Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - Latest Travel Advisory 28 June 2026

MEA Urgent Warning - For Private Tour Operators

1. Documents Are Mandatory

Don't leave India without a valid Chinese visa + Tibet Travel Permit + group entry approvals

"Will get it later" doesn't work. 52+ pilgrims are already stranded in Kathmandu for missing permits

Passport alone is not enough . 

2. Check Your Tour Operator

Book only with registered & authorized operators

Confirm they can arrange all China/Tibet permits with counterparts in Nepal & China

Independent applications usually aren't allowed

Why This Advisory?

Kailash Mansarovar is in Tibet, under Chinese control. Entry is heavily regulated. Missing even one permit = denied access. Many pilgrims via Nepal route are getting stuck without Chinese visa/permits.

Official MEA Yatra Routes

Govt of India conducts yatra via 2 routes only:

Lipulekh Pass - Uttarakhand

Nathu La Pass - Sikkim

Selection is through lottery. Yatra resumed for June-Aug 2026 after 5-year gap.

Risks with Nepal Route

Weather: Simikot & Hilsa depend on small aircraft/helicopters. Bad weather can strand you for a week

Poor facilities: Limited medical help, basic lodging

Medical: High altitude needs 1-month medicines, fitness certificate mandatory

Best Time & Requirements

Season: Only May to September

Age: 18-70 years

Carry: Passport with 6 months validity, warm clothes for -10°C, trekking shoes, oxygen cylinder/Diamox tablets

Pre-Travel Checklist

Chinese Visa ✓

Tibet Travel Permit ✓

Group entry approvals ✓

Medical fitness certificate ✓

Authorized tour operator ✓

Travel insurance ✓

Need help: Contact Indian Embassy Kathmandu / Beijing. 

Safest option: Apply for MEA’s official yatra instead of private tours.