Who Can Visit Mount Kailash Without a Visa? Visa-free Travel to China

What is Visa-Free Visit and Pilgrim to Mount Kailash in 2025?

In the year 2025, visa-free travel to Mt. Kailash means that citizens of 38 different countries in the world will now be able to come into China, without a visa, for a period of 30 days at a time. It will make it easier to access Tibet, and sacred Mt. Kailash.

The exemption covers countries within a wide swath of countries including most countries in Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand and a few of the Asian countries, and still requires a Tibet Travel Permit and compliance with regulations to enter the region and participate in the pilgrimage.

Indian nationals will need a Chinese Group Tourist visa to reach Mount Kailash. However, the visa-free process will save traveling costs and make it easier to travel for this otherwise hard-to-reach pilgrimage for valid countries. Travelers still have to get the right permits, still have to organize group travels as approved by the authorized tours, and find licensed tour guides for the Kailash Kora (trek) too.

Visa-free is not for all; for example, Americans will still be required to get a Chinese visa to go to Tibet, along with a Tibet permit. Therefore, visa-free entry is likely linked to bilateral diplomatic agreements, trying to increase travel tourism and protect this important pilgrimage there while also pacing it.

China’s Updated Visa-Free Policy (2023–2025)

China has introduced a visa-free entry policy under an effort to encourage tourism and international collaboration from 2023-2025 through a new visa-free entry policy for several countries.

The visa-free entry program allows foreign nationals from 38 countries to enter China without a visa for 15 to 30 days, depending on their nationality and intended purpose to enter China. The goal of the policy is to support the recovery of the tourism industry and to stimulate business, culture, and education that have been affected by COVID.

Included in the visa-free initiative are countries like Europe, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, among others, as well as a number of Asian and Pacific countries: Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Brunei and New Zealand. Most of those travelers can come for reasons of travel and tourism, business, family visiting, and transit.

Bear in mind, though, that this visa-free entry only refers to mainland China; special permits are required to enter certain exceptions, such as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), including Mount Kailash, even with visa-free entry. In other words, while some sense of expanded visa-free policy will help gain entrance to China, travelers will also need to show some additional documentation to travel within sensitive areas such as Tibet.

Which Country Citizens can Visit Mount Kailash Without a Visa for 30 days?

Western Europe Kailash Visa Free Countries

France

China allows French citizens to visit their country without a visa requirement for 30 days. French people who want to travel to Mount Kailash need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit from a designated Chinese agency. The typical journey to the site happens through either Lhasa or Kathmandu in Nepal. French pilgrims have the opportunity to see both the religious aspects and natural beauty of this area. Tibet travel requires participation in authorized group tours.

Germany

Germany People from Germany have the privilege to enter China for a period of 30 days without obtaining a visa. When it comes to visiting Mount Kailash they must participate in a tour group and obtain the necessary Tibetan permits. Travelers often select the Kathmandu-to-Lhasa route as their main approach to reach the pilgrimage destination. The ability to handle high-altitude travel requires good physical fitness. When travelers choose this route they may need to get a visa for their stay in Nepal.

Italy

Italian travelers can visit China for 30 days without needing a visa under the current visa system. To access Mount Kailash, visitors need travel permits and organized group tours which are mandatory for all travelers. The primary access routes for Italian tourists to Tibet are through Nepal or mainland China. The spiritual importance of Kailash attracts numerous Italian travelers who seek religious experiences. All travel arrangements must be made through authorized agencies. 

Spain

Spain holds membership among the visa-exempt countries. Spanish travelers need to obtain multiple permits for their visit to Tibet. People who want to visit Kailash typically take flights from Madrid to Kathmandu or Chengdu to begin their journey. Spanish tourists who visit the sacred site usually concentrate their attention on its Buddhist cultural context. 

