Kailash Yatra Difficulty for Senior Citizens

Kailash Yatra difficulty for senior citizens can be moderate to high, mainly due to the high altitude, extreme weather conditions, long trekking distances, and limited medical facilities.The Kailash Manasarovar yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for hindus and holds deep spiritual importance for buddhists, jains and followers of the Bon religion. For hindus, Mount Kailash is believed to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva, and completing the parikrama is considered a path to spiritual liberation and purification of the karma.

Traditionally, the kailash yatra takes 14 to 15 days, including travel, acclimatization, ritual and the sacred parikrama around Mount Kailash. For the senior citizens, especially the devotees, this journey is less about the speed and more about the devotion, preparation and mindful pacing.

Historically the Kailash Yatra has been mentioned in ancient hindu scriptures such as the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana and pilgrims have been traveling to this sacred region for thousands of years. Certain years in the Tibetan Calendar, such as the Horse Year, are considered especially auspicious, during which performing the parikrama is believed to multiply the spiritual merit many times compared to a regular year.

The Kailash Yatra typically takes around fourteen to fifteen days to complete, including travel, acclimatization, religious ritial and three-day parikrama around the mount Kailash. The journey begins in Kathmandu, located at an altitude of approximately 1300m where pilgrims arrive and rest after their international travel. Then you will visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, where puja will be arranged for our successful kailash yatra .

It will also allow the senior devotees to offer prayer and participate in traditional puja before proceeding further. Additional spiritual visits would be for the Narayathan and Swayambhunath temples. Then in the afternoon you will have the trip description day, where we will take you through the day-to-day process of how the things will be done and what will happen like that. At last we will conclude the orientation by distributing the duffle bag, down jackets and hat. The fourth day involves a scenic drive to Timure via syabrubesu which will be followed by the border crossing into Tibet on the fifth day and a gradual drive to kyring village which allows the body to adjust to the higher altitude.

From kyiring the journey continues to then onward to lake Manasarovar where pilgrims will perform the morning puja and experience the spiritual serenity of the sacred lake. The drive to Darchen marks the beginning of the parikrama stage of the yatra. After completing the parikrama, pilgrims will return to the kathmandu via Saga and kyring with an additional reserve day included for safety and rest before the departure.

Difficulty during the kailash Parikrama

Day 1: Darchen to Yamdwar and Dirapuk

Distance: Approx. 20 km
Altitude: around 4,700m
Difficulty level: Moderate
Horse facility available

The first day of the kailash parikrama begins with the drive from Darchen to Yamdwar, the official starting point of the circumambulation, before continuing to Dirapuk Monastery. As the official parikrama starts today, please note that form yamdwar you will get your horse and horsemen if you have booked one, you will get your assignment, and the process of assigning is made from the lucky draw, so please wait for your time. For those who have decided to walk inthe meantime they can process the parikrama .

This day involves a gradual ascent and is generally manageable for the senior citizens who walk at a slow and steady pace. The path is wide and well-defined, allowing the pilgrims to move comfortably without sudden steep climbs. Although the distance is long, the terrain is relatively gentle compared to the following days. Senior pilgrims may feel mild fatigue due to the altitude but please take the frequent rest breaks and proper hydration to make this day achievable. Don’t get overwhelmed by the first day of parikrama and walk fast and exhaust yourself. From the Dirpuk, Mount Kailash is straight so you will get the stunning view.

Day 2: Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass and Zutulpuk

Distance: Approx. 22 km
Time: 9-10 hrs
Highest point: Dolma La Pass (5,630m)
Difficulty Level: Challenging

The second day of the parikrama is the most difficult and physically demanding part of the kailash Yatra. Pilgrims trek from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk while crossing the Dolma La Pass, which is the highest point of the entire journey. Due to the extremely low oxygen level, this stretch is physically demanding, especially for the senior citizens. From Dolma La Pass, pilgrims descend towards Phedi. This descent is very steep and horses cannot safely move on this section, so everyone must walk for about five kilometers. This part requires slow and careful walking. After reaching Phedi, horses are available again and pilgrims continue towards Zutulpuk, covering another eleven to twelve kilometers. Zutulpuk is situated at an altitude of around 4,700m and accommodation here is again in simple guesthouses similar to Dirapuk.

