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Important Permits and Documents for the Kailash Yatra

Important Permits and Documents for the Kailash Yatra

22 July 2025 10:22 AM IST



For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon, the Kailash Yatra or Mount Kailash pilgrimage is considered a very sacred journey. The trip is meaningful for its spiritual side as well as for its beautiful natural scenery. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the toughest since it takes place at a very high altitude and has strict travel laws.

Planning to go on Kailash Yatra requires preparing yourself physically as well as making sure your travel permits are updated. If you do not have them, you might not be allowed into some places. Following this guide will make sure you understand what documents you need and the best ways to get them, allowing your process to be stress-free.

What Makes the Kailash Yatra Unique?

Mount Kailash in China’s Tibet region is a famous destination for religious pilgrims around the world. For some pilgrims, going around the mountain (kora) is said to help them find peace, spiritual growth, and escape from being reborn.

Given that the mountain is found in a sensitive area and is quite high, taking a trip there must include careful study of the rules and approval documents.

Why Permits Are Required for the Kailash Yatra

The Chinese government has very strict control over travel to the Mount Kailash area. They ensure the welfare of tourists, limit how many can come and take care of the environment. Because some sections near the route are close to international boundaries, safety along the route becomes even more crucial.

Getting the appropriate permits is necessary to complete the Yatra without problems. If you don’t bring them, you could be prohibited from entering some areas or going on the journey.

Essential Permits and Documents for the Kailash Yatra

You can see below what permits and documents you should gather before you begin your journey.

1. Passport and Visa

Your passport is the most important document for traveling abroad, including the Kailash Yatra.

Make sure:

⦁ Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.

⦁ It has at least 2 blank pages for visa and entry stamps.

Chinese Visa: Tibet, where Mount Kailash is found, is part of China, and therefore, a Chinese Visa is required. Your tour agency will provide you with a Chinese group visa to enter Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Nepal Visa: If you plan to do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal, you will also need to obtain the Nepal visa.

Note: Getting visa approval takes time so you need to apply at least a week early before your departure date to Tibet.

2. Tibet Travel Permit

Since Mt Kailash lies inside Tibet, it is important to have the Tibet Travel Permit for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Tourism Bureau of Tibet will provide this special permit.

How to Get It:

⦁ You cannot apply for this permit yourself. A registered travel agency will arrange it for you.

⦁ The permit will mention your full travel plan and must include Mount Kailash as a stop.

⦁ This permit is usually given for group tours, not for solo travelers.

3. Alien Travel Permit (ATP)

This ATP is required as you will be traveling around the Mount Kailash border. This is another special document given by the Public Security Bureau in cities like Lhasa.

How to Get he ATP

⦁ Similar to the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), this permit is also arranged by your travel agency.

⦁ To get it, you’ll need to show your passport and TTP.

4. Military Permit

If you choose the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra routes via routes like Everest base camp trek, then you need to obtain this Military Permit. This is because these areas are near important border zones between China, India, and Nepal.

How to Get the Military Permit:

⦁ Your travel agency will take care of getting this permit for you as part of your trip package.

⦁ Since it can take time to process, make sure your agency applies for it well before your journey.

5. Special Permits for Indian Pilgrims

After a long restriction for Indian plagiarism for traveling in Tibet finally, now it's open in 2025. Now, Indian citizens can go for the Kailash Darshan either from India or Nepal. If you go through the Indian government, there will be a selection, and then only you will be able to go for the Yatra.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organizes the trip for the Indian citizen, and these are the rules that Indian passport holders need to follow:

⦁ MEA Registration: You must register with the MEA for these government-organized pilgrimages. The registration process includes medical check-ups and meeting certain eligibility rules.

⦁ Entry Pass for Routes in India: Depending on whether you travel through Nepal or Sikkim, you may need special permits called Restricted Area Permits (RAPs). These are needed to enter certain border areas.

6. Insurance Documentation

For the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is important to have travel and health insurance. Before purchasing the Insurance, make sure your insurance policy covers the following:

⦁ Altitude risk coverage up to 6,000m

⦁ Emergency medical evacuation.

⦁ High-altitude sickness and related issues.

⦁ Trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as political restrictions or extreme weather.

During your travel, make sure to carry proof of travel and health insurance, and you need to show up at the checkpoint whenever you are asked. Make some copies of documents as well.

8. Additional Documents to Carry

⦁ Medical Fitness Certificate: For some routes, like the MEA-organized Yatra through Uttarakhand, you need a medical certificate that shows you are fit to travel at high altitudes.

⦁ Itinerary Documents: Always keep printed copies of your travel plan, including hotel bookings and flight tickets.

⦁ Identity Proof: You might also need a government ID card besides your passport, depending on the route you take.




Tips for a Smooth Kailash Yatra Permit Process

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a challenging journey, and to make your trip safe and comfortable, it is important to follow these helpful tips:

Book Through a Reputed Travel Agency

You cannot do a solo trek for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra so that you will have a guided trip with the help of licensed travel agencies. To find the best tour agency that has a good record of organizing this Kailash Yatra. While booking the Kailash Yatra Package from the agency, they arrange a guide, food, accommodation, transportation, visa and permits.

Start the Process Early

It takes time to get the Tibet permit and visa, so if you are planning to undertake the Kailash Yatra, make sure to book the trip at least 3 months in advance. Booking an advance trip package from the agency helps you to arrange the permit in your schedule time.

Stay Updated on Travel Policies

Political and environmental factors can affect travel regulations in Tibet which means it will affect your Kailash Yatra. So always check the updates about travel policy from an official source or with the travel agency.

Choose Best Time To Kailash Yatra

The best time to do the Kailash Yatra is from May to September due to stable weather conditions and perfect weather conditions for Kailash Kora. Kailash Kora is not possible in the winter, so make sure your departure falls at the best time to have a safe and comfortable journey.

Maintain Physical Fitness

Since it is a challenging journey all the participants who want to undertake Kailash Yatra must have good physical fitness. During Kailash Yatra, you will complete the 3 Days Kailash outer Kora, and every day, you need to walk for around 5-6 hours on average. You need to walk through the rough terrain with minimal facilities.

Be Aware of Altitude Sickness

The chances of having altitude sickness is a real problem for some trekkers as Tibet lies at a high altitude, and during Kora(circumambulation), you need to walk above 5,000m. So follow the acclimatization plan, and if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Follow the Rules and Regulations

During your visit to Tibet, follow local rules and regulations and respect Tibetan culture. Practice sustainable tourism. Be aware of rules like not taking pictures of the Dalai Lama and talking about political matters.

Final Say

Kailash Mansarovar is a must-visit destination if you are seeking a spiritual journey or want to get a blessing from Mt Kailash or to wash sin by bathing in Lake Mansarovar. Additionally, this beautiful place is full of breathtaking scenery, and the beauty and divine power of Mt Kailash are unexplained. Book a Yatra Package from a tour agency and get ready to get a lifetime experience.


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