Panoramic view of Mount Kailash from Yamadwar

Routes

Four ways to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, each with different logistics, cost, and current availability. The parikrama itself is roughly the same regardless of how you get to Darchen.

Nepal Route (Simikot – Hilsa)

Verified (firsthand)

Fly via Kathmandu and Nepalgunj into Simikot, then by helicopter to Hilsa and across the border into Tibet.

Last checked 2026-07-08

India Route (Lipulekh Pass, Uttarakhand)

Open

The traditional Indian government-run batch route, organized by India's MEA via the official kmy.gov.in portal.

Last checked 2026-07-08

Sikkim Route (Nathu La Pass)

Open

A newer alternate route (opened around 2015), jointly organized by India's MEA, China, and the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.

Last checked 2026-07-08

Independent Route (Tibet Permit via Kathmandu–Lhasa)

Uncertain

For travelers not going through India's official government batch, using Chinese/Tibetan permits and a licensed private tour operator.

Last checked 2026-07-08