Kailash Yatra for NRI via Nepal 2026

Kailash Yatra for NRI in 2026 is a special package designed for Non-Residential Indian people, which can be categorised into two groups.

• Indian passport holders who are living abroad and
• Foreign passport holders of Indian origin, including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).

This blog will explain the documents needed and the various processes to apply for the visa for NRI to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Pilgrims doing puja near Mansarovar Lake.

Entry rules for Indian Passport Holders and NRIs.

Pilgrims who hold an Indian passport do not need to get visa to enter Nepal. But you ought to have a valid Passport is strongly recommended for air travel. If you are entering by land, a Voter ID is technically acceptable in Nepal. But as you are heading towards Tibet for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you must have a passport valid for at least six months.

Though you are born in India and adopted passport and citizenship of other countries, or you are an OCI, you need to get a visa to enter Nepal.

We have made it easier for you. You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and at the immigration offices at the borders. That distinction shapes the entire border process.

Nepal Visa on Arrival -What Changes for Foreigners and NRI Passport?

If you hold a passport from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or any other foreign country, you need to have a valid passport to get an Arrival Visa at the airport.

Visa on arrival is available in 2026 unless Nepal immigration announces any policy changes. One can get the Standard visa duration as:

• 15 days
• 30 days
• 90 days

For the Kailash Yatra via Nepal, most pilgrims take a visa for 30 days for safety and a buffer.

Visa Requirements for Kailash Yatra for NRI in 2026

Now comes the most asked questions, and where most travellers get confused. You cannot use an existing Chinese visa (if you have one), while entering Tibet from Nepal. Yes, you read it right. Even if you have a multiple-entry China visa, you must get another visa, applied for in a group, to enter Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It means no one is allowed to enter Tibet alone. No solo traveller is permitted to enter Kailash Mansarovar and the entire Tibet.

If you are travelling to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal, using the Gyirong (Kerung) border, you must get, you must apply for:

• A group visa
• A group permit
• Alien Travel Permit

NRI China Group Visa via Kathmandu

The group visa is issued as a single sheet document for the entire group, with the names of all the pilgrims. It replaces any individual China visa temporarily.

What documents do you need to submit for the group visa?

To apply for the group visa, you need to submit the following documents:

• Original passport
• Passport copies, digital and printed
• Passport-sized photos
• Tibet Travel Permit approval copy

But no individual pilgrim is allowed to go or even apply solo. It’s not that simple. Everyone willing to go to Kailash must apply via a registered company in Nepal. This is to ensure the safety of every pilgrim and divide the liability among the concerned agencies rather than increasing the risk to the pilgrims.

Jet lag and buffer Time for NRI

The standard processing time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is generally 3-4 days. You need to arrive 3-4 days before your departure date. You need some time for acclimatisation and a buffer. Also, there could be some jet lag. To understand fully, if you are from America or Canada, read this blog on how to plan a trip from the USA or Canada to avoid jet lag.

Also, note that the visa processing time is affected by the holidays in Nepal and China, as well as the weekends. So, pilgrims always need to plan for some extra days in Kathmandu.

Gyirong Border Crossing: Why It Matters for NRI in 2026?

Gyirong, or Kerung, is the primary border gateway to Tibet. Though there are other borders to enter the Tibetan Land, this is the most popular and preferred border. There is the immigration office at Rasuwagadhi, and there is the Gyirong port on China side, crossing the Bhotekoshi River. There was the Kodari-Tatopani Border along the Araniko Highway before this route became popular.

Rasuwagadhi to Gyirong Border Crossing Process

Now let’s walk through the Rasuwagadhi to Gyirong border crossing process. The border crossings involve some structured processes and might be slow during the season.  Once you cross the Bhotekoishi river, the Emmigration is checking at the border.

#Step 1: Passing the Nepal Border

At the Rasuwagadhi immigration office, your passport is checked and stamped for Nepal Exit. The group members are confirmed, and the baggages are screened. If you are a foreign passport holder, Nepal visa validity is checked before exit. Without the exit stamp from Nepal, you cannot proceed across the bridge.

#Step 2: Crossing the Bridge

Sometimes you are escorted across the friendship bridge. This bridge is a physical transition between the border of Nepal and China. Here, do not try to take any photographs.  Avoid taking photographs around the border, checkpoints and the military area. Remember, your every moves are being monitored across the border.

#Step 3: China/Tibet Entry, via Gyirong Port

At the Gyirong / Kyirong border crossing, your passports (of the group) are collected by the Chinese guide for verification, the China group visa sheet is checked, Biometric or entry verification is conducted, and the entry stamp is issued, but not in your passport.

Here, other things are also verified, such as the medicines you take, whether it has a prescription or not, and if you have any drones or satellite phones.

#Do you know?

The religious materials that you have carried too are checked.  Your phones and electronic gadgets are also checked. So be mindful to store the photos or documents related to some Dharma Gurus of religions. Because the administration comes before your faith in Tibet. So, it’s advised to keep your devices accessible and handy. This is the reality of the experience at Kailash Yatra via the Rasuwagadhi border crossing.

Can You Enter Tibet Solo via Nepal?

No. This is out of question. Solo travelling to Kailash via Nepal is not permitted, whether you are Nepali, NRI or a foreigner. Tibet requires organised group travel; all the travellers applying for the permits and visa in a group, with a licensed operator in Nepal for

1. Tibet Travel Permit
2. Group visa
3. Border clearance
4. Logistics and security

What Happens If Border Route Face Disruption?

Earlier, we discussed that the China border might be closed sometimes due to various reasons such as administrative, political or due to natural causes. You can go through the link to know more about it.

Currency & Practicalities Near the Border

You can pay in cash or transfer money in USD or Nepali in Nepal. But, inside Tibet, locals demand every cash transaction in Chinese Yuan. ATM or credit cards seldom work in Tibet. So it is advised to carry small denominations in cash.

Ultimate Reality Check vs Spirituality

If there are elderly and children in the trip, carry extra photographs, and make sure there is not a single spelling mistake in the form you fill out and your name in the passport. Crossing the Gyirong Border for an NRI from abroad is more administrative than spiritual. The spiritual journey begins only after crossing the border.

Before packing your luggage and heading to Nepal, understand the rules and regulations in Nepal and in Tibet to avoid any errors later and enjoy a stress-free journey. Contact Awesome Holidays Nepal for booking and talk to our representatives.