Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via NathuLa Pass in Sikkim: The route of Government of India

NathuLa Pass

For Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bons, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is among the most important pilgrimage destinations. With its magnificence and grandeur, Kailash Mansarovar draws millions of pilgrims each year from all over the world. It is thought that Bhole Baba along with his family resides on Mount of Kailash. The freshwater lake called Lake Mansarovar is of significant religious importance. Going on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at least once in a lifetime is a dream for many pilgrims.

Who organizes Sikkim Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through NathuLa Pass in Sikkim is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India along with Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).

Only the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, conducts the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra across the NathuLa Pass. No private organization is permitted to organize the Mansarovar Kailash Yatra along this route. You must get in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) if you want further details about the Government route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Duration of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nathula Pass:

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from the Sikkim route is completed in 22 - 23 days. This includes about 3 to 4 days of stay in Delhi.

Eligibility for Kailash Mansarovar via Sikkim NathuLa border:

Only those with Indian passports are eligible to apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Government of India route.
A physically fit individual.
The age limit is 18 to 70.

How to apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Nathula:

The Ministry of External Affairs receives hundreds of applications each year for the Nathula Route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Nevertheless, the number of yatries that can go to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Gangtok is restricted. Only 750 pilgrims in all (15 groups of 50 pilgrims each) are permitted to travel from Sikkim to Kailash Mansarovar.

The official website of the Indian government for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is kmy.gov.in. Visit the official website which is managed by the Indian Government's Ministry of External Affairs to submit an application. The Kailash Yatries must submit an online application for the lucky draw. There is no registration cost to be paid at that time.

Selection Process for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula Pass Sikkim:

A rigorous selection process is adhered to on the Sikkim Kailash Mansarovar Yatra MEA route. It is as follows:

Lucky Draw on KMY.Gov.In - The pilgrims are picked through a random drawing. The official confirmation is issued through telegraph upon selection.
Fee for Kailash Yatra Registration - To reserve your spot, you need to send a non-refundable Rs. 5000 bank draft made out to STDC as soon as feasible. The slot is given to another candidate if the draft is not received.
Medical procedures by the Indian government for Kailash Yatra - At various stages, medical exams are performed. For a medical examination, one must appear in Delhi at least 3 days before the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra date. The Delhi Government will provide a stay for the same.

Documents & other requirements for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Sikkim Nathula Route:

For the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India mandates the following checklist:

Passport for Kailash Yatra: Valid Indian Passport (minimum 6 months validity from the end of Yatra date). Original and xerox copies of the front and back of the passport.
Affidavit for Manasarovar Yatra:
- Indemnity bond on Rs. 100 non-judicial stamp paper, duly signed and notarized, stating that the yatries will be participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at their own risk.
- Affidavit for sending the yatri back by helicopter in case of any exigency.
Letter of consent: Letter of consent for the cremation of human remains in China in the event of death.
Photo: Six most recent passport-sized photographs.
Finances for the MEA Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Enough money to cover all expenses, including-
- Chinese Visa Payment in cash.
- Cash or Draft is needed to pay the remaining sum to Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.
- Cash is needed for medical examinations in Delhi.
- A sufficient quantity of cash to buy the foreign currency needed to pay the Chinese authorities for their arrangement of lodging and transportation in Tibet part, and extra funds for additional needs.

The pilgrims must make sure they are well-prepared for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You are urged to consult the preparation guide on the official website for further details on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Govt. of India.

Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by NathuLa Pass:

The cost for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La Pass was about Rs. 2,50,000/- in 2019. The new price will be released when the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra opens.

Route from NathuLa Pass to Kailash Mansarovar:

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim NathuLa Pass begins from Delhi. To guarantee that the yatries are physically fit to go to the high-altitude region, numerous blood tests and medical examinations will be conducted. All the chosen applicants have to report in Delhi at least three days prior to the date of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Yatries have to arrive in Delhi on the First Day of Stay in Delhi.
A Medical checkup is done at Delhi Lung and Heart Institute on the Second Day of Stay in Delhi.
The Final Medical checkup is done at ITPB Base Hospital on the Third Day of Stay in Delhi.
A proper briefing session is held at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the Fourth Day of Stay in Delhi.

In order to apply for the Kailash Yatra Permit and VISA, the pilgrims' passports, affidavits, and consent forms are collected in Delhi.
After passing the medical examination, the group proceeds from Delhi to Gangtok for starting the main Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Kailash Mansarovar route from Sikkim is as follows:

Day 1: Delhi to Gangtok

The yatries will board a flight for Bagdogra from Delhi. After reaching Bagdogra, you will be transferred in a bus for your drive along the Teesta River to Gangtok which will be via Siliguri. There will be a briefing session in Gangtok. The yatries can choose to explore Gangtok on their own in the evening.
Mode of Transportation: Flight and Bus
Distance covered: 1115 km by Flight and 125 km by Bus
Time taken: 2 hours approx flight and 5 hours approx drive
Highest Altitude: 1600 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 2: Gangtok to 15th Mile

