Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After Five-Year Suspension

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Officially Restarts
After a five-year hiatus, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially recommenced through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim, marking a significant moment for Hindu devotees and India-China cultural diplomacy. The first group of 36 pilgrims has arrived in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and has moved to the '17 Mile' area for acclimatization, as reported by officials.
First Group of Pilgrims Arrives in Sikkim
An official announced that the pilgrims will cross the India-China border on June 20. This group, which includes two officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, reached Gangtok on Sunday evening. C.S. Rao, the additional chief secretary of the tourism and civil aviation department, stated that the pilgrims landed at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, and traveled to Gangtok by road. Officials from the tourism development corporation welcomed them at a bungalow in Renock. This year, 750 Indian pilgrims have been selected for the journey, with 500 traveling via the Nathu La route in ten groups and 250 from Uttarakhand through the Lipulekh Pass. The first group stayed overnight in Gangtok and will continue their journey on Monday, stopping at '17 Mile' for acclimatization before heading to Serathang on June 20 to cross the border.
Details About the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Ministry of External Affairs organizes this pilgrimage annually from June to September through two routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) is renowned for its religious significance and cultural importance. Hundreds of individuals embark on this journey each year, which holds great value for Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, and is also significant for Jains and Buddhists. KMY is open to eligible Indian citizens holding valid Indian passports who wish to visit Kailash-Mansarovar for religious purposes. The Ministry does not provide any subsidies or financial assistance to travelers.
Important Guidelines for Pilgrims
Before commencing the journey, pilgrims must spend 3 to 4 days in Delhi for preparations and medical examinations. The Delhi government arranges free meals and accommodation for the travelers, although they are free to make their own arrangements. Prior to online registration, individuals can conduct basic health checks to assess their fitness. However, these checks will not be valid for the medical tests conducted by DHL and ITBP in Delhi before the journey.
Travel Advisory and Risks
The journey involves trekking at altitudes of up to 19,500 feet, facing challenging weather and rugged terrain, which can be perilous for those who are not physically and medically fit. The provided itinerary is provisional and subject to local conditions. The Indian government will not be liable for any loss of life or injury to travelers or damage to their property due to natural disasters or other reasons. Pilgrims undertake the journey at their own risk, cost, and discretion. In the event of death across the border, the government has no obligation to repatriate the deceased's body for cremation within Indian territory. Therefore, all travelers must sign a consent form for cremation in case of death on the Chinese side.
Collaboration and Support
This pilgrimage is organized with the cooperation of the state governments of Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Sikkim, along with support from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), along with their affiliated organizations, provide logistical support and facilities for each group of travelers. The Delhi Heart and Lung Institute conducts medical tests to determine the fitness levels of applicants for this journey.
Legal Disclaimer
The Ministry has not involved any non-governmental organizations, voluntary organizations, or individuals in the operation of this journey for any purpose or in any manner. Any claims of affiliation by such organizations or individuals are their own, and the Ministry bears no responsibility in this regard.