Road Trip Guide: New Delhi to Mansarovar

Embarking on a road trip from New Delhi to Mansarovar is a remarkable journey that combines spiritual significance with breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your adventure.

Total Distance and Route

The total distance from New Delhi to Mansarovar is approximately 1,400 kilometers. The journey typically involves crossing through Nepal and Tibet. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. New Delhi to Kathmandu (Approx. 1,200 km)

   • Route: Drive from New Delhi to Kathmandu via the Sunauli border. The journey takes around 24-30 hours.

   • Route Option: You can also take the road via Raxaul-Birgunj border, depending on current conditions and border regulations.

2. Kathmandu to Lhasa (Approx. 1,000 km)

   • Route: Drive from Kathmandu to the Tibet border (Kodari) and then continue to Lhasa.

   • Route Option: Alternatively, you can fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu and then drive from Lhasa to Mansarovar.

3. Lhasa to Mansarovar (Approx. 1,000 km)

   • Route: Drive from Lhasa to Mansarovar, which can take 4-6 days depending on road conditions and stops.

Documents Required

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

• Chinese Visa: Obtain a visa for China from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

• Tibet Travel Permit: Apply for this permit through a registered tour operator.

• Mansarovar Pilgrimage Permit: Required for entry into the Mansarovar area; arrange through a recognized tour operator.

Hotels to Stay

• Kathmandu:

  • Hotel Yak & Yeti

  • Hotel Shanker

  • Kathmandu Guest House

• Lhasa:

  • Barkhor Square Hotel

  • Tibet Hotel Lhasa

  • The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

• Mansarovar:

  • Mansarovar Guesthouse

  • Yatong Hotel

Food to Try

For a religious pilgrimage, vegetarian options are essential:

• Kathmandu:

  • Vegetable Momos

  • Nepali Thali (includes rice, lentils, vegetable curry)

  • Vegetable Pakoras

• Lhasa:

  • Tibetan Vegetable Thukpa (noodle soup)

  • Vegetarian Tsampa (roasted barley flour)

  • Vegetable Dumplings

• Mansarovar:

  • Limited options; consider packing snacks.

  • Vegetable Pulao

  • Vegetable Curry

  • Tibetan Bread

Must-Visit Places

• Mansarovar Lake: A serene and sacred lake ideal for meditation and reflection.

• Mount Kailash: A major pilgrimage site; undertake the kora (circumambulation) for spiritual fulfillment.

• Local Temples and Monasteries: Explore nearby religious sites to enhance your spiritual journey.

Activities to Enjoy

• Mansarovar Lake: Enjoy boating or walking around the lake.

• Mount Kailash Kora: Experience the sacred pilgrimage circuit.

• Scenic Drives: Admire the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau during your journey.

Additional Tips

• Health Precautions: Prepare for high-altitude travel; carry necessary medications and acclimatize gradually.

• Travel Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance for the entire trip.

• Cash: Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas.

Embarking on this road trip will offer a deeply spiritual experience amidst stunning natural beauty. Ensure all preparations are made for a smooth and enriching journey.