Today the yatries will drive to 15th Mile from Gangtok. On the way clearance process will take place at 3 Mile Naka. Since the hilly terrain starts from here, so the drive will be slow.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 25 km
Time taken: 2-3 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 3050 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 3: 15th Mile

This is a rest day given to yatries to acclimatize with the environment. Walking and Yoga sessions will be organized for the betterment of the yatries.
Mode of Transportation: NA
Distance covered: NA
Time taken: NA
Highest Altitude: 3050 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 4: 15th Mile to Sherathang

The yatries will be taken to Sherathang from 15th Mile.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 20 km
Time taken: 1-2 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4115 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 5: Sherathang

A medical check will be again conducted on this day before moving ahead. Only those who pass this medical check-up will move forward. Those failing to pass the medical examination will be sent back to Gangtok.
Mode of Transportation: NA
Distance covered: NA
Time taken: NA
Highest Altitude: 4115 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 6: Sherathang to Kangma

On this day the yatries will enter Tibet via NathuLa Pass. They will start from Sherathang and proceeds towards NathuLa at a distance of 7 km where the immigration and customs process will take place. After clearing the border formality the yatries will proceed towards Kangma Village.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 200 km
Time taken: 7 to 8 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4176 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 7: Kangma to Lazi

The yatries will be taken to Lazi from Kangma.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 295 km
Time taken: 7 to 8 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4053 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 8: Lazi to Zhongba

The Kailash Yatra Group will drive from Lazi to Zhongba (Dongba). Dongba is the last marketplace in Tibet where you can do the shopping and prepare for Mount Kailash Parikrama.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 477 km
Time taken: 11 to 12 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4728 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 9: Zhongba to Darchen

On this day the yatries will drive from Zhongba to Darchen. Darchen is the base for Mount Kailash Parikrama.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 475 km
Time taken: 11 to 12 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4670 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 10: Darchen to Yamdwar to Diraphuk

The 40-kilometer Mount Kailash Parikrama will begin today. The yatries will be transported by bus from Darchen to Yamdwar. Nandi Parvat is visible from Yamdwar. People have the view that crossing Yamdwar absolves them of their sins. After that, the yatries will start their trek from Yamdwar and proceed toward Diraphuk. Mt. Kailash will be visible the entire day. One gets to see the most stunning view of Kailash Parvat from Diraphuk.
Mode of Transportation: Volvo Category bus and Trekking
Distance covered: 7 km by bus and 10 km by trek
Time taken: 8 to 9 hours
Highest Altitude: 4620 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Multiple-sharing Dormitory

Day 11: Diraphuk to Junjhui Pu

The second day of Mount Kailash Parikrama is a long and treacherous one. The yatries would depart from Diraphuk early in the morning and continue to trek towards Junjhui Pu (Zutulphuk). You may see Dolma La Pass at a height of 5670 meters (highest point), Shivasthal, Gaurikund, and other places.
Mode of Transportation: Trekking
Distance covered: 22 km
Time taken: 12 to 13 hours
Highest Altitude: 4780 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Multiple-sharing Dormitory

Day 12: Junjhui Pu to Darchen

After completing the last day of Kailash Parikrama the yatries will return to Darchen by bus.
Mode of Transportation: Trekking and Bus
Distance covered: 8 km by trek and 8 km by bus
Time taken: 6 to 7 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4620 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 13: Darchen to Qugu

Today the yatries will drive to Qugu for Mansarovar Lake Parikrama. The total distance of about 88 km of Lake Mansarovar Parikrama is completed by bus. Yatries can take a dip in the holy lake and perform puja. They will also get to see Rakshas Tal. This day’s stay will be in Qugu near Lake Mansarovar.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 80 km
Time taken: 2 to 3 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4600 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Multiple-sharing Dormitory

Day 14: Qugu to Zhongba

The yatries will drive back to Zhongba from Qugu.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 400 km
Time taken: 7 to 8 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4620 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 15: Zhongba to Lazi

The yatries will continue their return journey and drive from Zhongba to Lazi.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 477 km
Time taken: 9 to 10 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4053 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 16: Lazi to Kangma

This will be the last day in Tibet. The yatries will drive from Lazi to Kangma.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 295 km
Time taken: 7 to 8 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 4176 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 17: Kangma to Gangtok

On this day the yatries will drive from Kangma, complete the immigration process and cross Nathu La to enter India. After crossing the border they will continue the drive to Gangtok.
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Distance covered: 245 km
Time taken: 6 to 7 hours approx
Highest Altitude: 1600 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis

Day 18: Gangtok to Delhi

The yatries will drive from Gangtok to Bagdogra to board their return flight to Delhi. With the blessings of Lord Shiva, the Journey to Kailash Mansarovar is completed.
Mode of Transportation: Bus and Flight
Distance covered: 125 km by Bus and 1115 km by Flight
Time taken: 5 hours approx drive and 2 hours approx flight
Highest Altitude: 215 meters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Type: Hotel on sharing basis