While the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remains the dream of millions of Shiva devotees, there is a specific age limit for Kailash Mansarovar to be followed for the journey. This yatra can’t be done by children below the age of 10 years. Many families request travel agencies to allow children to come during the yatra. However, many factors make this yatra a bit challenging, especially for the children. The yatra is believed to offer the spiritual fulfillment in the lives of pilgrims. But, one needs to follow the age limit criterion before booking the yatra. 

The holy Mount Kailash is situated in Tibet autonomous region of China. The location of Mount Kailash is remote and the overland route requires multi-day trekking. It’s a far-flung journey that requires good physical fitness. In that sense, children may feel uneasy or restless especially if they are on an overland journey. The fact remains, Kailash Mansarovar is a high-altitude yatra and the landscape of Kailash Mansarovar is craggy and rocky which is not suitable for children below 10 years of age. 

The eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India) are 18 and 70 years. The Nepal route is relatively easier for children. The Kailash Mansarovar Darshan route via Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La Pass can be very difficult for children under 10 years of age.

Here’s the 'Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2024 eligibility' for different routes of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Kailash Darshan Parikrama: 10-70 years

• Limi Lapcha Valley: 12—55 years

• Kailash Aerial Darshan: Open to all 

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The Child-Friendly Route: Kailash Aerial Darshan/ Mountain Flight Yatra: 

If you look at the restriction and age-related guidelines, a child less than ten years old is not allowed to do Kailash Yatra. But sometimes, parents insist tour managers and travel experts to allow their children to do the Yatra. 

In that case, the Mountain flight journey is the best route for children of all ages. The Aerial Darshan option allows children to experience the darshan of Mount Kailash from aircraft. The route has no multi-day trekking and children can easily enjoy the enchanting views of Mount Kailash. It’s a 2-night and 3-day trip only. There is no age limit for this route and it’s the child-friendly route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. 

Thinking Of Bringing Kids To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? Watch Out The Key Concerns 

The overland journey of the Kailash Mansarovar is not a child-friendly route. Bringing kids on the trek-based route can be a little challenging task for the parents and other family members. Here are a few concerns to watch out for before bringing the kids to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trek-based route. 

• Altitude Sickness: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a high altitude yatra. Children may experience altitude sickness while trekking for several days. The oxygen level is relatively low at the Kailash Mansarovar and the nearby routes. Children may experience breathlessness, dizziness, or nausea while trekking.
• Unpredictable Weather Conditions: The weather conditions are unpredictable at the Kailash Mansarovar. The frosty winds at the Kailash Parvat can make the kids fall sick. The weather conditions at Kailash Mansarovar are relatively unpredictable and kids may not be able to withstand it. 
• Multi-Day Trekking And Travel Fatigue: The Kailash Mansarovar Overland route involves multi-day trekking and it’s quite difficult for the kids to trek along the rugged terrains. Children can experience travel fatigue quite easily while trekking. Hence, multi-day trekking is a no-no for children. 
• Selective Diet: Children may feel hungry while trekking. Since the Yatra involves eating selective meals. Usually, it’s recommended to eat light meals. The selective meal preferences may not suit every child’s dietary needs.

Should you wish to bring your children with you, we recommend you opt for the routes that have minimal trekking or a road journey coupled with air travel. For more details on the 2024 Kailash Mansarovar age criteria and child-friendly routes of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, reach out to our team of travel experts.