New Delhi / Hyderabad: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has officially announced the commencement of registrations for the highly anticipated Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026. Considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, the Yatra is set to resume with enhanced security and medical facilities for pilgrims this year.
Key Dates for Pilgrims
- Registration Start Date: April 2026 (Applications are now open in).
- Last Date to Apply: May 13, 2026.
- Yatra Duration: June to September 2026.
- Special Event: The Sagadawa Festival on May 31, 2026, will likely encourage many people to apply early.
How to Register (Step-by-Step)
Applicants must complete the registration process exclusively online to ensure transparency and ease.
- Official Portal: Visit the Ministry’s dedicated website at kmy.gov.in.
- Form Submission: Fill in your personal details, emergency contacts, and valid Passport information.
- Document Upload:You must upload a scanned passport-size photograph. Along with that, you must upload a clear PDF of the first and last pages of your passport.
- Route Selection: Choose your preferred route from the two government-authorized paths:
- Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand): Known for its trekking experience.
- Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): Preferred by those seeking a more vehicle-friendly route.
- Selection: Due to limited slots, the organizers will select pilgrims through a computerized and fair lucky draw.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 70 years of age (as of January 1, 2026).
- Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply through the MEA. (OCI/PIO cardholders are not eligible for the government-organized Yatra).
- Passport Validity: Applicants must have a valid Indian passport with an expiry date no earlier than
March 1, 2027. - Medical Fitness:All selected pilgrims must undergo a rigorous two-stage medical examination in Delhi. Additionally, pilgrims must generally maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or below because of the challenges of high-altitude conditions.
Estimated Costs
- Lipulekh Route: Approximately ₹1.75 Lakh to ₹2.10 Lakh per person.
- Nathu La Route: Approximately ₹2.50 Lakh per person.
- Private Tours: Private operators offering helicopter services via Nepal may cost between ₹3.0 Lakh and ₹4.5 Lakh.
Essential Advice for Pilgrims
Because the Tibetan plateau is at a very high altitude and has extreme weather conditions, the Ministry advises all applicants to start physical preparation early. Therefore, applicants should begin walking and breathing exercises at least two months before the journey.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just a trip; it is a spiritual journey of a lifetime. We strongly encourage interested devotees to complete their registrations well before the deadline. This will help them avoid any technical delays.
