Are you planning for Mount Kailash Yatra? If yes then there are many arrangements required in order to enter Tibet and visit Mount Kailash. You need a higher level of preparation with consistent coordination of Travel Agents or Government bodies. As Mount Kailash lies in the Autonomous Region of Tibet, it is important to understand that you'll need certain permits in order to make the journey. Here's everything you need to know about the travel permits required for the Mount Kailash Yatra.
All Essential Permits to Visit Kailash
As travel enthusiasts, we all crave new experiences and what better way to experience nature's beauty than taking a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash? The trip to Mount Kailash, located in the western part of Tibet, is one of the most spiritually rewarding journeys you can embark on. Mount Kailash Yatra is the ultimate journey for those seeking spiritual fulfillment, and it requires a permit to travel.
Tibet Travel Permit
The Tibet Travel Permit is an essential document that allows foreign nationals to enter Tibet. Without the TTP, you cannot travel to Tibet, including Mount Kailash. The TTP is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can only be obtained through a licensed travel agency. It is recommended that you apply for the TTP through a travel agency to avoid any complications.
Alien's Travel Permit
The Alien's Travel Permit is required to visit areas in Tibet that are outside the Lhasa region. Mount Kailash is located outside the Lhasa region; hence, you need to obtain an Aliens Travel Permit to visit the mountain. The Aliens Travel Permit is issued by the local authorities in Tibet, and you can apply for it through a licensed travel agency.
Military Permit
The Military Permit is required if you plan to visit certain areas in Tibet that are handled by the Military. Ngari (Mount Kailash and Mansarovar) and Nyingchi, Chamdo, are handled by the Military, so you require a Military Permit. The Military Permit is issued by the military authorities in Tibet and can only be obtained through a licensed travel agency.
Foreign Affairs Permit
You will require a Foreign Affair Permit in addition to a Military Travel Permission to travel to some remote, extremely sensitive locations, including Mt. Kailash and eastern Tibet. Foreign Affairs Permits are issued by the Lhasa Foreign Affairs Office. The Cultural Antiquities Department Issues Foreign Affairs Permits in the event that you intend to go to western Tibet, including Tholing and Tsaparang and Saga Dawa Festival. Typically, it requires 10 to 15 business days. In addition, you have to use a travel agent to apply. Moreover, you need to bring a Chinese Group Visa/China visa, as well as a copy of your passport. Since it takes a while to process, we advise that you apply for it before going to Tibet.
Inner Line Permit
Inner Line Permit is a travel document that allows Indian citizens to travel to specific areas within the country's borders, if they are traveling Kailash directly from India-China Border. This permit is necessary to visit some regions that are restricted to foreign nationals. Therefore, if you are an Indian citizen planning to take the Mount Kailash Yatra, you need to obtain an Inner Line Permit. The Inner Line Permit is issued by the local authorities in India, and you can apply for it with Indian Government.
It's important to remember that getting these permits can be a difficult and drawn-out procedure. You'll need to engage with a licensed Kailash Operator who has good coordination with Tibet to get the permissions. The organization will assist you in securing the permissions and will organize your travel plans, including housing, food, and transportation.
How to Acquire Tibet Travel Permits
- Obtain a passport: Ensure that you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of travel.
- Plan your itinerary: Decide on the dates and itinerary for your Kailash Yatra. You will need to provide this information when applying for a permit.
- Find a travel agency: Look for a travel agency in Kathmandu that can arrange your Kailash Yatra. They will be able to guide you through the permit application process.
- Apply for a permit: Your travel agency will submit your permit application to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Kathmandu. You will need to provide a copy of your passport and two passport-sized photos.
- Wait for approval: It can take up to two weeks for the permit to be approved. Once approved, your travel agency will provide you with a copy of the permit.
- Obtain a visa: If you are not a Nepalese citizen, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Nepal.
- Proceed with your journey: With your travel permit and visa in hand, you can proceed with your Kailash Yatra.
When to Apply for Travel Permits
It is advised that you start the application procedure for your travel authorizations at least two months before the date of your intended departure. You'll have enough time to gather all the required paperwork and finish the application procedure. If documents are not provided in time, there will be a high chance of cancellation due to late submission. It is crucial to remember that the Chinese government is responsible for issuing travel permits, so there may be unexpected delays or changes in the procedure. In case there are any problems getting your permits, it is better to be flexible with your Kailash Yatra dates.
Documents Required for Travel Permits
In order to apply for the necessary travel permits for the Mount Kailash Yatra, you'll need to provide the following documents:
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the Departure date.
- Photo: Passport size Photo
- Chinese Visa: If you are traveling to Tibet from mainland China, you will need to have a valid Chinese visa.
- Travel itinerary: You will need to provide a detailed itinerary of your travel plans in Tibet. This includes the places you plan to visit and the dates of your travel.
- Letter of invitation: If you are traveling to Tibet for business purposes, you will need to provide a letter of invitation from the organization or company you will be visiting in Tibet.
- Group visa: If you are traveling to Tibet as part of a group, you will need to provide a group visa application.
- Other documents: Depending on your travel plans, you may also need to provide other documents, such as a travel insurance policy or a health certificate.
Permit Checkpoints
While Traveling to the Autonomous Region of Tibet, China for the Mount Kailash Yatra, your Permits will get checked by the Tibet Authorities. If you are entering Tibet via Nepal, Your Permit is checked in Borders ie, Rasuwagadi-Kerung Border for Overland Tour, and Simikot-Taklatot Border if you are taking a Helicopter tour. If you fly directly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you need to show your permit at Lhasa Gongga Airport. If you are traveling to Tibet from China Mainland, your permit will be checked at entry points permits you to need to frequently show your permits in airports and Trains. A travel Guide provided by Kailash Operator will keep your Permits Safe and you will be provided with a copy of each.
Conclusion
Getting the required travel authorizations is essential for your Mount Kailash Pilgrimage. To prevent any issues, it is advised that you submit your application for the permits through an authorized travel agent. Before beginning your trek to Mount Kailash, be sure to secure all necessary licenses.
We really hope that this post has given you useful knowledge about the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage travel permits needed. Keep in mind that spiritual journeys are about the journey itself as well as the goal. Enjoy every second of your trip to Mount Kailash, and return with a renewed sense of purpose.
