How to Travel from UK to Kathmandu/Kerung/Lhasa for Kailash Yatra 2026
Kailash Yatra 2026 will not be only a usual long-distance travel.
It is an act of faith, crossing boundaries, mountains, and inner thresholds.
Each year, believers from the UK find themselves attracted to Mountain Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which is said to be the heavenly dwelling place of Lord Shiva. The reason for starting this pilgrimage may differ from person to person, but once the decision is made, there is no hesitation—only certainty:
What does it entail to travel with you from the UK to Kailash Mansarovar?
This guide helps you decipher the routes, flights, and permits and becomes your logistics guide, because this book and this guide will help you understand routes, flights, and permits better and will assist you in planning your travels.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Kailash Yatra Routes from the UK
The pilgrims who are traveling from the UK, the Kailash Yatra 2026 usually entry through one of two gateways:
Route 1: UK → Kathmandu → Kerung → Kailash
Most time this route is used for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Preferred by pilgrims joining group tours
- Balanced altitude gain for safer acclimatisation
- Lower overall Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost
- Ideal for firsttime pilgrims
Route 2: UK → Lhasa → Kailash
This route starts directly in Tibet.
- Offers scenic flights over the Tibetan Plateau
- Includes acclimatisation days in Lhasa
- Slightly higher Kailash Yatra cost
- Picked by many for a gentler spiritual transition.
At the end, both routes are connect together near the Mansarovar Lake and then heading towords Mount Kailash.
Step 1: Travelling from the UK to Kathmandu
travelling from the UK to Kathmandu? Note that there’s no direct flights available; however, you have other options that will connect you to your destination with little fuss and hassle.
Flight options from the UK to Kathmandu include:
- London → Doha → Kathmandu
- London → Dubai → Kathmandu
- London → Istanbul → Kathmandu
- Manchester → Delhi → Kathmandu
Average travel time is between 12 and 16 hours, depending on your stopovers.
You will be arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport
Kailash Yatra packages typically include a stopover in Kathmandu for approximately 2 to 3 days; during this time frame, you will be given the opportunity to:
- Process permits for Kailash Yatra
- Receive some form of health briefing
- Take in a couple of attractions (light sightseeing)
- Make the mental and physical preparations necessary to complete the journey
- Your time spent in Kathmandu should put your mind at more ease, prior to the altitude related aspects of the journey.
Step 2: Kathmandu to Kerung (Tibet Border Route)
Once permits are cleared, the journey moves overland toward Tibet.
- Kathmandu → Kerung Route
Distance: 150 km approximately (~ 93 miles), and will take approximately 6–7 hours.
Cross the boundary: Cross the border from the Rasuwagadhi international border (in Nepal) into the city of Kerung (in Tibet).
Travelers are introduced to the magnificence of the varying terrains across the Himalaya foothills to the vast and barren landscape of Tibet during this journey through Tibet via Land. When travelers first enter Tibet they will begin the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
These are the customary overland routes from Nepal into Tibet and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra:
Kerung > Saga > Lake Mansarovar > Darchen (the base of Mount Kailash).
Step 3: Travelling from the UK to Lhasa (Alternate Route)
Some pilgrims prefer to begin their journey directly in Tibet.
Since direct UK–Lhasa flights don’t exist, connections pass through major Chinese cities.
Flight Routes to Lhasa
- London → Chengdu → Lhasa
- London → Beijing → Lhasa
- London → Guangzhou → Lhasa
The traditional route from Lhasa to Kailash is Lhasa > Shigatse > Saga > Mansarovar > Darchen, which involves a slightly increased expense in terms of the Kailash pilgrimage; however, a majority of pilgrims have stated that being able to acclimatize to higher altitudes while on the way to Kailash is helpful.
