Mount Kailash is a sacred peak located in the remote western part of Tibet, near the borders of India, Nepal, and China. It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, attracting thousands of travelers every year.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Mount Kailash from India, covering transport options, travel plans, and practical tips. You will learn how to prepare for this challenging journey, including permits, routes, and local conditions.

Getting from India to Mount Kailash – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for reaching the nearest Indian railway stations before continuing by road. It is popular for budget travelers who want a comfortable start to their journey.

• The closest major railway stations to Mount Kailash are New Delhi Railway Station and Lucknow Railway Station, connecting to cities like Kathgodam and Siliguri for onward travel to Nepal or Sikkim border points.

• From New Delhi or Lucknow, trains to Kathgodam or Siliguri take approximately 8 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from INR 300 to INR 1500 depending on class and train type.

• Train services are frequent but can be crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and summer vacations, so booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is essential.

• Stations like Kathgodam and Siliguri offer good facilities for rest and local transport connections to border towns like Nathu La or Sikkim for further travel towards Tibet.

Bus

Buses are a common choice for budget travelers moving from Indian border towns to Tibet or Nepal, though the journey can be long and physically demanding.

• State transport buses run from towns like Dharchula and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) towards the India-Tibet border, with travel times of 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions and weather.

• Private and shared taxis operate from border towns to pilgrimage base camps like Darchen in Tibet, but require valid permits and can be costly, ranging from INR 3000 to INR 6000 per person.

• Bus routes pass through mountainous terrain on NH9 and NH309, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering basic food and tea stalls.

• During monsoon season, landslides and roadblocks can cause delays, so travelers should check weather updates and bus schedules carefully before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Mount Kailash is an option for experienced drivers who want flexibility and control over their schedule. It is popular among groups and adventure travelers.

• The route from Delhi or Lucknow to the India-Tibet border covers approximately 1200 to 1500 km, mostly via NH9 and NH309, with an estimated driving time of 30 to 40 hours spread over 3 to 4 days.

• Driving through Uttarakhand’s mountainous roads requires caution, especially near border areas like Lipulekh Pass, which is accessible only during certain months due to snow and weather conditions.

• Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route, but remote stretches require carrying extra fuel and emergency supplies.

• Permits for entering Tibet must be arranged in advance through authorized travel agencies, and Indian drivers need to comply with border security regulations and vehicle inspections.

Flight

Flights are useful for reaching the nearest airports in India or Nepal before continuing by road to Mount Kailash. This saves time on long train or bus journeys.

• The closest Indian airports are Pantnagar Airport (Uttarakhand) and Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal), with flights from Delhi and other major cities taking 1 to 3 hours.

• From these airports, travelers take taxis or buses to border towns like Dharchula or Nathu La, which are 6 to 12 hours away by road.

• International flights to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, are also an option, followed by a road journey through Nepal’s northern border to Tibet.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on season and booking time, ranging from INR 2000 to INR 8000 for domestic flights, and INR 8000 to INR 15000 for international flights to Nepal.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers to Mount Kailash, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats during peak pilgrimage seasons and avoid last-minute price surges.

• Arrange the necessary Tibet Travel Permit and Alien Travel Permit through a registered travel agency, as these are mandatory for foreign and Indian travelers entering Tibet.

• Travel by train or flight to the nearest Indian border town such as Dharchula or Nathu La, ensuring you carry valid ID and travel documents for border checks.

• Hire a local taxi or join a shared vehicle from the border town to the Tibetan side, heading towards Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash, while confirming vehicle permits and driver credentials.

• Acclimatize at Darchen for a day or two to adjust to the high altitude before starting the Kailash Parikrama trek, which usually takes 3 to 4 days.

• Carry sufficient cash in local currency (Chinese Yuan) as ATMs are scarce, and pack essential medicines for altitude sickness and cold weather conditions.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach infections, as hygiene standards vary in remote areas near Mount Kailash.

• Book all permits and travel arrangements at least 2 months in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage months from May to September, to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available in Indian towns, but rely on local taxis near the border as app services are limited.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, rain gear, and sturdy trekking shoes, as weather can change rapidly in the Himalayas.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness symptoms; carry Diamox or consult a doctor before the trip, and avoid alcohol during acclimatization days.

• Respect local customs and religious sentiments around Mount Kailash, and avoid littering or disturbing the natural environment during your visit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mount Kailash is during the summer months from May to September when the weather is milder and roads are mostly open. Winter months bring heavy snow and road closures.

Monsoon rains from July to August can cause landslides and slippery roads, so travelers should monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi, as transport services are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams and allow more daylight for long road journeys through mountainous terrain.

• Fog and low visibility are common in late autumn and winter mornings, so plan travel during midday hours for safer driving conditions.

• Peak pilgrimage season from June to August sees more crowding at base camps and limited accommodation, so book stays well in advance.

Arrival at Mount Kailash & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Darchen, the main base camp for Mount Kailash, you will find basic guesthouses, small shops, and local eateries catering to pilgrims. The area is quiet and spiritually significant, with limited modern amenities.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and porters for carrying luggage during the Kailash Parikrama trek. Prepaid taxis are rare, so negotiate fares in advance. Most travelers stay in Darchen or nearby villages before starting the trek.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mount Kailash from India combines train or flight travel to border towns, followed by road transport into Tibet with proper permits. Planning ahead for permits, transport, and acclimatization is key to a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage.

By following this guide’s practical steps and tips, you can confidently prepare for the journey to Mount Kailash. With patience and respect for local conditions, this sacred destination can be reached smoothly, offering a unique spiritual and adventure experience.