Netherlands (Holland)

Dutch nationals are allowed to stay in China without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. Because of the extremely high level of altitudes, getting to Mount Kailash is a different matter. The documents which you definitely need are the Tibet Travel Permit and the Alien’s Travel Permit issued by a local Public Security Bureau. The best way is to organize a trip to Tibet from China or Nepal through a licensed travel agency. The Tibetan border is closed to those who are on their own.

Switzerland

Swiss nationals have the opportunity of being 30 days in China without a visa, but the situation with Tibet has not changed – it is still a hidden tab. The regular way to get to Mount Kailash is to get an organized tour and only Swiss people will be allowed to do so. Training and permits are the two most vital parts of being prepared for the trip, so one should be done with them before he/she starts the tour. 

Ireland

Irish people get the same 30 days exempted from the visa requirement. However, a trip to Tibet even by visa-free tourists can only happen if they have additional permits. Arrangement from Kathmandu takes most of the visitors to Kailash as there are regular flights and vehicles. In case of travelling east of Nepal, they will need a Nepalese visa as well. 

Austria

Austrian citizens can take advantage of the visa-free stay of 30 days in China. When it comes to Mount Kailash, traveling restrictions are imposed, and more than one visa is needed. The authorities have authorized agencies wherein Austrians and Nepal follow the Tibet entry process. The majority of Austrians prefer to travel through Nepal for the scenic routes. Traveling to TAR - still follows only the group entry process. 

Belgium

Belgian citizens are also visa-free citizens, and although Tibet is not part of that group of visa-free privileges, all Belgian citizens would need to get every Tibetan travel permit in advance of travel. If traveling to Tibet, all Belgian citizens must travel in a fixed route group tour. Entry can be from Lhasa or Kathmandu.

Luxembourg

For citizens of Luxembourg, you can enter China without a visa for 30 days. For Mount Kailash, you will need to pre-book a tour that will provide full permit support. The Nepal route of travel will be the most favoured although travellers must give adequate time to get permit processing made before travel through Nepal to Mount Kailash. 

Northern & Eastern Europe Kailash Visa Free Countries

Poland

Polish citizens can now visit China for tourism or business purposes without a visa, but they will still require special permission to go to Tibet; most will likely visit the sacred Mount Kailash via Nepal/Kathmandu. All travel to TAR must still comply with Chinese regulations, and travel must be done in a group booking.

Portugal

Citizens of Portugal have the 30-day visa-free consideration (not for TAR), and tourists will require travel permits for Mount Kailash; Portuguese pilgrims will most often begin travel in Nepal. Tibet travel agencies will assist with all visas and paperwork. 

Greece

Citizens of Greece are able to travel to China visa-free, as with Tibet. Mount Kailash also requires a number of permits. Traveling through Nepal is also a scenic and well-rounded alternative. Citizens of Greece are also encouraged to join religious or cultural heritage tours, as this affords them an easier way to apply for the necessary permits.

Cyprus

Cypriots do not need visas to go to China for a maximum stay of thirty days. They do need it for Tibet - passage into Nepal via Tibet also needs prior approval if one is going to make that trip. Group tours generally help in acquiring the proper permits for Mount Kailash. 

Slovenia

Slovenian citizens do not need visas to go to China. They also have a Visa-on-arrival option. Similar to Cypriots, Slovenians will need the TAR permit to visit Kailash. They need to ensure they are travelling through agencies. 

Slovakia

Slovaks can travel to China without the need to obtain a visa but for 30 days only. They will only need to get a TAR permit to document to conceal their Tibet permits properly. All the permits to travel in Tibet are better organized through Nepal operators. Be careful of high altitudes; permits to travel to TAR could have restricted months.

Norway

Norwegians don't require visas to enter China. The easiest way to visit is via Kathmandu. Only group travel is permitted. All application materials need to be submitted well in advance of your journey. Travelers to the region should be in good physical condition as the altitudes can be extreme.