Day 3: Zutulpuk to Darchen

Distance: Approx. 12-14 km
Time: 4-5 hrs
Terrain: Mostly downhill
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

The third and final day of the kailash parikrama is comparatively easier and shorter. The walk from Zutulpuk back to Darchen is mostly downhill, which reduces physical effort and allows senior pilgrims to walk more comfortably. You don’t have to directly walk to Darchen from the point you will get the bus to reach the darchen. Although some sections remain rocky, the overall terrain is less demanding than the previous days. This day is often filled with emotional relief and spiritual satisfaction as pilgrims complete the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash.Most senior citizens are able to complete this day without difficulty; either on foot or with optional horse support, the parikrama comes to a peaceful and fulfilling conclusion.

Altitude and Risk of Altitude Sickness

Altitude is one of the most important factors affecting the difficulty level of the Kailash Yatra, especially for the senior citizens. The journey begins in Kathmandu at an altitude of about 1300m and gradually ascends to over 4000m in regions such as Saga, Lake Mansarivar and Darchen. The highest point of the yatra is the Dolma La Pass at 5,630m where oxygen levels are nearly 40 percent lower than at sea level. At such heights senior pilgrims may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, disturbed sleep or mild nausea. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with proper acclimatization slow movement adequate hydration and sufficient rest.

To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, the itinerary follows the kyirong route which allows the gradual altitude gain and gives the body enough time to adjust . Senior citizens are strongly advised to walk slowly, avoid sudden exertion, drink plenty of warm water fluids and listen carefully to their body. We will carry one oxygen cylinder, which is for emergency use throughout the journey you can buy your small portable type in the saga or Darchen, which will always be by your side. We also check your daily oxygen and pulse level and keep the record of it so we can know about the health condition of our pilgrims.

Food and Accommodation during the Yatra

Our 16 days package of Kailash Yatra includes the Food and Accommodation thorough the tour. We will provide you 3 times vegetarian meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). While you are staying in Kathmandu, you will have them in your hotel. However, during your kailash yatra we will have a cook team who will prepare the vegetarian meals. Our cook team provides pure vegetarian freshly prepared and designed to be easy on digestion, which is important at high altitudes where appetite and metabolism may be affected.

Warm meals, soups tea, and boiled water will be served; they will cook continental as well as indian food . If you have an allergy to anything, please make sure you inform them, as we would not know about you until you say so. While on the parikrama, you can also carry your own energy bar, nuts, etc., so that it will help you maintain your energy.

Accommodation varies along the route. In Kathmandu, pilgrims will stay in the comfortable hotel with the modern amenities while in Tibet, lodges and guesthouses are used. Although facilities in remote areas are basic, special attention is given to the cleanliness, warm bedding and heating whenever possible. You will have a comfortable stay in a hotel during the yatra; however, in the 3 days of parikrama, you will stay at the guesthouse.

Note that the parikrama areas and Mansarovar lake area are sacred area which is protected so the government does not allow many buildings to be built. so while doing the parikrama prepare yourself mentally that you will be staying in guesthouse where 3 or 4 people have to share the same room but the bed will be given separately.

Horse facility during the Parikrama

For the senior citizens, horses are very helpful support during the Kailash Parikrama. The three-day trek around Mount Kailash involves walking long distances on uneven and rocky paths. The second day crossing the Dolma La Pass at 5,630 m is the hardest because of the steep climb, think air and cold weather. Riding a horse makes this journey much easier, reduces tiredness and helps the seniors complete the trek safely.

