From Visa to Tibet Travel Permit: Indian Tourists' Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Against All Odds

One morning in May 2023, I received an email from the UK, sent by an Indian tourist named Anil. He wanted me to organize a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet for him and his family and friends in August.

Scanning down, my eyes immediately locked onto the words "Hindu pilgrims." Over a decade of experience in the Himalayan region told me that Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and the source of the Ganges River, making it one of the most sacred places in the world for devotees.

Anil and his group wished to complete a circumambulation around the holy mountain for blessings. “It's a supreme honor.” The screen's light reflected on my face, and I envisioned the determined crowds on the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route. I was determined to help them fulfill this wish! At that moment, the wheels of Anil's group's pilgrimage destiny began to turn, though there was a slight hiccup with the Tibet entry permit process.

Visa Delay? Insufficient Time for Tibet Travel Permit Application!

Recognizing the extraordinary significance of this trip, I meticulously designed a 13-day itinerary for them, which allowed for both the pilgrimage and the exploration of Tibet's natural beauty and Tibetan culture.

Starting from Lhasa, passing through Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash, they would have ample time to complete the 52-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash in three days, finally reaching Kathmandu in Nepal. Mr. Anil was very satisfied with the itinerary, and I smiled as the booking quickly went through.

The day-by-day itinerary planning went smoothly, but I discovered that one of Anil's friends faced a tricky problem with the initial entry into China! Due to the international relations at the time, India could not process Chinese visas. This traveler had to wait until he returned to the UK in August to apply for a visa.

Like a domino effect, the visa delay also delayed the Tibet Travel Permit, which required a copy of the Chinese visa. With each delay, the time for processing the Tibet Travel Permit was shortened. The permit required 15 days of processing time, but only 10 days remained. Whether this traveler could enter Tibet as planned became a big question mark. The other travelers in the group, most of whom lived in the UK, had successfully obtained their visas.

I couldn't let this traveler miss the pilgrimage opportunity. Although this sudden situation caused me some anxiety, I remained focused on solving the problem. I immediately collaborated with other colleagues in the company to prepare all the documents required for applying for Chinese visas and Tibet Travel Permits as quickly as possible, aiming to minimize processing time.

I did my best to secure this pilgrimage opportunity for all seven travelers. However, if this traveler couldn't obtain a visa before August, I would ensure that the other six travelers could complete the trip.

Tibet Travel Permit Countdown: All-Night Efforts

In early August, the traveler finally returned to the UK and successfully obtained a Chinese visa. However, at this point, there were only 10 working days left, and the Tibet Travel Permit was still pending!

To ensure they could obtain the permit smoothly, my colleagues in the document processing department and I worked overtime on weekends and even into the early hours of the morning to submit the application materials as soon as possible.

Through active communication, we finally managed to secure the Tibet Travel Permit at the last minute. Hearing the joyful voices of Anil and his group on the phone, I felt immense relief because all our efforts had paid off.

A Perfect Pilgrimage

Mr. Anil and his family and friends, a total of seven travelers, successfully arrived in Tibet and began their pilgrimage. In Lhasa, they visited the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, experiencing the profound religious and cultural atmosphere of Tibet. They then traveled to Everest Base Camp, witnessing the magnificent scenery of the world's highest peak with their own eyes.

Finally, they arrived at Mount Kailash and completed their trekking circuit around the mountain. During the Mount Kailash trekking, Anil and his group felt the sacredness and solemnity of the holy mountain. Every step they took was filled with piety and awe, as if they had established a mysterious connection with Lord Shiva and the source of the Ganges River.

For Mr. Anil and his family and friends, this was not just an ordinary trip but a spiritual baptism and the fulfillment of a lifelong wish.

After the trip, Mr. Anil and his family and friends enthusiastically praised the trip, especially the last-minute effort to secure the Tibet Travel Permit for their friend. They particularly thanked me for my quick response and flexible adjustments in the face of unexpected situations, ensuring the entire group of seven could travel together.

Mr. Anil said, "Our Kailash tears weren't from thin air—they were joy made liquid. Your team's hustle to unite us...... it felt destined. When we chanted Har Har Mahadev at Dolma La, I knew Shiva guided you as much as us."

Although Mr. Anil's family's pilgrimage encountered some challenges, through the efforts and flexible adjustments of our team, we ultimately created a perfect travel experience for them. I look forward to helping more travelers realize their travel dreams!