Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Route from Uttarakhand ( Guide 2026)

A Complete Guide for Pilgrims

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route from Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred and spiritually significant pilgrimage journeys for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon religion. For Indian pilgrims, Uttarakhand has traditionally served as the main gateway to this divine expedition toward Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.

Most pilgrims begin their journey from Pithoragarh, a Himalayan town strategically located near the borders of Tibet (China) and Nepal. The approximate aerial distance from Pithoragarh to Mount Kailash is 196 km, though the actual travel distance is much longer due to rugged terrain and high-altitude routes.

Overview: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Uttarakhand

The pilgrimage officially starts from Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. From here, pilgrims travel by road to Dharchula, a small town on the Indo-Nepal border. Dharchula acts as the base camp and permit center for the yatra.

• Delhi to Dharchula travel time: ~10–12 hours by road (via Pithoragarh)

• Altitude gain: Gradual but demanding

• Terrain: High mountains, river valleys, and remote Himalayan villages

After completing medical checks and documentation in Dharchula, pilgrims move toward the Indo-Tibet border for further ascent.

Suggested Read – Pithoragarh To Mansarovar: All about the new route

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Cost (Latest Information)

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra cost via this route is approximately:

• ₹1,90,000 per person*

Typical itinerary includes:

• Lucknow (1 Night)

• Nepalgunj (1 Night)

• Purang / Taklakot (2 Nights)

• Lake Mansarovar (1 Night)

• Darchen (1 Night)

• Deraphuk (1 Night)

• Zuthulpuk (1 Night)

• Return via Purang & Lucknow

(*Costs may vary depending on government guidelines, route availability, and batch size.)

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand Route)

One of the most important Kailash Manasarovar Yatra routes from Uttarakhand passes through Lipulekh Pass.

• Total duration: ~24 days

• Cost: Around ₹1.6 lakh per person

• Batches: 18 batches per season

• Pilgrims per batch: ~60

Major highlights on this route:

• Narayan Ashram – spiritual retreat in Kumaon

• Chialekh Valley – pristine Himalayan landscapes

• Patal Bhuvaneshwar

• Om Parvat – natural OM-shaped snow formation

This route is physically demanding but spiritually rewarding, offering deep cultural and mythological significance.

Taklakot to Darchen Route (Tibet Side)

After crossing into Tibet, pilgrims reach Taklakot, also known as Purang. This is the first major town in Tibet where pilgrims rest and acclimatize.

• Taklakot to Darchen distance: 102 km

• Road condition: Modern motorable road

• Travel time: ~1 hour

On this route, pilgrims witness:

• Rakshastal – a mystical lake associated with legends

• Lake Mansarovar – pure freshwater lake where pilgrims bathe and collect holy water

From Mansarovar, pilgrims enjoy a breathtaking first view of Mount Kailash.

Parikrama of Kailash Manasarovar (Kailash Kora)

The core purpose of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is performing the parikrama (kora) around Mount Kailash.

• Total distance: 52 km

• Duration: 3 days

• Mode: On foot, pony, or yak

The parikrama begins at Yama Dwar (known locally as Tarboche), symbolizing the gateway of death before reaching the divine abode of Lord Shiva.

Due to extreme altitude, weather changes, and physical strain, some pilgrims return after visiting Yama Dwar, while others complete the full circumambulation.

Challenges & Spiritual Significance

• High altitude (above 5,000 meters at Dolma La Pass)

• Unpredictable weather

• Limited oxygen levels

• Physically and mentally demanding trek

Despite these challenges, devotees believe the yatra cleanses sins, grants spiritual liberation, and brings inner peace.

Conclusion

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route from Uttarakhand is not just a pilgrimage—it is a life-changing spiritual journey. Starting from Pithoragarh and Dharchula, crossing sacred Himalayan passes, and finally reaching Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, the journey tests endurance while rewarding pilgrims with deep spiritual fulfillment.

Though challenging, the experience leaves an everlasting imprint on the soul, making it one of the most revered yatras in the world.