Experienced local guides handle the horses and assist pilgrims throughout the parikrama. Using a horse allows elderly travelers to conserve energy avoid the overexertion and focus on the spiritual experience. Many senior pilgrims find the horse riding makes the yatra comfortable and enjoyable, allowing them to take part fully in the sacred journey without worrying about the physical strain.

To book your horse during the yatra is simple; you just need to let us know if you need a horse or not make sure you tell atleast 4 days ahead of reaching to yamdwar as we also have to arrange it. You will get your horse and horseman from yamdwar and the horse-picking process is based on the lottery process so anytime your name can come up. so, please be patient during that time and for the first day you will do the parikrama easily riding on the horse but on the second day the descent is very steep and horses cannot safely move on this section, so everyone must walk for about five kilometers. This part requires slow and careful walking.

Health Considerations for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens should take special health precautions before and during the Kailash Yatra to ensure a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling journey. A complete medical check-up is strongly recommended before starting the yatra, especially for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or joint problems. Consulting a doctor about your fitness for the high-altitude travel and carrying the prescribed medication is very essential to make the yatra successful

To improve physical fitness, seniors should begin light preparation at least a few weeks before the journey. Regular walking practice, breathing exercises , stretching or gentle yoga can help you build stamina and improve lung capacity, which will make the long walks easier. Strengthening the legs and improving balance can also reduce the fatigue and risk of injury during the trek.

Mental preparation is equally important. The kailash Yatra is physically demanding and takes place in the remote, high-altitude regions, which can feel challenging at times. Maintaining a positive mindset, staying patient and being mentally prepared for the slow progress can greatly enhance the experience. Simple meditation, prayer or mindfulness practices before and during the journey can help manage stress, anxiety and discomfort while strengthening spiritual focus. Also make sure to read a blog or watch a vlog as a part of preparation so that you will also be mentally prepared for it.

During the journey seniors should move at a comfortable pace so take frequent breaks and avoid rushing. Staying well-hydrated and eating light, nutritious meals helps you maintain the energy levels. High altitude may cause shortness of breath, headache, dizziness or fatigue, so its is important to listen to your.

Our Experience with Senior Citizens

Nature Explore Trek has been organizing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 2015, and this year marks almost a decade of successful journeys. Over the years, we have successfully completed the yatra for more than1000 people with a success rate of nearly 95%.Throughout these years, we have been joined by many senior yatris. In almost every group, there are at least one or two participants above 70 years of age and they consistently completed the yatra.

This year, we had five participants over 70 and we were truly amazed at their physical fitness, endurance, and positive attitude. When we asked them how they managed such a challenging journey, their answer was simple yet inspiring

“It’s all because I want to meet Lord Shiva.”

Their faith, determination and positivity not only helped them to complete the yatra but also motivated other pilgrims. Many younger participants felt like giving up at certains points but seeing these senior citizens continue with strength and enthusiasm encouraged them to keep going.

Of course, physical fitness is also essential for a high-altitude journey like this. While willpower, a positive mindset and belief play a big role, you must also be physically prepared to handle the challenges. Choosing the right season and considering environmental factors is also important for a successful yatra.

In short with determination, preparation and faith, age is not a barrier; even senior citizens can accomplish this sacred journey.

Tibet Permits and Visa Information

In our Kailash Manasarovar Yatra package, we include both the Chinese Group Visa and all required Tibet travel permits.

In previous years, pilgrims from several countries, such as Australia, Malaysia and others, were eligible for visa-on-arrival facilities, which simplifies the process. However, due to the updated regulations, the visa process has now become more detailed. Therefore, it is very important that all the information and documents provided by you are accurate and complete.

Step-by-Step Visa Documentation Process

Visa Application Form

We will first send you a visa application form. In this form you have to give your personal information so please ensure that all the details arefilled in correctly and carefully.

