uploading in "high-compression" mode; do not upload RAW videos to Tibet; always have at least one backup of your files on your card or hard drive.

Compressing Videos for Slow Internet

To reduce the size of video upload files by 70%, make sure that all video files that you want to upload to Tibet are compressed prior to leaving for Yatra and done in either 480p or 720p using HandBrake or by doing it with a mobile editor.