Finland

Finnish citizens are welcome to join the visa waiver process with China; unfortunately, Tibet still has limitations. A visit to Mount Kailash is possible with the assistance of an agency and its permits. Many travelers often take the option of flying to Nepal. You must also physically prepare, so you are ready to depart. Independent access is not an option.

Denmark

Danish citizens do not require a visa to enter China but do require permits to enter Tibet - or to visit Mount Kailash. Tourist travel requires traveling as a designated group. Traveling from Nepal creates more flexibility in your travels. Health precautions should also be strongly recommended in order not to turn good travel into bad experiences.

Iceland

Citizens of Iceland can enter China visa free (with strict TAR controls), but they can visit Mount Kailash, but they will need to engage an agency to help them on the trek. They will need three different permits. They can then take part in the trek, as this is in the defined season. Most Icelanders will need to enter through Nepal, and they will also need a visa for Nepal. 

Estonian citizens

Citizens of Estonia can enter China, visa-free but will still require multiple permits to get into Mount Kailash. Travel has to be undertaken in groups and not as independent travellers. An agency is required at all times with Park travel, but using Nepal is preferable. However, travel has to be in the summer months. Independent travel into Tibet / TAR is illegal. 

Latvian citizens

Latvians can enter China, however, other than Tibet / TAR, visa free. They require permits to enter Mount Kailash. Traveling through Nepal is preferable. The group must be arranged through an agency, at least for Tibet. Travel in Tibet will be controlled at all times.

Hungary

Citizens of Hungary may travel to China without a visa. Nevertheless, Hungarians must comply with some standard-specific requirements to travel to Tibet, and a special permit is needed for Kailash. Anyway, trips can only be by organized tours from Nepal or Lhasa, and must go through a travel agency.

Southern Europe & Microstates Kailash Visa Free Countries

Malta

Although Maltese citizens do not need a visa for admission into China, there are special permissions for visiting Mount Kailash, and your agents must organize your permits. Normally entry is via Nepal. Confirm if your itinerary is group travel, and that Mount Kailash is only open for foreign travelers on permitted days of the year. 

Andorra

Consequently, Andorran citizens will not need a visa for admission into China. Access to TAR is dependent on a special direction, like the Maltese citizens you will need group travel and permits to access Kailash via Nepal. Nepal has existing roadways for travel, and medical and mental preparations are advised.

Monaco

Moroccan citizens can travel visa-free to mainland China, but some more steps and requirements will be needed to get to Tibet. The travel must first be organized as a group. Permit applications must be made in advance. A travel route through Nepal would be the most sensible. Permit applications can take weeks or longer to process. 

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein citizens can travel visa-free. However, permits are needed to travel in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Travel plans to Mount Kailash must be made, and entry must be coordinated with licensed tour operators. Traveling through Nepal would be just as good a launching point. Travel through TAR is strictly monitored, and all trekking will be done in guided groups only. 

Asia-Pacific Region Kailash Visa Free Countries

Brunei

As a national from Brunei, you do not need a visa for 30 days. You will still need to get permits for travelling to Mount Kailash. Licensed travel agencies (Tibet tour operators) will package tours for travel from the tip of Nepal to Kailash. Most travelers travel up to Kailash from Nepal. 

Malaysia

Malaysians do not need a Chinese visa but will need permits to travel to Tibet. Nepal (normally through Kathmandu) is the common route taken to reach Tibet. Travel must be seen as a group and is retrieved from an altitude point of view on capability. 

South Korea (Korea)

South Korean nationals can enter China without challenging any visa but, of course, need documentation for Tibet travel. They like direct routes to Nepal, usually as a first landing point. Group packages and experience will come in handy, while bookings are helpful. You will want to have an experienced level of altitude exposure.

Japan

Japanese citizens are able to enter China visa-free but will need a Tibet Travel Permit in order to go onto Mount Kailash. However, travel companies and airlines will assist you in booking your tour well in advance and traveling through Nepal is the most common entry point to Tibet. 