• Passport Scan
• A clear, colored scan of passport is required.
• 2 Blank page of your passport scan
• Photograph Requirements for Chinese Visa

Your Photo must strictly follow the guidelines below

• • Photo should be clicked on White background
  • Clear Face (No earrings, no nose pin, no Tika on the forehead, no necklace,no eyeglasses and no red eyes).
  • Both ears and the forehead must be shown clearly.
  • Don’t take picture wearing white clothes
  • Mouth should  be closed
  • Recent photo not less than 3 months
• Size of the photo should be 48 mm X 33 mm like given in the picture Above

Nepal Visa

You must obtain your Nepal visa on time, as it is required for the visa processing and travel arrangements.

Updated Tibet Visa Process

From the june, 2025 the Tibet visa process has been revised and now involves two stages :

Online Submission

All the documents mentioned above, the invitation letter and the hotel booking approval should be submitted as per group, and we will send all the documents digitally. It takes like 2-3 working days to get the approval; once it gets approved, the next step is done

Physical Document Submission

After online approval your physical documents are submitted. This process is done once you arrive in kathmandu as your physical passport is needed and it takes like 3-4 working days.

Due to this process, it is crucial that all the information provided is accurate, as errors can cause delays or rejection.

Permits for Kailash Yatra

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)

• Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB)
• Allows travel throughout the Tibet
  Contains:
• Participants details
• Travel Itinerary
• Arrival and Departure dates

Note: Once the TTP application is submitted, no changes to the travel program are permitted it comes in a list of groups, so the group who are on the Invitation letter need to move in a group; you cannot change the plan alone. All your group members need to change the program

Process:

• After receiving all the documents from you, we will forward them to our licensed tibet travel partner.
• Our Tibetan partner will submit the application to the TTB
• Once approved, an official invitation letter will be issued.
• This invitation letter is required to apply for the Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu.
• At Kyring Border, our Tibetan guide will meet you with your original Tibet Travel Permit.

2) Chinese Group Visa

For the Chinese visa 45 countries can get the visa-free for 30 days you can check in this link if your country is also on list or not https://visasnews.com/en/china-extends-visa-free-policy-for-france-and-other-countries-until-december-31-2026/

If not, then you don’t need to worry; we will apply for your group visa as said earlier, and we will provide you the pdf where you have to include your personal information, a scan of your passport, a scan of your passport blank page, and Photos as described above. To apply we need TTB and Invitation letter, Hotel Booking which we will do you just need to give your informations. Group visa means you must work in a group; you need to enter from the same route together and exit from the same route

Requirements for application:

• Invitation letter form TTB
• Original passports
• Photograph as mentioned above

The embassy will retain your passports during the processing and return them after the visa approval.

Outline Itinerary via Kyirong

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transport to your Hotel. (Alt. 1300 m)
Day 02: Visiting the famous Pashupatinath Temple followed by a Puja
Day 03: Visiting Narayanthan, Swayambhunath and Trip preparation
Day 04: Drive to Timure via Sybrubesi (130km) , 1800m, 7-8 hrs
Day 05: Crossing the border and driving to Kyirug village, 50km , 2,800m, 3-4 hrs.
Day 06: Drive to Saga (270km.), (alt.4400m), 4 – 5 Hours
Day 07: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar (alt. 4485m), (500km, 7-8 hrs).
Day 08: Morning puja at Manasarovar and afternoon drive to Darchen. 35 km, 4,664m, 2-3 hrs.
Day 09: First day of Parikrama, 20 km, 4700m, 6-7hrs
Day 10: Exploring the North Side of Mt. Kailash Inner Kora.
Day 11: Trek over Dolma La via Zutulpuk, 22km 5,630m( Dolma La Pass), 9-10 hrs
Day 12: Trek from Zutulpuk to Darchen to Saga and concluding the Parikrama. 30 km, 4,600m, 7-8 hrs
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu through Saga and Kyirong, 630 km, 1,300m, 8-9 hrs
Day 14: Reserve day, 1300m
Day 15: Farewell’s departure to your own destination.

