In a significant move aimed at rebuilding relations between India and China, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is officially confirmed to resume after a five-year hiatus. The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that the revered pilgrimage will recommence in June 2025.
The Kailash Mansarovar yatra, deeply rooted in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist spiritual traditions, was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The resumption marks a crucial step toward normalizing relations between the two neighboring giants.
For thousands of devotees who have waited patiently, this news is a beacon of hope. Here’s everything you need to know about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 — including new routes, updated packages, registration details, government guidelines, and key developments between India and China.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Resume: The Big Announcement
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes as weather improves and diplomatic relations between India and China show signs of thawing. On April 26, 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the yatra would resume from June to August 2025.
The announcement follows significant diplomatic efforts over the past year. Talks to normalise ties, particularly focusing on the yatra, began in earnest after meetings between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the G-20 Summit in November 2024 in Brazil, and subsequent high-level discussions in Beijing.
Key Highlights:
- The yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and border tensions.
- It marks a crucial confidence-building measure post the Galwan Valley clash.
- Resumption talks gained momentum after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China in January 2025.
- The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra website is now live for applications. The last date to apply online is 13th May 2025.
The diplomatic breakthrough is also tied to broader agreements including sharing data on trans-border rivers, direct flights, and easing visa norms, indicating improved bilateral engagement.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 Dates & Schedule
Pilgrims can undertake the journey during a limited window between June and August 2025. This period coincides with optimal weather conditions in the Himalayan region.
Batch Details:
- 5 batches of 50 pilgrims each will travel through Uttarakhand via the Lipulekh Pass.
- 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each will cross through Sikkim at the Nathu La Pass.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes via Nathu La Hindu route primarily benefits elderly pilgrims, as this route is motorable, unlike the strenuous Lipulekh route which requires trekking.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Options
Pilgrims have two main options for the yatra:
1. Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
- Trekking-intensive route.
- It starts from Dharchula in Uttarakhand.
- Involves travel through rugged terrains and high-altitude regions.
- Ideal for physically fit pilgrims seeking a traditional yatra experience.
2. Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)
- Motorable route.
- Suitable for senior citizens or those unable to undertake rigorous trekking.
- Offers a more comfortable and quicker journey to Kailash and Mansarovar.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route selection depends on the pilgrim’s physical ability, time availability, and spiritual preference.
How To Register For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025
Pilgrims must apply online through the official portal: kmy.gov.in.
Registration Process:
- Fill in personal, medical, and contact details.
- Submit a valid Indian passport (minimum six months’ validity).
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph.
- Pay the registration fee.
A computer-generated random and gender-balanced selection process will determine the final list of yatris.
Pro Tip: Since the number of slots is limited (5+10 batches of 50 each), early registration is highly recommended!
How To Prepare For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The pilgrimage to Kailash is physically and mentally demanding. Here’s how to prepare:
- Physical Fitness:
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- Begin cardio and strength training exercises at least six months prior.
- Focus on building stamina for high-altitude trekking.
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- Medical Tests:
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- Complete a comprehensive health check-up.
- Obtain a fitness certificate as mandated by the government.
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- Packing Essentials:
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- Warm clothing (temperatures can plummet even in summer).
- High-altitude trekking gear, personal medicines, and dry snacks.
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- Mental Readiness:
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- Be prepared for unpredictable weather, basic accommodations, and remote settings.
Registration Process: Draw of Lots System
Unlike private tours where paying a fee ensures participation, you cannot go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra just because you can afford it.
Participation is determined through a fair computerized draw of lots.
Here’s how it works:
- Online Application: Submit your application through the official website.
- Draw of Lots: Conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs to select pilgrims randomly.
- Notification: Selected applicants will be informed via email/SMS.
- Helpline for Updates: 011-23088133
If you apply along with a spouse or friend (as a group of two), the government tries to accommodate you both in the same batch, subject to eligibility.
Important: Once you are allotted a route and batch, changes are generally not allowed unless unavoidable, and even then, subject to availability.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025, you must meet the following conditions:
- Must be an Indian citizen with a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity as of September 1, 2025).
