Departure Date for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026 

We have some good news to share: the Departure Date for Kailash Yatra 2026 has been fixed. As I think of Kailash, I become more impatient to do the Kailash Kora in 2026. This year is the horse year 2026, one of the sacred years in the Tibetan and Chinese calendars that recurs only every 12 years.

Sitting at the Ngari prefecture of the Tibetan Plateau, Mount Kailash is calling you. This year, it is your turn to witness the greatness of the giant itself. Along with thousands of pilgrims, join us on the grand tirtha yatra of Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

As per the Tibetan Calendar, the year 2026 is the year of the horse with the energy of fire. This year, your karma for visiting Kailash and completing the kora will multiply by 12.  The journey is going to be deeper, and the meaning of Kailash stands the highest. Mount Kailash rises like an axis for the universe to balance its geography. Also known as the axis mundi, connects the earth and heaven.

Lake Rakshastal, the twin lake of Mansarovar, lying side by side, balances the energy of nature in the land of Tibet. Every year, pilgrims visit for Kailash darshan, for spiritual cleaning, and to answer their inner voice, no one has ever been able to answer.

Many pilgrims, some professional photographers, come here to get some perfect pictures of their lifetime. Who does not want to get the picture of Mount Kailash being reflected on the calm water of Lake Mansarovar?

This blog will take you on the journey of Mount Kailash, letting you know the Departure Date for Kailash and discussing the Kailash Mansarovar itinerary for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 in the Horse year 2026.

Understanding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 is different to your normal holiday trip. Do not compare this with your usual holiday travel with friends or family. This is the most chosen trip of your lifetime.

Unlike other holiday tours, the Kailash Yatra 2026 is full of heavy spiritual weight, to get connected with the energy of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

This also let you feel the energy of the four Asian rivers originating from Kailash and its surrounding mountains. Touching the cold water from the streams and lakes, it will take you back to the time when the Earth was formed.

Kailash, as described in ancient books and scriptures, is the meditation hub of many saints and siddhas. Completing the outer kora around Kailash brings cosmic momentum and divine travel alignment of these great meditators.

Some of them include Ravan, Rishavdev, Milarepa, and Tönpa Shenrab Miwoche. Mount Kailash is also called the abode of Lord Shiva, as described in the Shiva Purana.

Defining the Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar itinerary usually follows the same route from Kathmandu to Saga via Kyirong, continuing to Darchen, from where the real Kora starts. This is also the popular route among photographers.

Sounds romantic, huh? Travelling through the diverse landscapes of the roads, passing through high passes and crossing the rivers is indeed interesting.

Every day feels new as you cross the forests to the arid plateau of the Tibetan Land. As you ascend higher, be aware and prepare for altitude sickness, because it exists.

Departure Date for Kailash in 2026 opens wide for pilgrims with multiple options for booking dates across April, May, June, July, August, September and even early October.

The weather differs every moment. April and October are colder. May and June are better times to walk in the morning and evenings. July is warmer, but clouds are playing hide and seek. August is peaceful and warm, whereas September is a bit cold again.

Why do these matter?

The weather is vital to cater for your itinerary and plan for your packing lists. We have fixed the date as per the season and festivals in Tibet.

Significance of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake

Mount Kailash is a valuable gem for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers. All of them touch the foot of Kailash with the same faith and devotion. Lake Mansarovar, at an altitude of 4,550 meters, a calm lake known to have been created by Brahma.

Man(ma-n), meaning thought, and Sarovar, meaning lake, signifying the tale that it was created by Brahma when he thought of a lake and came into existence. Lake Mansarovar lies with a vast openness for plagiarism to wash away their sorrows and sins from this life, cleansing them from inside.

Pilgrims touch and wash themselves with the holy water of Mansarovar.

Kailash Kora

For three days, pilgrims walk continuously to complete the 52 km-long outer kora, around Mount Kailash. The trek is tough; crossing the Dolma La pass at 5,630 m above sea level is not as easy as we think. The thin air makes it difficult to breathe, and pilgrims might feel a mild headache and sometimes cannot move forward. So, plan accordingly.

Prepare for emergencies and carry enough oxygen with the team. Determination and a strong will to complete the kora might help a lot. One can witness all the faces of Kailash during Kailash Kora. The North Face of Kailash at Dirapuk, the South Face from Darchen, are the most photogenic faces of Kailash.

When to Arrive in Kathmandu for Yatra 2026

Pilgrims from abroad are recommended to arrive at Kathmandu two days before the departure date. Keeping so many things pending will make you panic and stressed are the last moment. Permits, visa, travel insurance, and a backpack are all to be confirmed at Kathmandu.

After arriving in Kathmandu, we will go for a city tour, travel and worship various Temples in the Kathmandu valley, and get an insight into the life of people.

Submit your passport to your tour operators for the visa application, and you will enjoy the city tour in Kathmandu. Pashupatinath, Bouddha, Swayambhu, Bhaleshwor, and Doleshwor are some of the temples you will visit in Kathmandu.

Departure Date for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Understanding the General Itinerary

The itinerary of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is simple on paper but difficult in real experience.

Days in Kathmandu

Days in Kathmandu focus on briefing, site visit and preparing for the Kailash Mansarovar yatra.

Drive to Kyirong (Kerung)

Your journey starts from Kathmandu to Kerung, the border between China and Nepal. You will acclimatize here to adjust to the thin air in Tibet.

Kyirong to Mansarovar via Saga

The open land, clear and beautiful Landscape of Saga widens. You will be accommodated in Saga and head to Mansarovar the next day. Stay hydrated and eat healthy. A trip to Mansarovar is another emotional day for the pilgrims. You get the first glimpse of Mansarovar and Kailash. Get some photographs for your gallery collection.

Permits Required for Kailash Yatra 2026

• Tibet Travel Permit
• Alien Travel Permit
• Restricted Area Permit

Group visa issued by the Chinese Embassy, only be applied for through a registered tour company in Nepal and Tibet

Your tour operator will handle the documentation processing. Provide them with your photographs, passport and of course, advance payment. Do not panic at the last moment.

Wrapping It Up

For anyone looking for the Departure Date for Kailash in the Horse year 2026, book early so that you will not have to rush in the last hour. It sounds dramatic, but there will be a long queue for the yatra this time.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 will be something unforgettable in your life. As you make the Kailash Kora, do not rush and feel every step you walk in the sacred land of Kailash. Prepare against the thin air by walking every day now.

Do yoga and mild physical exercise daily, preparing for the yatra. May the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026 bring peace and prosperity to you.