The sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon, is being conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, from June to August 2025. Set to resume after a five-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic and tensions with China, the yatra will follow the challenging route through the Lipulekh Pass via Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass via Sikkim.

Here's everything you need to know if you’ve applied or are planning for the future.

Application & Selection

• The online application window closed on May 13, 2025.

• Pilgrims are selected through a fair, computer-generated, gender-balanced lottery system.

• All official details and itinerary links are available at the official portal: https://kmy.gov.in

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Official routes

The pilgrimage will take place via two routes:

Lipulekh Pass Route (via Uttarakhand)

• Route: Delhi – Almora – Dharchula – Gunji – Lipulekh Pass – Tibet (China)

• Number of Batches: five

• Duration: Approximately 22 days

• Estimated cost per person: INR 1.74 lakh

• Detailed Itinerary: Visit https://kmy.gov.in/?lang=en and select the Lipulekh batch itinerary.

This traditional trekking route offers a deeply immersive experience through high-altitude Himalayan terrain. It includes the scenic drive through Kumaon and trekking through rugged mountain passes.

Nathu La Pass Route (via Sikkim)

• Route: Delhi – Gangtok – Nathu La – Lhasa – Manasarovar – Kailash (by road within Tibet)

• Number of Batches: 10

• Duration: Approximately 21 days

• Estimated cost per person: INR 2.83 Lakh

• Detailed itinerary: Available at https://kmy.gov.in/?lang=en under the Nathu La itinerary section.

This is a less physically demanding route with travel primarily by road after entering Tibet. It is suitable for those unable to undertake long treks.

Tips For Travellers

• Physical fitness is crucial, especially for those taking the Lipulekh trekking route. A detailed medical examination is part of the selection process.

• The journey involves high-altitude travel, and adequate acclimatisation is scheduled within the itinerary.

• A valid Indian passport is mandatory.

• Pilgrims are advised to undergo physical preparation ahead of the yatra.

For any official updates, advisories, and support, please refer only to the official website: https://kmy.gov.in

(With inputs from official websites)