- Age: 18 to 70 years (as on January 1, 2025).
- BMI: Should be 25 or less.
- Medical Fitness: Must be physically and medically fit for high-altitude travel.
- Foreign Nationals: Not eligible. OCI card holders are also not eligible.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 Packages & Costs
The Indian Government, committed to making the pilgrimage accessible, offers relatively cheap cost packages compared to private operators.
Estimated Costs:
- Lipulekh Pass Route: Approx. ₹1.8 lakh to ₹2 lakh per pilgrim.
- Nathu La Pass Route: Slightly higher, around ₹2.5 lakh to ₹2.7 lakh, due to transportation and lodging expenses.
These costs generally cover:
- Travel arrangements from Delhi.
- Meals and accommodations en route.
- Medical facilities and emergency evacuation services.
For private operators, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra packages may go up to ₹5 lakh, depending on amenities offered.
For those seeking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra lowest cost, opting for the MEA-organized trip is advisable.
Why is Kailash Mansarovar So Important?
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are sacred to multiple religions:
- Hindus: Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Jains: Associated with Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara.
- Buddhists: Seen as the center of the universe.
- Bön: Considered a spiritual seat of power.
The pilgrimage includes the parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash, considered to wash away sins of a lifetime.
Where is Kailash Parvat?
Mount Kailash is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the source of some of Asia’s longest rivers — the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali (Ghaghara).
Conditions and Important Rules
- Reporting: Confirmed pilgrims must report at Delhi Heart and Lung Institute (DHLI) on the scheduled date and time. Failing to do so will result in cancellation from the batch.
- Reconfirmation: Pilgrims must reconfirm their participation online before arriving in Delhi.
- Batch Integrity: All yatris must travel together and return together with their assigned batch.
- Failure to Pay: If the Confirmation Amount is not credited on time, the slot will be given to someone else.
Organizing this pilgrimage after five idle years poses challenges, especially in terms of logistics and route readiness.
Kailash Mansarovar Latest News & Challenges Ahead
Although the kailash mansarovar latest news brings immense joy, challenges remain:
- Unused Routes: The Lipulekh and Nathu La routes have not seen civilian movement for five years.
- Logistical Challenges: Ensuring safe travel and accommodations at high altitudes will require extensive coordination.
- Weather Risks: Despite planning the yatra in summer, sudden weather changes in the Himalayas can be life-threatening.
The government is working in close coordination with China to ensure smooth operations for the pilgrims.
India-China Relations and The Yatra Resumption
The India-China Kailash Mansarovar Yatra agreement reflects a cautious but positive trajectory in bilateral ties.
- Disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh paved the way.
- The yatra was a top item in India’s diplomatic wishlist during normalization talks.
- Beyond religion, the resumption is viewed as an important symbol of mutual trust and cooperation.
The government remains committed to ensuring safety, transparency, and a spiritually fulfilling journey for all yatris.
Summing Up
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume in 2025 is not just a spiritual opportunity but a landmark development in India-China relations. For devotees across the world, it is a dream come true after five years of uncertainty.
With two route options, transparent selection processes, and government-organized packages at affordable costs, this year’s pilgrimage promises to be both memorable and historic.
As preparations begin, pilgrims are advised to register early, prepare physically and mentally, and stay updated through the official kmy.gov.in portal.
The snow-capped Mount Kailash and the serene Mansarovar Lake await those ready to embark on this divine journey in 2025!
FAQs
When will the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 start?
It will commence in June 2025 and continue till August 2025.
Are foreigners with PIO/OCI status eligible for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
No. Only Indian citizens with valid Indian passports are eligible. OCI holders are not permitted.
Is there any subsidy available for the yatra?
The Ministry of External Affairs does not provide any subsidy. However, some state governments might offer financial aid to their residents.
If a spouse applies, will they automatically be selected if the other partner is chosen?
No. Each application is treated individually in the computerized draw. However, if both apply together as a group, efforts are made to place them in the same batch if selected.
