No lottery or government draw is required. Secure your guaranteed place for Kailash Mansarovar 2026.

This is the pilgrimage you have been waiting for, without unnecessary bureaucracy. We specialize in managing complex Tibet visa requirements for US citizens, allowing you to focus on your spiritual journey.

Why Choose Alpine Luxury Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for US Citizens?

• Seamless Visa Concierge: We manage the “Group Visa” biometrics process at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, which takes three business days. During this time, you will be preparing for your journey.
• While your paperwork is processed, Alpine Luxury offers an exclusive Shiva Circuit tour, including visits to Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha, Doleshwor Mahadev, and Kirateshwor Mahadev.
• Secure, Convenient US Payments: Book with confidence. We accept all major credit cards and wire transfers, providing the security and convenience expected from a premium US-based operator.
• Guaranteed Departures: Our private tours via Nepal have no quota limits, unlike government routes. If you are ready to travel, we are prepared to assist.

The “US Advantage”: Why Your Passport Matters

Traveling to Mt. Kailash as a US citizen offers distinct advantages in flexibility and certainty. Unlike other pilgrims, your journey is not defined by luck, but by your own schedule.

No Lottery. No Quotas. Just Certainty.

Many Indian citizens must apply through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the Lipulekh route, where a government-run “lucky draw” determines who will be allowed to go. Thousands apply, but few are chosen.

As a US passport holder, you are exempt from this quota system. You do not need to wait for a lottery result. Whether you want to travel in May or September, if you book your spot with Alpine Luxury, your departure is guaranteed via the Nepal or China routes.

Choose Your Entry: Nepal or China

We offer two distinct ways to start your pilgrimage, depending on your travel preferences:

Option 1: Enter via Nepal (Most Popular)

• The Route: Fly into Kathmandu and travel to Kailash via Kerung (Overland) or Simikot (Helicopter).
• The Visa: You do not need to worry about the visa beforehand. Alpine Luxury handles the official “T” bet Group Visa completely in Kathmandu. You arrive, and we manage the Embassy biometrics.

Option 2: Enter via Mainland China

• The Route: Fly into mainland China (e.g., Beijing, Chengdu) and take a flight or train to Lhasa to begin your tour.
• The Visa: For this route, you must obtain your own Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) in the USA before you depart.
• Our Role: Once you have your visa, Alpine Luxury arranges your Tibet Travel Permit and the complete luxury tour from your arrival city in China to Mt. Kailash.

Solo Traveler? We’ve got you covered.

A common concern for US travelers is the Chinese Embassy’s requirement for a minimum group size (usually 4+ people) to issue the Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu.

Traveling alone does not mean you cannot go.

• We handle the Grouping: If you are a solo traveler or a couple, Alpine Luxury will pair you with other like-minded US or international pilgrims to meet theEmbassy’ss group requirement.
• Private Experience: While the visa is processed as a group, you can still enjoy your own private room and personalized service throughout the journey.

The Visa & Permit Maze (Solved)

Navigating Chinese entry regulations can be the most stressful part of the pilgrimage. At Alpine Luxury Treks, we remove the confusion. Depending on your travel plans, we offer two clear paths to secure your documents.

Path 1: The “H”ssle-Free” “epal Entry

For most US travelers entering via Kathmandu, you do not need to visit a Chinese Consulate in the US. In fact, applying for a standard tourist visa in the US can sometimes complicate matters if you are entering via Nepal. Instead, we use the official “T” bet Group Vis process.

The Simple 4-Step Process:

• Arrive Early: Land in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your Tibet departure.
• Handover: Our team collects your original passport at your hotel.
• Relax: While you enjoy our “S” iva Circuit” in Kathmandu, Alpine Luxury Treks handles all paperwork at the Chinese Embassy.
• Biometrics: We accompany you to theEmbassyy in Kathmandu for a quick biometric scan (fingerprinting). Your visa is issued shortly after.

Path 2: The “L” Visa” flexible Option

Already have a Chinese Visa? You can travel with a standard Chinese Tourist (L) Visa obtained in the USA.

• Best For: Travelers planning to enter Tibet via Mainland China (e.g., flying from the US to Beijing, then to Lhasa) before heading to Kailash.
• Group Feasibility: If you are traveling with a pre-formed group or wish to do only the Kailash leg starting from Kathmandu, using your pre-obtained US visa is feasible. We can structure your tour to accommodate this, ensuring your permits match your visa status.

We Handle Every Permit

Regardless of which visa path you choose, Alpine Luxury Treks secures every required document on your behalf. You never need to contact a Chinese government office yourself.

The “A”l-Access” “ass We Secure for You:

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTB): The primary document required to board a flight or train into Tibet. Alien’s Travel Permit (PSB): Required for travel to “u” opened” “reas like Everest Base Camp and Kailash.
• Military Permit: Essential for the sensitive Ngari (Kailash) region.
• Foreign Affairs Permit: For travel near the borders.

Logistics: Getting from the US to Kathmandu

Planning your Paid Time Off (PTO) is just as important as the journey itself. To ensure you arrive fresh for the altitude, we have curated the best flight routes from major US hubs for the 2026 season.

Recommended Flight Routes

Pro Tip: Smart Routing

Avoid transiting via New Delhi (DEL) if possible.

