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Nidhi Staff answered 5 months ago
Reaching Kailash Mansarovar, a revered pilgrimage site located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, involves a significant journey. The main routes to Kailash Mansarovar are through India, Nepal, and China. Here’s a detailed guide for first-time visitors:
1. Indian Route via the Lipulekh Pass
Route:
Starting Point: Delhi or Uttarakhand (from where you travel to the base camp).
Base Camp: Dharchula (Uttarakhand).
Access Point: Lipulekh Pass (which connects India to Tibet).
Destination: Kailash Mansarovar.
Details:
Travel to Dharchula: You can reach Dharchula by road from Delhi or other major cities in Uttarakhand. This journey is often long and can take several days.
Trekking/Travel: From Dharchula, the journey involves crossing the Lipulekh Pass on foot or by yaks/ponies, depending on the conditions and permits.
Permissions: Requires permits from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. This route is typically managed by tour operators specializing in Kailash Mansarovar trips.
2. Nepal Route via the Simikot-Hilsa Pass
Route:
Starting Point: Kathmandu (Nepal).
Base Camp: Simikot (Nepal) and Hilsa (Nepal).
Destination: Kailash Mansarovar.
Details:
Travel to Simikot: Fly from Kathmandu to Simikot.
Travel to Hilsa: A combination of flights and overland travel will take you from Simikot to Hilsa.
Trekking: From Hilsa, you cross the border into Tibet and proceed to Kailash Mansarovar.
Permissions: Requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. Managed by authorized tour operators in Nepal.
3. Chinese Route via Lhasa
Route:
Starting Point: Lhasa (Tibet).
Base Camp: Lhasa (Tibet).
Destination: Kailash Mansarovar.
Details:
Travel to Lhasa: Fly into Lhasa from major cities in China or other countries. There are also train options from mainland China to Lhasa.
Overland Travel: Travel from Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar by road.
Permissions: Requires a Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit. Managed by tour operators in China.
General Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Permits and Visas: You will need various permits depending on your route, including a Tibet Travel Permit, a Chinese visa, and, in some cases, additional permits specific to the Kailash region. Always check the latest requirements with your tour operator.
Acclimatization: The journey involves high altitudes. Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Spend a few days in Lhasa or other high-altitude areas before proceeding to Kailash Mansarovar.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
Guided Tours: Most travelers opt for organized tours due to the complexity of the journey and the need for permits. Choose a reputable tour operator with experience in managing Kailash Mansarovar trips.
Health and Safety: Carry essential medications, and be prepared for extreme weather conditions. It’s advisable to travel with a group and not alone.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and religious practices, as Kailash Mansarovar is a significant pilgrimage site for several religions.
Physical Preparation: The journey is physically demanding. Prepare by engaging in cardiovascular exercises and strength training before your trip.
Each route offers a unique experience, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and logistical considerations.
Sameer Staff answered 4 months ago
Reaching Kailash Mansarovar involves traversing challenging terrains and high altitudes. There are primarily two main routes to access Kailash Mansarovar: the traditional route through Nepal and the route through the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Here’s a detailed overview of each route:
1. Route via Nepal
a. Via Nyalam (Tibet) and Simikot
Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal:
Arrival: Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Preparation: Obtain necessary permits and visas for Tibet through a tour operator in Kathmandu.
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:
Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Details: This is a domestic flight to a city in the southwestern part of Nepal.
Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot:
Flight Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
Details: Simikot is a small town in the Humla District of Nepal, close to the Tibet border.
Trek from Simikot to Hilsa:
Details: A multi-day trek is required from Simikot to the border town of Hilsa in Tibet. This trek takes you through remote and rugged terrain.
Cross the Border to Taklakot (Purang):
Details: Hilsa is connected to Taklakot (Purang) in Tibet via a short trek or drive.
Permit Check: Ensure all travel permits and documents are in order at the Tibet border.
Travel from Taklakot to Mansarovar:
Details: Drive to Lake Mansarovar, which is a significant stop on the way to Mount Kailash. The journey from Taklakot to Mansarovar takes about 3-4 hours.
Proceed to Mount Kailash:
Details: From Lake Mansarovar, you can proceed to Mount Kailash, which involves a 2-3 day trek or drive, depending on the route and travel conditions.
b. Via Lhasa (Tibet) and Nepal
Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal:
Arrival: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa:
Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Details: Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and the gateway to the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Travel from Lhasa to Shigatse:
Details: Drive or take a train from Lhasa to Shigatse, which is the second-largest city in Tibet.
Drive from Shigatse to Saga:
Details: Continue your journey from Shigatse to Saga, which serves as a major transit point for travelers heading towards Mount Kailash.
Drive from Saga to Mansarovar:
Details: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar, which takes about 4-5 days with several stopovers along the way.
Proceed to Mount Kailash:
Details: From Mansarovar, you can continue to Mount Kailash. This involves a trek or drive, depending on the travel conditions.
2. Route via Tibet
a. Directly via Lhasa (Tibet)
Fly to Lhasa, Tibet:
Arrival: Fly directly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, from major cities like Kathmandu or mainland China.
Travel from Lhasa to Shigatse:
Details: Drive or take a train from Lhasa to Shigatse.
Drive from Shigatse to Saga:
Details: Continue the journey from Shigatse to Saga.
Drive from Saga to Mansarovar:
Details: Proceed from Saga to Lake Mansarovar.
Proceed to Mount Kailash:
Details: From Mansarovar, travel to Mount Kailash.
General Tips
Permits and Visas: You will need a Chinese visa and special permits for traveling to Tibet. These are usually arranged through authorized tour operators.
Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, it is essential to spend a few days acclimatizing in Lhasa or another high-altitude location before proceeding to Kailash Mansarovar.
Tour Operators: Many pilgrims use authorized tour operators who handle all arrangements, including permits, travel logistics, and accommodations.
Choosing the route depends on your preferences, travel conditions, and logistical considerations. Both routes offer unique experiences and spectacular views, making the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar a memorable journey.