Planning Kailash Mansarovar yatra from USA could be an exciting yet challenging journey. Since you’re traveling to the other part of the world, which seems remote and isolated, very different from what you’ve always seen, it requires careful planning from obtaining permits and visas to understanding travel routes, physical fitness requirements, and many more.
Located in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred places in the world. Standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) it’s lord Shiva’s home in Hinduism, the center of the universe in Buddhism, a sacred site in Jainism, and a holy site in the Bon religion.
Completing the 52km Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) is said to be a highly powerful and spiritual act that gives you inner peace and taking a dip in the mesmerizing Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world is said to wash away past sins. (Taking a dip directly at the lake is restricted, but you can take water from the lake in a bucket and bath)
For people traveling from the USA, the journey to Kailash Mansarovar is not only a pilgrimage but also an adventure across multiple countries, with long-haul flights, high-altitude trekking, and extreme weather. Despite the physical and logistical challenges thousands of devotees and adventure seekers undertake this yatra every year driven by faith, devotion, and the experience of a lifetime.
In this blog, we’ve mentioned details of the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar, necessary permits and visas, travel routes, fitness preparation, packing essentials, and practical travel tips to help you plan a smooth and successful Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from USA.
How to travel to Kailash Mansarovar from the USA?
Traveling to Kailash Mansarovar from the USA is definitely not a piece of cake. It comes with a lot of planning, organizing, and most importantly, choosing the best route.
There are several routes taking you to Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. However, the most popular, accessible, cheaper, and comfortable route is via Nepal. One of the pros of choosing the route from Nepal is you get a variety of options such as overland to Mt.Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, helicopter straight from Kathmandu to Kerung, and also with side trips including Lhasa. You get to choose as per your budget and preference. Also, another route is direct entry from the USA via China.
First, you fly from the USA to Nepal. But there are no direct flights operating from the USA to Nepal. You’ll have connecting flights with layovers through cities like Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Delhi, or Istanbul.
However, there are direct flights from the USA to China. If you choose this, you’ll have to travel through Lhasa by flight and then drive to Mount Kailash.
From Nepal, if you choose overland, you drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung through the Nepal-Tibet border. The whole journey will be driving except for the Parikrama, which is a 3-day circumambulation around Mount Kailash where you’ll be trekking. You can also continue with Inner Kora if you want.
Similarly, if you choose not to take an overland tour, you can opt for flights from Kathmandu. A helicopter is also available for a direct flight to the Kerung border.
If you want to explore Lhasa while visiting Kailash then you can choose Lhasa to Kailash via Ngari Gunsa Airport. From Lhasa, you take a 90-minute flight to Ngari Gunsa Airport. Then, it’s a drive.
Visa and Permit Requirements for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for US Citizens
For US Citizens, the visa and permit requirements are quite specific. Group Travel is mandatory for everyone because independent travel to Tibet is not allowed. There must be a group of 4 to obtain visas and permits.
Unlike other 38 countries including, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Greece, who are eligible for a free 30-day visa, travelers from the USA need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China, even if they are only transiting through a Chinese city to reach Tibet. US citizens are required an L visa (Tourist visa).
Travelers can apply for the visa themselves. However, it could be a hassle. So, if you book the Kailash Mansarovar Tour from us, we Dream Tibet Team handle all your visa and permit processing and documentation. For those who would want to apply for the visa by themself, you must apply for the Chinese visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. You should submit your passport, a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, and proof of your travel itinerary including flight bookings and hotel reservations.
In addition to the Chinese visa, another important piece is the Tibet Travel Permit. This permit cannot be applied by the travelers themselves. Since the permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, it must be obtained through a tour operator in Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit application requires the details of your passport, a copy of your Chinese Visa, and your travel itinerary within Tibet. Once you book the Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage tour through us, we make sure your permits are applied for and obtained.
After receiving the Tibet Travel Permit, you also need to apply for additional permits like the Alien’s Permit (ATP) and the Military Area Entry Permit since you’re visiting Mount Kailash Area. These permits are also arranged through us.
The Chinese visa can be applied only after receiving the original passports. This takes 4 working days. As for the permits, it should be applied 20 days before your travel date.
Cost of Kailash Mansarovar tour from the USA
The estimated total cost of the Kailash Mansarovar tour from the USA ranges from $4,250 - $5,550 for a budget option and $6,750-$9,100 for a luxury/premium option. We offer a variety of Kailash Mansarovar packages catering to different budgets and preferences.
Our standard packages range from $1450 to $2450 per person. These packages include accommodations, meals, transportation, permits, and a guide. On the other hand, premium packages for additional services and enhanced comfort range from $4450 to $3595 per person. Luxury Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour package includes upgraded accommodations, more efficient guides, and other various services.
Breaking Down the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost for US Citizens:
The tour cost varies according to the route options. For example, an overland Kailash Tour via Nepal which could be a 14-16 day journey starting in Kathmandu, involving a drive to the Tibet border and onward to Mount Kailash is the most economical. However, it requires traveling on the road for long hours which can be exhausting.
Another is the Lhasa route which is a 12-14-day tour beginning with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, followed by an overland journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Although this route offers an incredible opportunity to explore Tibet, it may cost travelers much due to internal flights.
Furthermore, traveling via the helicopter route which is a 10-12 day trip where travelers fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Simikot, followed by a helicopter ride to the Kerung border is another great option for those who have limited time and do not prefer long hours ride. However, it is the most expensive.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you should go for Kailash Mansarovar group tours.
Additional costs include your international flights which range from $1000 to $1500 for a round trip airfare from the USA to Kathmandu. However, it depends on the airline and booking time. We suggest booking flights in advance to secure better deals.
