Descriptions
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lucknow is a structured pilgrimage route designed for travellers who want a relatively time-efficient journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The route combines road travel, mountain flights, and helicopter transfers through Nepal into Tibet, reducing long trekking segments while still allowing pilgrims to complete key rituals and the Kailash Parikrama.
This itinerary balances travel logistics, altitude acclimatisation, and spiritual activities. However, weather, border permissions, and helicopter operations can affect schedules, so keeping buffer days is strongly recommended.
Overview
- Typical Duration: 9–14 days (with buffer days recommended)
- Route: Lucknow → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Purang (Tibet) → Mansarovar → Darchen → Kailash Parikrama → Return
- Highest Altitude: Around 5,630 meters at Dolma La Pass
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous (especially Parikrama)
Tour Highlights
- Helicopter Route: A helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa, saving time and enhancing comfort.
- Mansarovar Parikrama: A 105 km Parikrama of the sacred Mansarovar Lake.
- Mount Kailash Parikrama: Optional but highly recommended 3-day trek around Mount Kailash.
- Acclimatization: A day in Purang to adjust to high altitudes.
- Sacred Sites: Visits to Yamdwar, Shivasthal, Gauri Kund, and Ashtapad (subject to permission).
Similar Tour:
Program
Day 1: Lucknow to Nepalgunj
This is the first travel day, focusing on reaching Nepalgunj, the gateway city for flights to the remote Himalayan region.
- Morning departure from Lucknow by AC coach (approx. 4–5 hours)
- Arrival in Nepalgunj and hotel check-in
- Yatra briefing by the tour guide and document verification
- Free time in the evening for rest or short walks
- Overnight stay in Nepalgunj
Day 2: Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Purang
This is a long and important transit day, marking the start of high-altitude travel and entry into Tibet.
- Early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot (around 50 minutes)
- Helicopter transfer from Simikot to Hilsa (10–20 minutes, weather dependent)
- Border formalities at Hilsa and drive to Purang (approx. 2 hours)
- Check-in at a guesthouse in Purang
- Overnight stay for acclimatisation at high altitude
Day 3: Acclimatisation Day in Purang
This day is kept intentionally light to help the body adjust to altitude before moving deeper into Tibet.
- Full day for rest and altitude acclimatisation
- Optional short walks and local market visits for last-minute essentials
- Yatra briefing for the upcoming Mansarovar leg
- Overnight stay in Purang
Day 4: Purang to Mansarovar Lake
This is the first major spiritual day, with the journey to Lake Mansarovar and initial views of Mount Kailash.
- Morning drive from Purang to Mansarovar Lake by bus
- First distant views of Mount Kailash during the drive
- Mansarovar Lake Parikrama by vehicle (approx. 105 km)
- Holy dip and puja rituals at the lake (weather permitting)
- Overnight stay at a guesthouse near Mansarovar
Day 5: Mansarovar Lake to Darchen
Darchen is the base town for Mount Kailash Parikrama and the last major settlement before the trek.
- Morning drive from Mansarovar to Darchen
- Optional visit to Ashtapad for darshan (subject to Chinese authority approval)
- Hotel check-in in Darchen
- Rest and preparation for Kailash Parikrama
- Overnight stay in Darchen
Day 6: Kailash Parikrama – Day 1 (Darchen to Dirapuk)
This is the first trekking day for those participating in the Parikrama.
- Early morning drive to Yamdwar (starting point of the Parikrama)
- Trek towards Dirapuk Monastery (approx. 10–12 km)
- Views of the North Face of Mount Kailash
- Non-trekkers return to Darchen after Yamdwar darshan
- Overnight stay at Dirapuk (trekkers) or Darchen (non-trekkers)
Day 7: Kailash Parikrama – Day 2 (Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass)
This is the most challenging and sacred day of the Parikrama.
- Early morning trek from Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass
- Crossing Dolma La Pass (one of the highest points of the journey)
- Visit to Gauri Kund
- Descend and continue trekking to Zuthulpuk
- Overnight stay at a lodge or guesthouse in Zuthulpuk
Day 8: Kailash Parikrama – Day 3 & Drive to Dongba
This day completes the Parikrama and begins the return journey.
- Morning trek of the final section of the Parikrama (approx. 8 km)
- Return to Darchen and rejoin the group
- Drive to Dongba for overnight stay
- Rest and recovery after the trek
Day 9: Return Journey to Lucknow
This is a long transit day combining road, helicopter, and flight travel.
- Morning drive from Dongba to Hilsa
- Helicopter flight from Hilsa to Simikot
- Flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj
- Evening drive from Nepalgunj to Lucknow
- Journey ends with onward travel to home destination
Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar
The best time for the Yatra is from May to September, when weather conditions are more favorable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. June to August is the peak pilgrimage season, but it is advised to avoid the monsoon months due to possible rainfall and disruptions.
Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar
The pilgrimage season usually runs from May to September, when roads and flights are operational.
May–June and August–September are generally considered more stable
July and early August can face monsoon-related flight disruptions in Nepal
Weather in the Kailash region is unpredictable even in summer, so travellers should be prepared for cold temperatures and sudden changes.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
The refund structure typically works on a tiered basis:
- 45–150 days before departure: Refund minus non-refundable deposit
- 30–45 days before departure: Partial refund (around 75%), deposit excluded
- Less than 30 days: No refund for personal cancellations
Natural calamities or border restrictions are handled case-by-case, but deposits are usually non-refundable due to permit and charter costs.
FAQs
1. How many days are required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lucknow?
Typically 9–14 days, but 9–18 days with buffer is safer.
2. Is helicopter travel guaranteed on this route?
No. Helicopter schedules depend heavily on weather and visibility.
3. Is Kailash Parikrama mandatory?
No. Many pilgrims visit Mansarovar and return without trekking.
4. What is the highest altitude on this itinerary?
Dolma La Pass at around 5,630 meters.
5. Can senior citizens follow this itinerary?
Yes, with medical clearance and without Parikrama if needed.
6. What documents are required?
Passport, Chinese group visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and tour operator approvals.
7. When is the best month for this itinerary?
May–June and August–September are generally stable.
8. Are acclimatisation days necessary?
Yes. Skipping them increases serious health risks.
9. Can I travel independently without a group?
No. Tibet requires group travel with licensed operators.
10. What happens if someone falls sick during Parikrama?
Evacuation via horse, vehicle, or helicopter is arranged depending on location and weather.
Price & Inclusions
On Request
Inclusion Details
- Chinese group visa and Tibet permits
- Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Hotels and basic guesthouses
- Charter flights, helicopters, and road transport
- Nepali and Tibetan guides, Sherpa support
- Emergency oxygen and basic medical assistance
- Complimentary duffle bag and down jacket (operator-dependent)
Exclusion
- Personal expenses and shopping
- International/domestic airfare to reach Lucknow
- Pony or porter charges during Parikrama
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guides and support staff
- Extra costs due to delays, weather, or baggage
Enquire Now
Photo Gallery
Our Group Sites
