Walking the kora around Mt. Kailash for 3 days, averaging above 4,600m on rugged terrain with unpredictable alpine weather, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a true test of both your mind and body.

So, is there an age limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? Is it safe for everyone, young and old, to go for this ultimate pilgrimage? Well, the answer depends.

In this tutorial, we will explain the myth of the age limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and walk you through the recommended age and helpful tips for safe travel for Mt.Kailash Kora.

Is There an Official Age Limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? No!

You can rest assured that currently, there is no official written age limit for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra according to the travel policies of the local government in Purang, TAR, and Kailash and Mansarovar attraction bureau.

Besides, as you apply for the Chinese tourist visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and other permits needed for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Chinese officials won’t impose an age limit on it either.

So, as long as you are physically fit and don’t have severe heart and respiratory conditions, which we will discuss later, you are good to go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Also, read Can Americans Go to Tibet?

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What Is the Maximum Age Limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? No More Than 75, Recommended.

Though there is no official age limit for travelers of all kinds, as a local Tibet travel agency since 1984, we do have a recommended maximum age limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is no more than 75 years old. Here are our reasons:

As one of the toughest treks in Tibet, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is no small pushover, even to physically fit prime-age travelers.

Throughout the 3-day Mt. Kailash kora, you are expected to trek on rugged terrain with an average altitude of 4,600m. The first-day lodging place, i.e. the Dirapuk Monastery, has an elevation of 5,200m, which is equal to that of the Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

Our guests take photos with Mount Kailash opposite Dirapuk Monastery.

On day two of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you are expected to trek across the Dolma La Pass (5,650m), the highest point during the 3-day trek. Meanwhile, the altitude gain and loss is about 1,000m, which is extremely challenging for older travelers, given the thin air and strenuous trek.

Travelers used oxygen supply while trekking across Dolma La Pass (5,650m).

On top of that, the harsh and unpredictable alpine weather, limited medical facilities, humble accommodations (modest dorm beds in the guesthouse), and basic food (instant noodles, Tibetan sweet tea, Chinese fried rice, etc.) may trigger potential health issues for older travelers above 75, not to mention that travel insurance will not provide coverage for travelers over 80.

What Is the Minimum Age Limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? No Younger Than 10, Recommended.

Likewise, if you plan to take your kids for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, our recommended minimum age limit is no younger than 10.

Unlike the adults who can better cope with strenuous treks, thin air, drastic temperature drops on the plateau, etc., children below 10 may not be able to clearly describe the symptoms of altitude sickness to their parents and lack the stamina, resilience, mental strength to complete the 3-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Our youngest guest doing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

During the arduous long trek between two food supply points, very often, small kids will get bored, wear out quickly, and lose the willpower to proceed with the Mt. Kailash yatra. Apart from that, the humble food available on the kora route is certainly not made for small children.

So, it’s advisable to wait until your children get bigger and have the physical and mental endurance to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Find out the packing lists for the M. Kailash trek.

The Oldest and Youngest Guests We’ve Hosted for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Tough and challenging as it is, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra sees many exceptional visitors, both young and old.

As a local Tibet travel agency, running 1,000+ global travelers for Mt. Kailash Yatra annually, two of our extraordinary guests have rewritten the history of the oldest and youngest travelers to Mt. Kailash, proving that the with full preparation and excellent tour service, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be done for young and senior travelers.

So far, our oldest guest to Mt. Kailash Yatra is Gerhard Raab, a German traveler, who successfully completed the 3-day Mt. Kailash Kora at the age of 82 in September 2018, with the attentive care of our local Tibetan guide Keldor and the help of oxygen supply.

Gerhard Raab and our guide Keldor at Dolma La Pass during Mt. Kailash yatra.

While reflecting on what he did to prepare for the challenging Kailash Yatra, the optimistic and determined man revealed the secret “I walk at home most of the time and take a 12 to 14 km walk from my house 3 times a week. It has been a part of my daily life.” Awesome!

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The other phenomenal case is Flurian Joan, an 11-year-old Swiss boy, who traveled with his parent and other group tour members and nailed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra smoothly before heading to Kathmandu via the Gyirong border.

Flurian Joan with our guide Pasang during Mt. Kailash yatra.

To our local guide Pasang’s great surprise, Flurian had no obvious physical reaction to the high altitude at all. Later, his parents told us that back in Switzerland they have a lot of snowy mountains and perfect mountain treks, so they took him to trek a lot as well. No wonder! Also, learn the top 11 treks in Tibet.

How to Train Yourself to Be Fit Enough for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

So, having learned the story of our oldest and youngest guests to Mt. Kailash Yatra, we are deeply convinced that with proper training, full preparation, and an expert local guide’s company, most travelers are eligible for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Here are the recommended training and preparation for you to reach the fitness level for Mt. Kailash yatra:

You can mix running with jogging, ride your mountain bike, swim, or do brisk walking to train your heart and lungs and build endurance. Aim for at least 30-45 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

Go to the gym to do squats, lunges, deadlifts, planks, and push-ups to train your strength.

Head to mountainous regions and trek uphill to practice your acclimation to altitude. Gradually increase the distance and elevation within your ability.

Before you leave for Tibet, go to the clinic for a medical checkup to ensure you are in good health.

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Who Are Not Suitable for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Well, for some travelers, if you have the following medical conditions, we don’t suggest you go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for safety concerns. And it’s better to consult your doctor before deciding to Tibet.

People who have severe heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, and hypertension should skip Mt. Kailash yatra. If you have severe asthma and chronic bronchitis, the thin air and strenuous Mt. Kailash trek are not suitable for you as well. Besides, severe anemia and obesity, and pregnant women don’t go as It’s too risky.

The Key to Success of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Choose the Best Local Tibet Travel Service

Aside from the fitness level of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, another key factor that makes or breaks your Mt. Kailash visit is the local Tibet travel service you’ve chosen.

As the largest local Tibet travel agency with offices in Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Chengdu, we offer you diverse Mt. Kailash tours to fulfill your dream of walking the kora around the home of Lord Shiva and exploring the stunning Himalayan natural wonders and Buddhist retreats across Tibet.

You can sign up for budget-friendly 16-day Mt. Kailash small group tours from Lhasa for the Saga Dawa Festival, directly travel overland from Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash in 10-day Mt. Kailash pilgrimage tour, or customize your private Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

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We will secure your Tibet travel permit and other travel permits needed for Mt. Kailash yatra, and assign the best local experts to ensure your travel safety and comfort. So, you can embrace the holiness of this sacred Mt. Kailash, totally worry-free.

Conclusion

To sum up, there is no age limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Hopefully, you find this travel tip helpful. If you have more questions regarding Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, don’t hesitate to email us for free inquiry and consultation. Cheers to your future Mt. Kailash adventure!