Travel insurance can also cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. Personal expenses, gear and clothing, and emergency funds are also additional costs.
If you’re looking for a precise cost of the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you can get a quote by speaking with us.
Essential Tips for US Citizens Traveling to Tibet for Kailash
- Select the best time to visit Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is opened only for about seven months a year( April to October.) This is mainly because of harsh weather conditions in other months like November, December, January, February, and March. You must choose the seasons/months carefully. The best time to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is from April to October. During these months, the weather is stable, perfect for traveling. We suggest you check the calendar properly before planning the kailash trip from USA because the weather and season in Kailash and the USA is different. Also, the seasons differ in the USA a lot from state to state due to its large size and diverse geography.
- Choose a trusted Travel agency/operator
Since traveling independently is not allowed in Tibet, you must join a guided tour through a reputable travel agency such as Dream Tibet, a licensed and experienced travel agency in Nepal. Choose Dream Tibet for a trustworthy, reliable, and incredible travel experience.
- Make sure you receive the necessary visa and permits
You can apply for a Chinese visa by yourself if you’d like but for the permits such as Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, and Military Permit, you can’t apply by yourself. You need to obtain these permits from your travel agency.
- Have a Travel Insurance
Make sure you get your travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations.
- Train physically
During your Kailash Tour, you’ll trek for 3 days which is called Kailash parikrama or Kailash Kora. This three-day trek is quite challenging as you trek at an altitude of 4800m and cross the Dolma La Pass at 5645m. In order to complete this parikrama, you must be physically fit. You must train your body 3 months in advance. Go for regular hikes and short treks and perform cardiovascular exercises and strength training.
- Do not carry Dalai Lama Related Materials
Do not bring photos, posters, books, or anything related tothe Dalai Lama as they will be checked at the immigration checkpoints at the Nepal-Tibet Border. If found, you might not be able to enter Tibet.
- Currency Exchange
Exchange currency before you leave for Tibet, Kailash as ATMs may not be available or work properly.
FAQ’s about Kailash Mansarovar Tour from the USA
How to Apply for a Chinese Visa from the USA for Kailash Yatra
To apply for a Chinese Visa from the USA for Kailash Yatra you need to follow the steps below:
- Fill Out the Visa Application Form
- Gather Required Documents: valid US passport (with at least 6 months validity), Recent passport-size photo, Flight itinerary, and Hotel booking confirmation.
- Apply at your nearest Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center in the USA.
- Receive Your Visa.
How can I reach Kailash Mansarovar from the USA?
Since Mount Kailash is located in Tibet, you must first travel to Nepal or China and then reach Kailash Mansarovar through Tibet.
From Nepal: You fly from USA to Kathmandu. Then, you can reach Kailash overland/Helicopter via the Tibet-Nepal border and continue driving to Mount Kailash.
From China: You fly from USA to Beijing/Chengdu/Lhasa. Take a flight or train to Lhasa and again overland from Lhasa to Kailash or a flight from Lhasa to Ngari Guna Ali Airport and drive to Kailash Lake Mansarovar.
Are there direct flights from the USA to Nepal, India, or China for the yatra?
There are no direct flights from the USA to Kathmandu, Nepal, but you can transit through Middle Eastern or Asian hubs:
- To Kathmandu, Nepal
From the USA: Fly via Qatar Airways (Doha), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Emirates (Dubai), Air India (Delhi)
- To Lhasa, Tibet (LXA) via China
From the USA: Fly to Beijing/Chengdu, then take a train/flight to Lhasa
Which is the easiest and safest route to Kailash Mansarovar?
The easiest and safest route is via Nepal (Kathmandu to Tibet by helicopter or overland).
- Helicopter Route (Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Tibet) is fast and safe but expensive.
- Overland Route (Kathmandu → Kyirong Border → Tibet) is cheaper but takes longer.
How long does the entire trip take from the USA?
The fastest option is the Helicopter Route via Nepal which takes 10-12 days to complete.
The standard Overland Route via Nepal takes 14-16 days.
China-Lhasa Route (Train/Flight) takes 12-15 days.
Can I pay in US dollars, or do I need to exchange money?
Very few places accept US dollars in Nepal and Tibet. So, exchanging money is suggested. In Nepal, convert USD to Nepalese Rupees(NPR) and Chinese Yuan(CNY) in Tibet.
Can I bring my own food and snacks from the USA?
Yes, you can bring items like protein bars, nuts, dry fruits, instant noodles, coffee, etc.
Can non-Hindus or non-Buddhists visit Mount Kailash?
Absolutely! Anyone can visit Mount Kailash, regardless of religion.
Are there age restrictions for the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar?
Yes, people over the age of 80 are not allowed to travel to Kailash.
Can I extend my trip to visit other places in Tibet, Nepal, or Bhutan?
Yes, you can extend your trip to visit other places in Tibet, Nepal, or Bhutan. However, it should be mentioned before the trip.
What is the time difference between the USA and Kailash Mansarovar?
The time difference between the USA and Kailash Mansarovar is:
- Tibet Time (China Standard Time, CST): GMT +8
- Nepal Time: GMT +5:45
- Time Difference: New York (EST): Tibet is 13 hours ahead and California (PST): Tibet is 16 hours ahead
Can I travel solo to Kailash, or do I need to join a group tour?
No, you cannot travel solo to Kailash because independent travel is restricted in Tibet. You must join a guided tour with a licensed travel agency.
Can I rent trekking gear or do I need to bring everything from the USA?
Basic trekking gear (jackets, poles, sleeping bags) is available for rent in Kathmandu. However, it’s better to bring your own high-quality boots and warm layers.
Can I book better accommodation or upgrade my package?
Yes, you can book accommodation as per your preferences and upgrade your package.
