The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is organized every year by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) between June and September, along two routes — the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The pilgrimage resumed in 2025 after a five-year pause, and 2026 applications closed on 19 May 2026, with batches running through the summer.
Here is what the journey involves, how the official process works, and what to plan for if you hope to make the trip.
Why Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are sacred
Mount Kailash, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is revered as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. Lake Mansarovar, at its foot, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
The site holds deep meaning across faiths:
- Hindus see Kailash as the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
- Buddhists associate it with Demchok and circumambulate it as an act of devotion.
- Jains revere it as the place where the first Tirthankara attained liberation.
- Followers of the Bon tradition consider it the seat of spiritual power.
The act of walking the 52-km circuit around the mountain — the Kailash parikrama — is the spiritual heart of the journey for most pilgrims.
KMY 2026 routes, duration and cost
The MEA runs the yatra on two overland routes, each with its own duration and cost. Both end at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar; the difference lies in the terrain, trekking demands, and price.
| Route | Crossing point | Batches | Duration | Approx. cost per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lipulekh Pass | Uttarakhand | 10 | ~22 days | ₹2.09 lakh |
| Nathu La Pass | Sikkim | 10 | ~21 days | ₹3.31 lakh |
Which route suits you?
- The Lipulekh route involves more trekking at high altitude and is the more demanding of the two.
- The Nathu La route is largely motorable, making it gentler for older pilgrims, though it costs more and takes a similar number of days.
Both routes begin with reporting in Delhi, where pilgrims undergo medical screening before departure. You can compare flights to Delhi and hotels in Delhi on Wego to plan your arrival around Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Who can apply & how
Eligibility is set by the MEA and verified strictly. Per the official kmy.gov.in criteria, applicants must be:
- Indian citizens with an Indian passport valid for at least six months as on 1 September of the yatra year.
- Aged between 18 and 70 as on 1 January of the yatra year.
- Physically fit with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or below.
Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders are not eligible. Selected applicants must also clear medical tests at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi.
The registration process
Applications are accepted only online at kmy.gov.in — never through an agent. Selection is by a computerized draw of lots, with first-time applicants given priority.
Chosen pilgrims are notified by email and SMS. The MEA does not provide any subsidy, though some state governments offer their own assistance to residents.
The Nepal route: An alternative via Kathmandu
If you miss the MEA draw or aren’t eligible, private tour operators run the yatra from Nepal via Kathmandu. This route is open to foreign nationals and OCI holders, unlike the government yatra.
Pilgrims typically fly into Kathmandu and continue overland or by helicopter via Simikot or the Kerung border, with some itineraries routing through Lhasa. Search hotels in Kathmandu and check arrivals at Tribhuvan International Airport when planning this option.
The helicopter packages are faster and easier on the body but cost more. All Nepal-route travelers still need a Chinese group visa and Tibet travel permits, arranged by the operator.
How to prepare for the altitude
The yatra crosses passes above 5,000 meters, where the air holds roughly half the oxygen at sea level. Altitude sickness is the single biggest risk, so preparation matters more than enthusiasm.
A few practical steps:
- Begin cardio and walking training months in advance to build stamina.
- Pack layered thermal clothing, a windproof jacket, sturdy waterproof boots, and a warm sleeping bag.
- Carry prescribed altitude medication after consulting your doctor, plus basic first aid.
- Allow time to acclimatize and never rush the parikrama.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering high-altitude evacuation is strongly recommended for either route.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra take?
The MEA Lipulekh route takes about 22 days and the Nathu La route about 21 days. Nepal-route helicopter packages can be completed in around 9 to 14 days.
Can senior citizens do the yatra?
Yes, up to age 70 as on 1 January of the yatra year for the MEA routes, provided they pass the medical tests. The motorable Nathu La route is generally gentler for older pilgrims.
Do I need a visa for Mount Kailash?
Yes. Mount Kailash is in Tibet, China, so all pilgrims need a Chinese group visa and Tibet travel permits, which are arranged through the MEA or your tour operator.
Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs — Kailash Manasarovar Yatra official portal
- Ministry of External Affairs — Who is Eligible
- Ministry of External Affairs — Fee Structure
- Ministry of External Affairs — Applying for the Yatra
- Ministry of External Affairs — KMY Application Form
- Indian Council of World Affairs — Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Recent Developments
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