New Zealand 

New Zealand citizens can also enter China visa-free, but if you're going to Tibet, there are restrictions, and you can not go without an approved permit. Travelling through Nepal is the most popular entry point and visitors are encouraged to undergo a health check prior to your trip, but you cannot trek independently. 

Australia 

Australians can enter China visa-free for a short-term period. However, Tibet is not visa-free, and pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash need to visit with a pre-approved tour group. Traveling through Nepal will offer slightly easier logistics.

Central, Eastern & Southeastern Europe Kailash Visa Free Countries

Bulgaria

Bulgarians can travel to China without a visa, but access to Mount Kailash is restricted. Normally, the way to access Mount Kailash is through Nepal. All permits must be done through registered service agencies that provide permits in compliance with the TAR. Tours for Kailash are offered only within a seasonal, pre-established tour group. 

Romania

Romanians enjoy a bilateral arrangement, as well, for 30 days without a visa, but they have to follow all TAR permits to enter Mount Kailash, regardless. Normally, a group travels via a travel tour company in Nepal, along with all of the feasible sub-regions around Kailash. 

Croatia

Croatians are allowed to enter China without visas, not including Tibet (however, those who plan on going to Kailash must acquire travel permits). Visitors going to Kailash must take an organized trip; only organized trips to Kailash are ever permitted.  The trip will involve travel at high elevations and, therefore, you should be mindful of your health. 

Montenegro

Montenegro citizens can enter China using a visa-free method or without applying for a visa for 30 days if they also complete all protocols to enter Tibet. You must acquire travel permits. The permit is required for organized tour entry and entry from Nepal is the best way to go when both visiting Tibet and Kailash (as suggested and recommended). The authority/state provides strict guidelines for that region. 

North Macedonia

North Macedonia citizens can go to China without a visa exemption but cannot travel freely in Tibet. Travel permits are necessary for Kailash and kailash visits are limited to traveling with a group and agency assistance. Most travelers originate in Nepal. All documentation must be approved before travel.

Categories of People Who May Not Need a Visa For Kailash Mansarovar

While most international travelers will require a visa for entry into China and further permits to travel to Mount Kailash, there are defined categories of people in defined circumstances for whom they may have grounds for exemption from applying for a visa due to an international agreement. Below we detail who may be able to visit mainland China without a visa and the visa status in relation to traveling to Tibet and Mount Kailash. 

Diplomats, Government Officials, or Delegates

Generally, the visa requirements for certain individuals holding either diplomatic, service, or official passports to enter China are dealt with by the relevant bilateral agreement with respect to the People's Republic of China established by the country. 

• Does include official passports (diplomatic/service). 
• Permitted stays usually 15 to 90 days.
• The trip must be official or diplomatic government business.

Visa-Exempt Agreements for Diplomats/Officials 

Note: The exemptions do not apply to travel into the TAR without special permits. Even diplomats, applying for the Tibet Travel Permit, must request (and sometimes have to request) the Military Permit to visit anywhere near Mount Kailash.

Considerations:

• Exemptions are not applicable to everyday tourists with a regular passport.
• If a diplomatic or official trip is going to extend into Tibet, most of the time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) government should have been consulted and approved the trip.
• Everyone else, or delegations/accountable officials represented as tourists for the purpose of a religious or cultural summit, should proceed through the proper channels.

Transit Travelers (Special Conditions Apply)

China implements specific visa-free transit policies which enable travelers to move through its major cities for 72 hours or 144 hours without obtaining a visa. The visa-free transit benefits do not include Tibet or Mount Kailash for this particular category of travelers. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Travelers must possess a valid passport issued by a country on the approved list. 
• The traveler needs to be flying from their home country toward a different destination. 
• The policy restricts travelers from entering and leaving through particular cities and airports such as Beijing Shanghai, and Guangzhou. 
• During the visa-free transit period, the traveler must not go outside the designated areas.

