Mansarovar is a sacred lake located near Mount Kailash in the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to the India-China border. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for many Indian travelers, especially those undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major starting point for this journey due to its connectivity and facilities.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Delhi to Mansarovar, including trains, buses, self-drive, and flights. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to travel to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage.

Getting from Delhi to Mansarovar – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi towards Mansarovar is popular for reaching key transit points like New Delhi to Delhi Junction and onward to border towns. While there is no direct train to Mansarovar, trains help cover major parts of the journey comfortably.

• Take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, which are major gateways towards the northeast and closer to the India-Tibet border. The journey takes approximately 24 to 30 hours covering around 1500 km, with fares ranging from ₹700 to ₹2500 depending on class.

• From Siliguri, you can take local transport or buses towards the border towns like Nathu La or Lipulekh, which are entry points for the Mansarovar Yatra. Train connectivity beyond Siliguri is limited, so plan accordingly.

• Trains are generally comfortable with sleeper and AC coaches, but booking through IRCTC well in advance is essential due to high demand during pilgrimage seasons.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides in the northeastern regions, so check weather updates before booking.

• Food options on trains vary, with pantry cars available on most long-distance trains, but carrying snacks is advisable for remote stretches.

Bus

Buses are a common choice for pilgrims traveling from Delhi to border towns near Mansarovar. State transport and private operators run regular services, especially during the yatra season.

• MSRTC and other state transport buses operate from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to towns like Haldwani, Pithoragarh, and Dharchula, which are closer to the India-Tibet border. The bus journey can take 24 to 30 hours depending on the route and traffic.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort and fewer stops but are costlier, with fares ranging from ₹1000 to ₹2000 for long-distance trips.

• During peak pilgrimage months (May to September), buses can get crowded, so booking tickets early online or at the bus depot is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH9 and NH309 can be challenging during monsoon due to landslides and fog, causing delays and requiring cautious driving.

• Frequent stops for refreshments and rest are available at highway dhabas and government rest houses, but carrying water and light snacks is advisable for long stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mansarovar is an adventurous option for experienced drivers who want flexibility and control over their schedule. The route covers diverse terrain and requires careful planning.

• The approximate driving distance from Delhi to Lipulekh Pass, the Indian border point for Mansarovar, is about 1200 km, taking 24 to 30 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The most common route follows NH9 via Hapur, Rudrapur, and Pithoragarh, passing through scenic but mountainous terrain requiring careful navigation.

• Toll plazas are present on NH9 and other highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage. Expect toll charges totaling around ₹500 to ₹800.

• Fuel stations are available along the route, but some stretches near the border have limited options, so refuel in major towns like Haldwani and Pithoragarh.

• During monsoon, landslides and slippery roads can pose risks, so check weather and road conditions before starting the journey.

• Local permits may be required for border areas; ensure you have all necessary documents and permissions before driving close to Mansarovar.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the initial part of the journey from Delhi to closer airports, but no direct flights reach Mansarovar. Flights help reduce travel time to gateway cities.

• Fly from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport to the Mansarovar route, located about 200 km from the border area. Flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

• From Pantnagar, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach towns like Pithoragarh or Dharchula, which are staging points for the yatra.

• Flight fares range from ₹2500 to ₹5000 depending on the airline and booking time. Booking early can secure better prices.

• Flights can be affected by fog and weather conditions in winter months, causing delays or cancellations, so monitor weather forecasts closely.

• Domestic airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate regular flights on this route, with multiple daily options during peak seasons.

• Airport facilities at Pantnagar are basic, so plan onward travel carefully and arrange transport in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Mansarovar. It covers key steps to prepare and execute the journey smoothly while considering Indian travel realities.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats during the pilgrimage season. Early booking helps avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Pack light but include essential items like warm clothes, medicines, and permits required for border travel. Weather near Mansarovar can be cold even in summer.

• Travel from Delhi to Pantnagar by flight or to Siliguri by train, depending on your chosen route. Both options reduce road travel time significantly.

• Arrange local transport from Pantnagar or Siliguri to Pithoragarh or Dharchula. Pre-book taxis or check bus schedules at the airport or railway station to avoid waiting.

• From Pithoragarh or Dharchula, join organized yatra groups or hire local guides to cross the border safely and comply with permit requirements. Solo travel in this region is not recommended.

• Stay hydrated and take rest breaks during long road journeys. Use highway dhabas and government rest stops for meals and refreshment to maintain energy levels.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid government ID and yatra permits at all times, as security checks are frequent near border areas and checkpoints.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses common in remote regions. Carry reusable water bottles to refill at safe points.

• Book tickets through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats, especially during peak pilgrimage months.

• Use local transport apps like Ola or Uber where available in towns like Haldwani and Pithoragarh for safe and reliable last-mile connectivity.

• Pack luggage in waterproof bags as monsoon rains can soak belongings during road travel. Keep important documents in a separate waterproof pouch.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially fog and rain, which can delay travel. Carry a flashlight and extra batteries for emergencies during night travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Mansarovar is during the summer months from May to September when the weather is relatively mild and roads are mostly clear. Winter months bring heavy snow and road closures.

Monsoon season can cause landslides and slippery roads, especially in the mountainous regions near the border, so extra caution is needed. Early morning departures help avoid fog and traffic delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded, and prices surge.

• Monsoon rains from July to September can disrupt road travel with landslides and flooding on NH9 and NH309.

• Winter months from November to February bring heavy snowfall near Mansarovar, closing border passes and making travel impossible.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Delhi and reach border towns before dusk, ensuring safer travel on mountain roads.

Arrival at Mansarovar & What to Expect

Upon arrival near Mansarovar, you will experience a remote and spiritual environment with limited facilities. Local transport options include shared taxis, jeeps, and organized yatra vehicles that take you closer to the lake and pilgrimage sites.

Accommodation is basic and mostly arranged through yatra organizers. Staying in nearby towns like Dharchula or Pithoragarh before crossing the border is common. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare, so negotiate fares carefully with local drivers.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mansarovar from Delhi combines a flight to Pantnagar or a train to Siliguri, followed by road travel to border towns. This approach balances speed, comfort, and safety, especially during the pilgrimage season.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, arranging local transport, and preparing for weather challenges will help you undertake this sacred journey with confidence. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from Delhi to Mansarovar.