If you book separate tickets (e.g., USA to Delhi + Delhi to Kathmandu), you must clear Indian Immigration to collect your bags, which requires a valid Indian Tourist Visa.

Recommendation: Stick to Middle Eastern (Doha/Dubai) or Asian (Singapore/Hong Kong) hubs where your bags are checked through to Kathmandu.

Arrival Timing

Remember the “3 “Day Rule.” “ou must land in Kathmandu at least 3 working days before your Tibet departure date to allow for the group visa processing.

Example: For a Monday departure to Kailash, plan to arrive in Kathmandu by Thursday morning.

Packages Tailored for US Travelers

We understand that American travelers value time, comfort, and predictability. Whether you want to minimize travel days or maximize cultural immersion, we have a tier designed for you.

Option A: The “Time-Saver” Helicopter

Designed for seniors and professionals with limited leave. Skip the long drives and enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas.

• Duration: 11 Days (Ex-Kathmandu)
• Route: Kathmandu| Nepalgunj| Simikot| Hilsa |Kailash
• Why US Travelers Choose It: Minimizes physical fatigue before the Parikrama.

Option B: The “C”assic Overland” “Scenic)

The most popular choice for first-timers. The gradual ascent via the Kyirong border offers the best acclimatization success rate, crucial for safety.

• Duration: 15 Days
• Route: Kathmandu| Kerung|Saga|Kailash
• Why US Travelers Choose It: Best value and safest for altitude adaptation.

Option C: The Lhasa Cultural

The ultimate bucket-list trip. Combine the spiritual energy of Kailash with the cultural wonders of Lhasa and Everest Base Camp.

• Duration: 15 Days (Lhasa Round Trip)
• Route: Fly Lhasa|Everest Base Camp|Kailash|Lhasa
• Why US Travelers Choose It: Luxury hotels in Lhasa (St. Regis/Shangri-La) and visiting the Potala Palace.

Critical Safety & Insurance: The “G”obal Rescue” “tandard

Tibet is not a theme park. It is a high-altitude wilderness where the nearest advanced hospital is often a helicopter ride away. For US citizens accustomed to comprehensive domestic healthcare, this is the most critical logistical gap to close.

The “B”ueCross” “rap

Do not assume your standard US health insurance (BlueCross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare) covers you here. Most domestic US policies have strict exclusions for:

• International Medical Evacuation: They may pay for the hospital after you get there, but they will not pay for the $25,000+ jet/helicopter ride to get you off the mountain.
• High-Altitude Limits: Many standard travel insurance policies become void above 12,000 ft. You will be trekking at 18,500 ft (Dolma La Pass).

Our Mandatory Recommendation

To join an Alpine Luxury expedition, we strongly recommend holding a policy with one of the following specialized providers. We trust them because they have proven track records of executing rescues in the Himalayas.

1. Global Rescue (Top Choice)

• Why we recommend it: They are not just an insurance company; they are a crisis response team. They have deployed assets in Nepal and can coordinate complex evacuations from the Tibetan border.
• Critical Add-On: You must select the “H” high-altitude evacuation package (covers travel above 15,000 ft). Without this specific add-on, you are exposed.

2. World Nomads (Explorer Plan)

• Why we recommend it: A flexible option for those who want trip cancellation + medical in one bundle.
• Critical Selection: You must choose the “E”plorer Plan” “Standard Plan, ” which often caps altitude at ~15,000 ft, which is insufficient for Kailash. Verify that “T”ekking up to 6,000 m/s is included in your policy wording.

The Cost of Being Uninsured

We share this not to scare you, but to prepare you. A private helicopter evacuation from Hilsa or Simikot, followed by an air ambulance repatriation to the United States/Thailand, can cost between $20,000 and $30,000 USD.

• With Insurance: $0 out of pocket.
• Without Insurance: Payment is required upfront before the helicopter lifts off.

FAQ for US Citizens

We know you have specific questions that standard travel guides don’t answer. Here is the reality of traveling to Kailash as an American.

Q: Can I use my OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card to join an Indian group?

A: No. While your OCI card grants you lifelong visa-free travel to India, it is not valid for travel to China. The Chinese Embassy issues the Tibet Group Visa based strictly on your US Passport. You cannot apply through the Indian government quota system (MEA) using an OCI. You must travel as a US citizen via the Nepal or China route.

Q: What currency should I bring? Can I use credit cards?

A: Cash is King in Tibet.

• In Kathmandu, you can use your US Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) at hotels and upscale restaurants.
• In Tibet, Credit cards are virtually useless in the remote Ngari region (Kailash). You need Chinese Yuan (RMB) for small purchases, offerings, or emergency snacks.
• Our Service: Bring clean, crisp USD bills (2013 series or newer). We will help you exchange them for Chinese Yuan in Kathmandu at the best daily rate before we fly.

Q: Let’s be honest—what are the toilet facilities like?

A: We prepare you for the reality, then we provide a solution.

• In Kathmandu & Lhasa: You will stay in 4- or 5-star Western-standard hotels with modern flush toilets.
• In Darchen (Base Camp): The hotels we use have attached bathrooms with running water (though hot water can be intermittent).
• On the Trek (Parikrama): Public facilities are fundamental (often just open pit latrines).