Transit Policy 

Tibet is explicitly excluded from the transit exemption. If you arrive via Chengdu or Lhasa (the entry points for Tibet) by five-day visa-free transit, you cannot travel into TAR legally without permits and your organized tour. 

Important Limitations:

• You are not permitted to travel independently to Tibet through transit exemption.
• Kailash in Ngari Prefecture, has numerous permits including the Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien's Travel Permit, and a Military Permit. The transit visa-free status is cancelled, if you are travelling for spiritual pilgrimage, group tours or media. 

Example Case:

• Allowed: A German national with a ticket flying Frankfurt → Beijing → Bangkok may stay in Beijing for 144 hours without a visa. 
• Not Allowed: A German national with a ticket flying Frankfurt → Chengdu → Lhasa → Mount Kailash, cannot do visa-free tranist. Full tourist visa with permits is required.

Additional Requirements Beyond a Chinese Visa for Visiting Mount Kailash

Although Mount Kailash is located in the People's Republic of China, it lies in the politically sensitive and highly controlled (Tibet Autonomous Region). Unlike the rest of China, Tibet has restrictions against foreign independent travel, even with a valid Chinese visa. Tibet includes a two-system hierarchical level to contend with regarding travel to the TAR:

• The first is the national level (which is the immigration laws) (like the visas you get to enter China).
• The region level (which is the immigration control and permit/travel approvals you must maintain hand-in-hand to access Tibetan areas).

This means that regardless of the attempt to travel to Tibet visa-free, or to arrive in China with a valid Chinese visa, it still means that there is an additional approval process to follow to get into Tibet - and Mount Kailash.

The ongoing politically sensitive environment, the recent upheaval in the region and how close it is to the international borders are why the Chinese Government continues to put in an additional approval threshold for foreign nationals.

Special Permits Required for TAR Entry

Obtaining a Chinese visa is only the first step to visiting Mount Kailash. You'll need to get even more permits, which is more difficult with the regulations and policies toward the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).

You'll also need to book with a registered agency as well and anything you do will have to be on a restricted itinerary, whether that means you are going on a spiritual pilgrimage or just another travel adventure to this amazing quarter of the world. So, knowing the regulations and following them is important for a memorable and legal visit to this holy mountain and the landscape around it.

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)

• Required for: All foreign nationals entering TAR.
• Covers: Entry to Lhasa and the surrounding areas, including Shigatse.
• Issued by: Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB).
• Timeline for application: 15-20 days prior to entering.
• Cost: Cost is usually included as part of trip packages, but if purchased separately would be around $50-$70.
• Note: You cannot board a flight or train to Tibet anywhere in China without a permit.

Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP)

• Traveling beyond Lhasa: (e.g., Shigatse, Everest base camp, and other western Tibet areas)
• Where to apply to: Local Public Security Bureau (PSB)
• When to apply to: Usually just one time while in Lhasa
• Cost: Around $30-40 each
• Notes: This is the 2nd tier of permission/approval for the restricted counties

Military Permit (Ngari area)

• Required for Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and other border areas
• Where to apply to: The military region headquarters in Lhasa
• When to apply to: 20-30 days prior
• Cost: Around $70-100
• Notes: A little longer process, and a little harder to get for the border area near India and Nepal.

Which Other Countries are Eligible for Chinese Visa Free Entry Beside the 30 Countries?

Citizens of China (Including Tibetans)

Any Chinese national, including ethnic Tibetans, who want to travel to Mount Kailash can do so directly without a foreign visa because it is located within China's national boundaries. However, some limitations are put in place by regulatory and permitting requirements for travel.

While a visa is not required for travel to Mount Kailash for citizens of China, it is located in a politically sensitive area at the tri-junction boundary of India-Nepal-China. Thus, the Ngari Prefecture, where Mount Kailash is located, is actually registered as a restricted zone. Chinese citizens, especially non-local citizens who might come from provinces outside of the local area, may require, at certain times:

• National travel passes
• Registration with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) as is a requirement for travel as a Chinese citizen into Ngari Prefecture
• Specific military clearance to pass into extremely sensitive border areas (this would be rare). 

