Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is spectacular, yes. But its logistics have the chaotic charm of Indian train ticketing before IRCTC cleaned up.

Fear not. Here’s the Beyonder guide. First, a quick summary of the routes and choices that you have. Then we will go into details of each of these…

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra — Routes, Maps & The All-Important “Which One Is Right for Me?” Guide

For a journey so ancient, Kailash surprisingly offers modern choices.
>You can trek.
>You can drive.
>You can helicopter your way in like a Himalayan VIP.
>You can even choose whether you want culture, comfort, speed… or story.

Here’s the definitive Beyonder guide to every route — explained simply, without the usual jargon.

THE THREE MAIN ROUTES TO KAILASH

There are only three real highways into the sacred Himalaya:

1️⃣ The Helicopter Route (via Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa)
2️⃣ The Overland Route (via Kathmandu–Kerung–Saga–Darchen)
3️⃣ The Lhasa Route (China internal flight → Western Tibet drive)

Each one has its own flavour, altitude curve, landscape personality, and bragging rights.

Let’s break them down.

ROUTE 1 — THE HELICOPTER ROUTE

(Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Purang → Mansarovar)

Duration: 8–10 days

Best for:

• Seniors
• Low-fitness travellers
• Darshan-only pilgrims
• People with limited time
• Anyone who thinks trekking is a form of punishment

Route Experience Summary

• Fly Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
• Small mountain flight to Simikot
• Helicopter to Hilsa
• Walk across the border bridge
• Enter Tibet at Purang
• Take bus to Mansarovar
• Continue to Darchen for Kailash

Why people choose this route:

• Shortest journey
• Easy on the legs
• Best for senior citizens
• Most predictable weather windows
• You get all the blessings with minimal physical effort

Downside:

• Mountain flights sometimes run on “cosmic timing.”

ROUTE 2 — THE OVERLAND ROUTE

(Kathmandu → Kerung → Saga → Mansarovar → Darchen)

Duration: 12–14 days

Best for:

• Groups
• Slow travellers
• Someone who loves road trips
• People who need proper acclimatization
• Those who like landscapes that blow a hole in their imagination

Route Experience Summary

• Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (border)
• Enter Tibet
• Continue to Saga
• Drive across the grand emptiness of Western Tibet
• Reach Mansarovar
• Continue to Darchen

Why people choose this route:

• Best acclimatization curve
• Stunning mountain geography
• Fewer flights/helicopters = lower uncertainty
• Culturally rich: Tibetan towns, monasteries, high plateau life
• Great for first-timers and photography lovers

Downside:

• Long drives. But beautiful ones.

ROUTE 3 — THE LHASA ROUTE

(Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Mansarovar → Darchen)

Duration: 14–16 days

Best for:

• Culture buffs
• History lovers
• Photographers
• Luxury travelers who want comfort + meaning
• Anyone who wants a “Tibet first, Kailash next” experience

Route Experience Summary

You spend:

• 1–2 days in Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang, Sera Monastery)
• Drive to Shigatse
• Cross the dramatic Tibetan hinterlands
• Reach Mansarovar
• Proceed to Darchen

Why people choose this route:

• Most scenic landscapes
• Deep Tibetan cultural immersion
• Best acclimatization
• Good hotels
• Slow, soulful entrance into the Kailash zone

Downside:

• Most expensive.

WHICH ROUTE SHOULD YOU PICK?

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHOSEN ROUTE

If you’re taking the HELI ROUTE:

• Prepare for sudden altitude jump
• Walk 45–60 minutes daily beforehand
• Pack light (8–10 kg for helicopter)
• Carry backup power banks
• Avoid heavy meals before Simikot flight
• Keep warm layers easily accessible

Taking the OVERLAND ROUTE?

• Prepare for long road hours
• Carry snacks, electrolytes, stomach meds
• Use masks or buffs for dust
• Charge camera batteries nightly (cold drains fast)
• Hydrate aggressively

For the LHASA ROUTE:

• Pack respectful clothes for temples
• Keep camera gear ready (landscapes = insane)
• Carry both RMB and cards
• Read up a bit on Tibetan Buddhism — adds depth
• Enjoy the slow acclimatization

Summary

Many paths lead to Kailash.

Some are fast,
some are poetic,
some are scenic,
some are senior-friendly,
and some sit at the intersection of effort and awe.

Pick the one that feels like your inner compass is pulling you toward it.

Because ultimately, in a journey like this…
the route chooses the pilgrim as much as the pilgrim chooses the route.

Here is some more information on the journey to Kailash-Manasarovar: Where Heaven Keeps Its Address Public

Beyonder Travel