Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Visa & Permit Process
For Non-Indian Passport Holders Traveling from Nepal
The sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not merely a journey—it is a soul-awakening pilgrimage that draws seekers from around the world to the divine presence of Mount Kailash and the pristine waters of Lake Mansarovar.
For travelers holding non-Indian passports, undertaking this holy journey via Nepal involves a specific yet well-organized visa and permit procedure. At Himalayan Social Journey, we take complete responsibility for this process, allowing you to focus entirely on the spiritual calling of Kailash.
As a direct ground operator with decades of Himalayan pilgrimage expertise, HSJ manages every permit, approval, and document with precision and care—ensuring a smooth, stress-free path to the abode of Lord Shiva.
Below is a step-by-step guide to the visa and permit process for non-Indian citizens traveling with Himalayan Social Journey.
Step 1: Confirm Your Yatra & Submit Initial Documents
Select Your Kailash Yatra Program
Choose from our thoughtfully curated Kailash Mansarovar Yatra options—overland journeys, helicopter-assisted routes, or travel via Lhasa—designed to match different comfort levels and spiritual intentions.
Booking Confirmation
Complete the booking form and initial advance payment to reserve your place on the Yatra.
Passport Submission (25–30 Days in Advance)
Submit a clear, color-scanned copy of your passport’s information page.
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Passport validity must be at least 6 months from your travel date
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Documents must be submitted 25–30 days prior to entering Tibet
These are required to initiate the Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese visa invitation.
Group Travel Requirement
As per Chinese regulations, foreign travelers must enter Tibet as part of an organized group. HSJ handles group formation, fixed departures, and customized dates for private or larger groups.
Step 2: Tibet Travel Permit & Visa Invitation Letter
Permit & Invitation Processing
Upon receiving your passport copy and booking confirmation, our team applies for:
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Tibet Travel Permit (TTB)
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Chinese Group Visa Invitation Letter
Processing Time
Typically 8–15 working days, depending on season and government procedures.
Important Regulation
Tibetan authorities require all permits to be issued through an authorized tour operator. Independent permit-only services are not allowed. Your journey must include a licensed guide and official transport—fully arranged by HSJ.
Step 3: Chinese Group Visa Processing in Kathmandu
Arrval in Kathmandu
You must arrive in Kathmandu 3–4 full working days before your Tibet departure for visa processing.
Documents Required in Kathmandu
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Original passport
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Two recent passport-sized photos (white background, no accessories)
Embassy Submission
The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu accepts visa applications Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
HSJ Support
Our Kathmandu-based team manages all embassy formalities on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
Important Visa Information
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The Chinese Group Visa is issued on a separate paper (not stamped in your passport)
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It includes all group members and is valid for the Yatra duration (usually up to 30 days)
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Any existing individual Chinese visa in your passport will be canceled when the group visa is issued (for Nepal entry route)
Biometric Requirement
In some cases, the embassy may request biometric verification. Our team will guide and assist you if required.
Step 4: Journey to Tibet & Completion of the Yatra
Yatra Begins
Once your Chinese Group Visa is approved, your sacred journey to Kailash officially begins.
Permit Handling in Tibet
Your licensed Tibetan guide will securely hold all required permits, including:
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Tibet Travel Permit
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Alien’s Travel Permit (PSB Permit) for restricted areas
Travel without a guide or permits is strictly prohibited.
Continuous On-Ground Support
From Kathmandu to Kailash and back, HSJ ensures constant coordination, safety oversight, and spiritual support throughout the Yatra.
Completion Certificate
Upon successfully completing the Mount Kailash Yatra, you will receive a Yatra Completion Certificate—a meaningful remembrance of this rare spiritual accomplishment.
30-Day China Visa-Free Countries
(Eligible for up to 30 days stay)
If you hold a passport from any of the following countries and are traveling to Tibet via Nepal, you may be eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to China:
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Armenia
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The Bahamas
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Barbados
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Belarus
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Dominica
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Fiji
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Grenada
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Maldives
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Mauritius
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San Marino
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Seychelles
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Suriname
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United Arab Emirates
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Singapore
Important Note: Even with visa-free entry, travelers joining the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra must still travel in an organized group and obtain all Tibet-related permits through an authorized operator like Himalayan Social Journey.
15-Day China Visa-Free Countries
(Eligible for short-stay entry)
Some nationalities are granted 15-day visa-free entry to China, which is generally sufficient for the standard Kailash Mansarovar Yatra itinerary:
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Brunei
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France
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Germany
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Italy
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The Netherlands
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Spain
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Malaysia
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Switzerland
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Ireland
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Hungary
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Austria
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Belgium
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Luxembourg
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New Zealand
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Australia
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Poland
Complete List of China Visa-Free Countries
(Valid for China, Tibet Visit & Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – subject to policy updates)
Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Bahamas, Dominica, Ecuador, Suriname, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Mauritius, Seychelles, Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Important Clarifications for Pilgrims
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Visa-free entry does not eliminate the need for Tibet Travel Permits
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Entry into Tibet is only permitted with a licensed guide and registered tour
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Visa-free policies are subject to change based on Chinese government regulations
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Himalayan Social Journey will verify your eligibility and advise the best visa route before confirmation
Walk the Sacred Path with Himalayan Social Journey
Completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a deeply transformative experience—one that purifies the soul and elevates the spirit. At Himalayan Social Journey, we take care of every logistical detail, from permits and visas to comfort and guidance, so your pilgrimage unfolds effortlessly.
Answer the call of Kailash with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
Let HSJ be your trusted companion on this divine Kailash journey.