For ethnic Tibetans from other places in TAR, in broad general terms, it would probably be easier for them to travel to Mount Kailash. Still, often non-Tibetan Chinese would be expected to either apply to local authorities for clearance or be part of an organized pilgrimage (operated by a travel company).

Passport-Free Travel Agreements with China

For historical and political reasons, some individuals and regions can enter parts of China without a visa or passport, but that doesn't mean the same applies to all of China. It is worth noting that access to sensitive areas (such as TAR or Mount Kailash) is not granted in many of those cases.

Citizens of Hong Kong & Macau

• The residents of Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR can enter mainland China without a visa but must enter with a specific document (Home Return Permit, 回乡证). 

Travel Permits Required (Home Return Permit)

1. Chinese authorities issue the Home Return Permit to permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau.
2. The Home Return Permit allows travel throughout mainland China (including TAR)—but access to Tibet requires: Tibet Travel Permit (for foreign-born Tibetans not born in TAR) and Military / Border permits if traveling to Mount Kailash.
3. When it comes to religious pilgrimage or travel to Ngari Prefecture, SAR residents are treated like they are foreign tourists and will require booking through a TAR certified travel agency.

Citizens of Nepal (Special Provisions)

Nepal and Tibet share a unique, significant historical, cultural, and sacred connection. In general, Nepali citizens will require a Chinese visa to go to most of China, but special provisions are made for pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash. 

Kailash Yatra via Lipulekh Pass

Nepali pilgrims are able to enter Tibet as part of the Indian Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - either via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand or via the Simikot-Hilsa route across the Hilsa border. Regardless of which route - 

• Visas and (Tibet) permits are organized as part of the group package 
• Travel is organized by local agencies (Chinese-approved) 
• Nepali citizens do not have to apply for an independent Chinese visa

Border Agreements and Pilgrimage Permits

The Nepal-China Border Agreement has allowed a regulated pilgrimage across the border, but there are still conditions:

• Only group base travel-arrangement access is allowed;
• Permits must be from a registered tour operator in Kathmandu;
• Solo/unguided access is not allowed – especially in TAR.

Additional special bilateral agreements (if any)

As confirmed, there are no fully visa-exempt countries permitted to visit Mount Kailash who do not require a visitor visa, or special permits (apart from the countries as outlined above). There will be countries with easier visa qualifications (and exempt for DPL passports) (Russia, Mongolia, Venezuela) which have no special permits or visas, but all foreigners require:

- A Chinese visa (tourist/pilgrimage)

- A Tibet Travel Permit,

- Additional military/border permits for Mount Kailash.

Countries Who are Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Nepal for the Kailash Yatra?

Many global pilgrims and adventurers utilize Nepal as a starting point for Mount Kailash, especially if they want to avoid the official Government of India (MEA) route. Most take flights into Nepal with Simikot or Hilsa as their starting point and then cross into Tibet, near the Chinese border, with a registered travel agency. 

Most foreign citizens need to purchase a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Nepal. However, there are a few visa-exempt countries, and these citizens can easily and cheaply access the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal.

Nepal Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Eligible Countries

How Can Indian Citizens Visit Mount Kailash Without a Chinese Visa in 2025?

Indeed, a Chinese Group Tourist Visa is a requirement for Indian Passport holders to travel to Mount Kailash and Sacred Mansarovar Lake. This type of visa is granted as a group through a travel agency authorized by the Chinese Government and is not given for an individual visit. You will also need a Tibet Travel Permit to travel into the Tibet Autonomous Region (including Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar). 

The agency usually arranges both documents together. Most pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash from Nepal, and agencies also arrange that part of the travel, accommodations, permits, etc. In general, those pilgrims who booked the pilgrimage through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organized the pilgrimage, received an overall group permit instead of a traditional visa, and this was valid for the pilgrimage process only and did not allow them to travel independently to other locations in China.