Step 4: Required Permits and Visas
Traveling to Tibet and Kailash Mansarovar involves multiple permissions. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Document | Issued By | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| UK Passport (valid for 6 months) | UK Government | International travel |
| Chinese Group Visa | Chinese Embassy (via authorized travel agency) | Entry into Tibet |
| Tibet Travel Permit | Tibet Tourism Bureau | Required to enter and travel within Tibet |
| Alien Travel Permit | Local Tibet authorities | For travel to restricted zones like Mansarovar |
| Health Certificate | From Nepal or UK doctor | Recommended before Yatra |
Note: All permits are handled by your tour operator—this is one reason choosing the right agency matters.
You must book a Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage through an authorized tour operator like Kailash Pilgrim… Because Mount Kailash cannot be visited without using an authorized tour operator’s services.
Sample Kailash Yatra Itinerary from the UK (10 Days)
Day 1: Depart from London – Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Rest and sightseeing in Kathmandu; visa processing
Day 3: Drive to Syabrubesi (near Tibet border)
Day 4: Cross border into Kerung (Tibet)
Day 5: Drive to Saga for acclimatization
Day 6: Drive to Lake Mansarovar—perform rituals
Day 7: Drive to Darchen (base for Mount Kailash)
Day 8–9: Begin 3-day Mount Kailash Parikrama (trek)
Day 10: Return to Kerung – Kathmandu – Fly back to the UK
Many operators add buffer days, which slightly increase the Kailash Yatra cost but significantly improve safety.
Best Time to Travel for Kailash Yatra 2026
The best season to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is between May and September, when the weather is relatively pleasant and mountain passes are open.
| Month | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| May–June | Clear skies, mild temperature | Ideal for first-timers |
| July–August | Occasional rain, lush scenery | Suitable for experienced trekkers |
| September | Calm weather, fewer crowds | Perfect for peaceful travel |
Winter months are avoided due to heavy snowfall and route closures.
Kailash Yatra 2026: Cost Considerations for UK Pilgrims
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra lowest cost usually applies to group tours via Nepal.
Cost depends on:
- Kailash Mansarovar Route (Kathmandu or Lhasa)
- Group size
- Accommodation standard
- Duration
A reliable Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package includes:
- Transport in Nepal & Tibet
- Accommodation and meals
- Permits and visas
- Guides and medical support
Flights, insurance, and personal expenses are usually extra.
Health, Fitness & Acclimatisation Advice
Even fit travellers from the UK must respect altitude. Prepare by:
- Cardiac Preparation (2-3 Month)
- Medical exam (heart/lungs)
- Pack thermal clothing, Derek, shoes, sunglasses
- Keep hydrated and be alert to symptoms
Preparing well reduces risk and promotes safe travel.
Why Kailash Yatra Is More Than Logistics
Mount Kailash, though primarily focalized within the logistical aspect, is actually also sacred to four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon (the religion indigenous to Tibet).
For those journeying by foot on “parikrama” (round about journey) of the mountain, it is assumed that they will achieve the purging of their karma and clarity (i.e., seeing with “spiritual eyes”).
While a number of those who completed the pilgrimage typically perceive their journey as humbling, they typically are not fatigued afterwards.
The landscape enables a stripping of all distractions from life and keeps one’s faith intact.
Conclusion
Preparation is important for the Mount Kailash Yatra 2026.
The Kailash Yatra 2026 is not about getting to one point as fast as possible, but rather a deliberate movement—both outwards and inwards.
With adequate planning, route, and guidance, it is possible to make your journey from the UK to Kailash meaningful and achievable.
About Kailash Pilgrim
For devotees living abroad, faith doesn’t fade with distance.
Kailash Pilgrim is founded to help pilgrims from the UK, Australia, the USA, and beyond answer the call of Kailash safely and spiritually—guided by Shalini Patel, an 18-time Kailash Mansarovar Yatri.
From permits to parikrama, every step is handled with care, discipline, and devotion.
Your journey to the abode of Lord Shiva doesn’t begin at Kailash.
It begins with the right guidance.
Your faith is calling. Let’s answer it together.
Contact Us:
📞 Contact us: +977-9761077502
📍 Australia: +61 424 388 831
✉️ Email: kailashpilgrim2025@gmail.com
Your Kailash journey starts here—with KailashPilgrim.com.