Outline Itinerary via Lhasa.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transport to your Hotel. (Alt. 1300 m)
Day 02: Visiting the famous Pashupatinath Temple followed by a Puja
Day 03: Visit the Famous temple in Kathmandu
Day 04: Trip preparation day
Day 05: Fly to Lhasa. (alt. 3650 m) 2-hour flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
Day 06: Exploration Lhasa (Alt 3650m.)
Day 07: Drive from Lhasa to Xigatse (370km, approx. 7-8 hours)
Day 08: Drive to Saga (460km.) 6-7 Hours
Day 09: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar (500km, 7-8hrs).
Day 10: Puja and Drive to Darchen (4664 m.) 40 km
Day 11: Drive from Darchen to Yamadawar (5 km) and Trek to Dirapuk (14km), 5-6 hours.
Day 12: Exploring the North Side of Mt. Kailash Inner Kora
Day 13: Dirapuk to ZhutulPuk over Dolma-La Pass (Alt 5630 m) Total 22km, generally 11-12 hours
Day 14: From Zhutulpuk to Darchen and Drive back to Saga (10 to 11 hrs)
Day 15: Drive to Xigatse (520km) 6-7 Hours
Day 16: Drive back to Lhasa, 300 km, 5-6 hrs.
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu from Lhasa (2 hours)
Day 18: Farewell, departure to your own destination.

Summary

• Mount Kailash Yatra lasts 14-16 days via the Kyirong route and 16-18 days via the Lhasa route, including the yatra and Kathmandu.
• For senior citizens, Parikrama days are the most difficult ones.
• Altitude can cause sickness, so acclimatization, hydration, rest and oxygen are essential
• Seniors citizens should do the medical checkup before the yatra and should carry the prescribed medication
• Physical fitness is important: walking, yoga, breathing exercise and cardiovascular workouts will help you prepare the body.
• Mental preparation is equally important: watch vlogs, read blogs or talk with people who have completed the yatra
• Hire the horses during your 3 days of kailash Parikrama
• Highest point of the Yatra is Dolma La Pass (5,630m ) ; risk of altitude sickness, including headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
• Make sure to choose the company that has past experience with the senior citizens
• Make sure to pack the proper clothing; you can use through this link to learn what to pack for the kailash yatra https://www.exploreinnepal.com/equipment-list/
• Choose the month wisely for Kailash Yatra
• Visa and Permit we will provide you, just need to send the personal information.
• We will provide you three vegetarian meals throughout out the tour
• Accommodation throughout the journey is included
• During the parikram, yaks will be provided to carry your goods.
• We will have first aid kit and oxygen for emergencies
• If you have any food allergies, make sure you tell before the yatra in orientation day to our cook
• If anything happens or you get altitude sickness, make sure you notify the guide or your friends or family.

Final Say

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a physically and spiritually demanding journey, especially for the senior citizens due to the high altitude, long travel days and the three dau parikrama around the mount Kailash. HOwever with the proper preparation, gradual acclimatization, medical readiness and a positive mindset, the yatra is entirely achievable for elderly devotees. For seniors, the focus is not on speed but on faith, patience, devotion and mindful pacing. Choosing the right route , travelling in the best season and following a carefully planned itinerary will significantly ease the journey.

Nature Explore Trek, with its decade-long experience in organizing the Kailash Yatra has successfully guided many of the senior pilgrims including those above 70 ensuring their safety, comfort and spiritual fulfillment. Our experienced team provides the medical support, guided pacing, horse facilities, oxygen provision and well organized accommodations . You can also see our reviews about the trek in Tripadvisor, Google reviews. If you want to watch how the yatra is done, then you can go through this link to watch the youtube video. Over the years, our senior pilgrims have completed the yatra safely and meaningfully. Proving that age is not a barrier when determination, preparation and expert guidance are combined.

With the right support and preparation the Kailash Yatra becomes not only achievable but a once-in-a-lifetime, transformative spiritual experience for the senior citizens.