Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: Registration Opens for Sacred Pilgrimage via Lipulekh and Nathu La Routes

Devotees planning to undertake the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this year can now register online. The Ministry of External Affairs has opened registrations for the 2026 yatra, which will be conducted via two routes — Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim. The journey, considered one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimages for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, will run from June to August.

Registration for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 has begun on the official website kmy.gov.in. The last date to apply is May 19, 2026. Applicants must register online; no physical applications are accepted.

The yatra will be conducted through two routes: Route 1: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) with total batches: 10, duration: approximately 22 days, estimated cost per person: Rs 2.09 lakh. Route 2: Nathu La (Sikkim) with total batches: 10, duration: approximately 21 days, estimated cost per person: Rs 3.31 lakh. Applicants can choose both routes with priority preference or select only one.

Eligibility criteria require applicants to be Indian citizens, possess an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months as on 1 September 2026, be aged between 18 and 70 years as on 1 January 2026, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less, and be physically and medically fit for high-altitude yatra. Foreign nationals and OCI card holders are not eligible.

A total of 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each will undertake the yatra between June and August 2026. Selection is done through a fair, computer-generated, random, and gender-balanced draw of lots. A group of two persons can request to travel together, subject to eligibility.

Key expenses include medical tests at Delhi Heart & Lung Institute: Rs 5,500, Stress Echo Test (if required): Rs 2,500, Chinese Visa fee: Rs 1,800, Pool Money for group activities: Rs 4,000. In Tibet (per person): Lipulekh Route: US$ 1,400 (approx. ₹1,19,000) + RMB 3,360 (approx. ₹39,300). Nathu La Route: US$ 2,700 (approx. ₹2,29,500) + RMB 3,360 (approx. ₹39,300). All payments made are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person.

Selected yatris must carry original Indian passport (valid for minimum 6 months as on 1 Sept 2026), 6 passport-size colour photographs, Indemnity Bond on Rs 100 stamp paper, Undertaking for helicopter evacuation in emergency, Consent form for cremation of mortal remains on Chinese side (if required).