Special Pilgrimage Agreement Between India and China

India and China have an almost time-honored arrangement that encourages government-sponsored pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.  The arrangement allows a subset of Indian citizenry to enter Tibet under a group pilgrimage permit issued by Chinese government officials.  The group permit is distinct from an ordinary tourist visa that any foreign tourist is issued while entering Tibet. 

The arrangement is co-managed and coordinated between the Ministry of External Affairs in India and the authorities in the China Tibet Autonomous Region.  Therefore, the pilgrim is reasonably assured safe travel passage, and safe entry into China to perform religious observance.

MEA-Organized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The MEA organizes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage in the summer section June to September. Selection of a pilgrim is done through an online lottery along with the requirement of medical fitness due to high altitudes.

Pilgrims can choose from the two routes, either the:

1. Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand)

•  Trek base route
• The starting point is Dharchula, routes through Gunji and Kalapani, enters Tibet from the Lipulekh pass
•  High physical exertion - multi-day trek at high altitude
• -A traditional route. Glacier water streams, built-in lush mountains.

2. Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim)

• For Indian citizens only in Sikkim
• Access the border by vehicle; then travel to Tibet (road)
• Less physically demanding than Lipulekh; low altitude trek
• Entering am NathuLa - India-China border.

Eligibility and Application Process for Indian Pilgrims

• If you're an Indian passport holder, and would like to register for the yatra being organized by the MEA:
• You must be 18 years of age and not older than 70 years of age
• You must have a valid Indian passport
• You must register online at the MEA E-porta
• You must have the medical checkup completed (by ITBP/Health department approval)
• You must also pay the yatra fee, based on the traveling route (estimated total yatra fee is ₹150,000 - ₹200,000).

Kailash Mansarovar Packages Suitable for the Visa Free Countries

1. Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour – US$2300

Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour is a spiritual travel journey for 15 days; Kailash Charan Sparsh means to touch the divine feet of Mt. Kailash (Charan Sparsh) can touch the divine feet of Mt. Kailash without all the trekking because the short distance provides spiritually oriented travel for those inclined to the graceful experience without going the full distance of the parikrama.

The full tour starts and ends from Kathmandu, the journey to experience the sacred dip in Lake Mansarovar and have darshan up close at Dirapuk. The overland travel through Tibet is the main focus of this tour, and all the majestic mountainous landscapes, monasteries, and ancient cultural sites are still included but in much more moderate physical demand.

View Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour Itinerary 

2. Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour – 16 Days at US$2300

This is a traditional 16-day Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour with complete parikrama (kora) and perfect for those travelers who want to experience the spiritual energy of Mt. Kailash. You will visit important religious sites, such as Lake Mansarovar, a three-day trek around Mt. Kailash, including crossing Dolma La Pass.

All travel will be guided from Kathmandu through Kerung and Saga into Tibet. Your accommodation and transportation will all be arranged in advance so you can focus on your comfort, safety and enjoyment. It's an ideal trip for pilgrims and adventurers from visa-free countries that strikes a balance between spirituality, high-altitude trekking and spectacular views of the Himalayas.

View Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour Itinerary

3. Overland to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar – 10 Days at US$1350

The Overland to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Tour is a 10-day pilgrimage that is comparatively less physically demanding and fully tourable, which is perfect for pilgrims wanting to reach these holy places.  This tour begins in Kathmandu, and we will be traveling overland through Tibet to Lake Mansarovar and then to the base camp of Mt. Kailash.

While this is a comparable experience to your typically organized pilgrimage, complete with culture, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and holy rituals, it will fulfill your spirituality with very little requirement of physical effort. This affordable, well-rounded package is designed mainly for pilgrims from non-visa countries to have a meaningful pilgrimage with little effort.

View Overland to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Itinerary