If you’re sitting in Bengaluru dreaming of seeing the mighty Mount Kailash and the pristine waters of Lake Mansarovar, you’re not alone. Thousands of devotees and adventure seekers make this pilgrimage every year, drawn by its spiritual energy and natural beauty.
While Bengaluru is far from the Himalayas, it’s very well-connected to the starting points of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. With proper planning, you can easily make this once-in-a-lifetime journey from the Garden City.
Why Kailash Mansarovar is Special
Located in the remote Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Mount Kailash is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion. Circumambulating the mountain (known as the Kailash Parikrama) is believed to wash away the sins of a lifetime.
Lake Mansarovar, at the base of Mount Kailash, sits at 4,590 meters above sea level. Its crystal-clear waters are considered holy, and pilgrims often take a dip or collect water to bring home.
Routes from Bengaluru to Kailash Mansarovar
No matter which route you take, your journey will first involve reaching Delhi or Kathmandu, because there’s no direct link from Bengaluru to Tibet.
Option 1: Overland Route via Nepal (Most Popular)
This is the most comfortable and widely chosen route for yatris from Bengaluru, offering scenic road travel and gradual altitude gain.
How it Works:
Bengaluru ? Delhi – Direct flight (about 2.5–3 hours).
Delhi ? Kathmandu (Nepal) – 1.5-hour flight.
Kathmandu ? Syabrubesi – Road trip to Nepal–China border.
Syabrubesi ? Kyirong (Tibet) – Immigration checks at the border.
Kyirong ? Saga ? Mansarovar ? Darchen – Drive across the Tibetan plateau.
Optional Kailash Parikrama – 3-day trek around Mount Kailash.
Duration: 12–14 days from Delhi (add 1–2 days for Bengaluru–Delhi–Kathmandu transfers)
Cost: ?2.2–?2.6 lakh per person
Best For: Pilgrims looking for a balanced, scenic journey.
Option 2: Flight + Overland via Lhasa
If you want to reduce long drives, this is a great alternative.
How it Works:
Bengaluru ? Delhi ? Kathmandu – Flights.
Kathmandu ? Lhasa – Direct flight over the Himalayas (stunning views!).
Lhasa ? Shigatse ? Saga ? Mansarovar ? Darchen – Road journey inside Tibet.
Optional Kailash Parikrama.
Duration: 9–11 days (plus Bengaluru transfers)
Cost: ?2.6–?3.2 lakh per person
Best For: Those with less time but higher budget.
Option 3: Government Route via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this route involves trekking and is for the physically fit.
How it Works:
Bengaluru ? Delhi – Flight.
Delhi ? Almora/Pithoragarh – Road travel.
Pithoragarh ? Dharchula ? Lipulekh Pass – Multi-day trekking into Tibet.
Visit Mansarovar & Kailash, then return.
Duration: 18–24 days
Cost: Around ?1.8 lakh
Best For: Those wanting a challenging adventure.
Step-by-Step Plan from Bengaluru
Choose Your Route – Based on time, fitness, and budget.
Book Your Yatra Package – Only through authorised private operators or MEA.
Gather Documents – Passport (6+ months validity), ID proof, medical certificate, and photos.
Fly to Delhi – Or directly to Kathmandu if your package allows.
Attend Briefing – Usually in Delhi or Kathmandu, depending on the operator.
Start Your Kailash Yatra – According to your chosen itinerary.
Documents & Permits Required
Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Tibet Visa & Chinese Travel Permit (arranged by your tour operator)
Government-issued ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID)
Medical fitness certificate
Passport-size photographs
Approximate Costs from Bengaluru
Note: Costs include accommodation, meals, permits, guide, and transfers after starting point. Flights from Bengaluru to Delhi/Kathmandu are extra unless your operator includes them.
Travel Tips for Bengaluru Pilgrims
Book Flights Early – Bengaluru–Delhi fares can rise quickly in yatra season.
Plan Buffer Days – Monsoon rains can delay flights in Nepal.
Train for Altitude – Even if you’re fit, start light cardio and breathing exercises a month before.
Pack Layers – From Bengaluru’s mild weather to Tibet’s chilly winds, you’ll face all extremes.
Carry Essential Medicines – Especially for cold, fever, and altitude sickness.
Packing Checklist
Warm thermals, down jacket, gloves, wool cap
Trekking shoes + casual slippers
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Flashlight, power bank, and extra batteries
Dry snacks, energy bars, glucose powder
Water bottle with purifier or tablets
Best Time to Go
The yatra season runs from May to September, when weather conditions are more stable and mountain passes are open. June and September are quieter months, while July–August is peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I go directly from Bengaluru to Kailash Mansarovar?
No. You must first travel to Delhi or Kathmandu before entering Tibet.
Q: Which route is easiest?
Overland via Nepal is the easiest for most first-time yatris.
Q: Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Indian citizens don’t need a visa for Nepal, but you do need a Tibet visa and Chinese permit.
Q: How physically demanding is it?
The journey itself involves long road trips and high altitudes. The optional Kailash Parikrama is a high-altitude trek and requires good fitness.
Final Words
Your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Bengaluru is more than just a travel plan – it’s a spiritual adventure. From Bengaluru’s bustling IT streets to the silence of Tibet’s mountains, every step will bring you closer to nature, faith, and self-discovery.
Whether you choose the comfortable overland route, the faster Lhasa flight, or the adventurous Lipulekh trek, the journey will test you, inspire you, and change you.
Har Har Mahadev!