If you want to have the best memories during your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra then planning is important. Planning a trip to Tibetan regions such as Kailash which are highly protected can be tricky without the correct information. From physical training to packing essentials and obtaining the required permits, there are several important steps that you need to undertake for a seamless pilgrimage. You can apply for the yatra with a private tour operator or the government of India. We have curated a guide to help you prepare for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the best way.
Choose the Best Route
You need to decide beforehand whether you want to go with a private tour operator or the Government of India.
Kailash Yatra with Govt. Of India: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India through two different routes. You need to choose the route you want to undertake for the yatra.
The first route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is in Uttarakhand via Lipulekh Pass. A total of 18 groups can complete the yatra through this route with a maximum of 60 pilgrims in each group. Earlier it cost approx 1.8 L and used to take around 24 days. Now a new road has been built to Mt Kailash, reducing the duration of the yatra to 19-20. The cost is now higher than 2 L.
The second route is Kailash Yatra by Govt of India in Sikkim through the Nathu La Pass. A total of 350 pilgrims can complete the yatra by opting for this route. By opting for this route the yatra can be completed in 21 days. Before COVID-19, the Yatra cost 2.5 lakhs. However, when the yatra started again, costing went much higher.
Suggested to Read:
Best Route & Private Agency for Kailash Yatra
You can also choose a reputed private tour operator for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This way, you can get the option to go over land or by helicopter. If you choose a private agency, the yatra can take between 5 and 14 days.
- The first one is the helicopter route via Nepal. The duration of this yatra is between 5 to 11 days. The best thing about this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route is that its starting point is India.
- Another route you can select is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Road. This route starts from Kathmandu and its duration is around 14 days.
Both Nepal routes are more pocket-friendly and take less time in comparison to the Kailash Yatra organized by Govt. Of India. Because of this most pilgrims choose Nepal Route for their Mansarovar Kailash Yatra.
Procedure to Apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with the Government Of India?
You can apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra online. Take a look at the steps you need to follow to register for the yatra.
- Visit MEA Website: Firstly you need to visit the website http://kmy.gov.in to apply for the Yatra. You will have to choose between two routes that seem to be the most suitable for you. This will help the officials in knowing your preference when the lots are drawn.
- Total Pilgrims allowed for KMY with MEA: 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each are allowed for the Nathu La Pass route. They will be allowed to go annually. 7 batches of 50 pilgrims will be allowed to go annually through the Lipulekh pass route.
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Most Affordable Rate: If you choose to go for the Yatra via Nathula Pass in Sikkim, you will have to pay around Rs 2.5 lakh while pilgrims who choose the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand, will have to pay around Rs 1.8 lakh. After making the selection you will have to pay the money.
- Requirements for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Govt. of India: There are a few essential things you will need to apply. You will have to send your scanned recent passport photo, your email address, scanned passport, and your phone number. Check whether your passport is valid as there should be at least six months left at the start of the journey day.
- Medical fitness requirement for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Govt. of India: Before embarking on the yatra you will be tested medically in Delhi. An experienced doctor will check you physically and if you do not meet the required parameters for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you will not be allowed to undertake the yatra. Thus, you must have an active lifestyle and you should be physically fit if you decide to undertake the Mt. Kailash yatra. To ensure you clear all the important medical examinations, you should eat well-balanced meals, start an exercise regimen, and take your medicines on time.
- Documentation required for Kailash Yatra with the Ministry of External Affairs: If you are selected for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you will be required to submit important documents like an indemnity bond that clearly specifies that you are responsible for any risk that you encounter during the journey. You will also have to produce an undertaking for helicopter evacuation if there is an emergency. A consent form also needs to be signed declaring that if you die the cremation of your mortal remains will be done on the Chinese side.
- Regarding incorrect details for KMY: Don’t provide any incorrect details on your application form to the GOI. Your application will be rejected if you’re found guilty of submitting false information.
Procedure to Apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with a Private Tour Operator
If you choose a private tour operator for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra you will have to follow the following steps for registration.
- Download the Application Form in PDF Format for Kailash Yatra: You will have to visit the private agency’s website that you have selected. Download the Kailash Yatra’s PDF application form. Carefully read the form.
- Fill up the Yatra Form: Provide the right information in the form else it will be rejected. Whether it is errors regarding age or spelling mistakes, if you provide wrong information your application will be rejected.
- Send All the Important Documents: You will need to submit all the important documents required for the yatra to your private tour operator. You will have to send the documents scanned copies by email.
- Other Documents Required for Mansarovar Kailash Yatra: Attach the first and last page of the passport copy, PAN card copy and pay registration amount, and 3 passport-size photographs. You must submit a physical fitness certificate from your practitioner, your original passport, and the rest of the payment at least a month before the Kailash Yatra date.
If you decide to go with a private tour operator for the Kailash Yatra you should choose a trustworthy agency with high credentials. This will ensure that your journey is hassle-free.