(You can read more useful information for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in FAQ section)
Based on the challenges involved in traveling to Mount Kailash in Tibet and our past experiences, we are listing some important points for you. Read them carefully. If you find yourself eligible, we welcome you on a journey to Kailash Mansarovar.
General
Any person with a valid passport, age not more than 70 years (in some cases, travelers up to 75 years are also considered with strict conditions by Chinese authorities), maintaining good health, and declared fit by a qualified doctor can take a tour to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The trip goes through India, Nepal, and Tibet entry points with a pre-organized group of travelers.
Recently, authorities informed that a person above 70 years of age, declared fit by a qualified doctor, can also apply for permits and visa to visit Kailash Mansarovar. However, this comes with conditions enforced by Chinese authorities. The authorities may accept applications for such elderly persons only if:
- He/she has gone through all necessary medical tests and obtained NOC from his/her doctor
- He/she is accompanied by family members (blood relation only) on this trip
- He/she agrees to deposit US$1000 upfront to Chinese authorities as ‘refundable’ security deposit for any medical emergency while in Tibet
We recommend that elderly travelers go through all necessary medical checks before making a booking and before going on the trip. As per rules by Tibetan authorities, persons aged 60 years and above cannot do Mt. Kailash parikrama. The decision for issuing permits and allowing parikrama of Mount Kailash lies with the concerned authorities/officers at Lhasa and Darchen.
Age
Travelers between 12 years to 70 years of age can apply for entry permission to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. These places are in the restricted areas of TAR (Tibetan Autonomous Region). Travelers below 12 years and above 70 years of age can travel under strict restrictions imposed by Tibetan authorities. For such travelers, family members must accompany them on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Physical Fitness
Kailash Mansarovar trips happen at high altitudes above 18,600 ft. The terrain of Tibetan Autonomous Region is extremely difficult. Weather conditions are very challenging. Tourism facilities are limited. A person planning to join this trip should consult with a qualified doctor. Make sure you are healthy enough to do this trip.
No matter your age or how fit you look, a trip to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is challenging for everyone. If you have health issues, get yourself examined. Book your travel to Kailash Mansarovar only after receiving clearance from your doctor.
Even during travel, if someone faces minor health issues due to high altitude sickness, they should rest properly. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. If the health issue continues, consult with the tour guide immediately. Follow the guide’s instructions. Do not put yourself at risk by continuing the trip if the tour guide does not permit you due to health issues.
Medical Background
You must not hide your medical background from the tour booking agent and doctors to get permission to visit Kailash Mansarovar. If you have medical issues related to lung problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart problems like cardiovascular disease and heart attack, inform this. Go through all necessary medical checks before making your travel plans to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Do not put your life at risk.
Mental Health
A pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar is mainly done for inner peace and a happy life ahead. Kailash Mansarovar is a very high energy region. Unexpected things happen here. Not only before travel but also during the pilgrimage, travelers must take care of their mental health. Focus on gaining inner peace. This is important for this trip and is also one of the top purposes for travelers visiting this holy land.
Financial Aspect
Trips to Kailash Mansarovar are expensive. They involve big money to get necessary travel permissions and organize food and other logistics in that remote area. Apart from the tour package cost, there are several other expenses. These include flight tickets, insurance, mule and porter charges, personal expenses during travel, medical expenses if you get sick, extra costs for food and hotel caused by sudden changes during travel due to sickness or other reasons, and emergency evacuation.
Emergency medical expenses and evacuation charges depend on each case. If they occur, they can cost much more than expected. Keep this in mind while booking a trip to Kailash Mansarovar.
Acceptance to Risks Involved
Other than all eligibility requirements for Kailash Mansarovar travel, you must also read carefully, understand, and accept the Booking & Cancellation Policy and Terms of Services set by the company. This is a challenging and risky travel at high altitude. Financial and personal risks are involved in trip bookings. Book yourself only when you have completely understood this and want to proceed on your own free will and risk. If you feel you cannot accept any booking or service term of the company, avoid booking a trip. When you book a trip with Max Holidays, you automatically confirm your complete acceptance of the same.
Attention: These trips are totally based on policies and rules imposed by the local government in the land of travel. Tibetan Government/Authorities policies change very frequently. We recommend checking updates on the above information. Weather also plays a big role in these trips, especially in helicopter trips. Short and long delays, last-minute changes, postponement, or cancellation of the trip (partially or completely) are very common and well-known facts of these trips. For more information, please read our Booking Policy and FAQs.
