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 being accepted).
- Last Date to Apply: May 13, 2026.
- Yatra Duration: June to September 2026.
- Special Event: The Sagadawa Festival on May 31, 2026, is expected to draw a significant number of early applicants.
How to Register (Step-by-Step)
The registration process is conducted exclusively online to ensure transparency and ease for applicants:
- 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 and 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, pilgrims will be selected through a computerized, fair random draw (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: A valid Indian passport with an expiry date no earlier than March 1, 2027, is required.
- Medical Fitness: All selected pilgrims must undergo a rigorous two-stage medical examination in Delhi. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or below is generally mandatory due to high-altitude challenges.
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
Given the high altitude and extreme weather conditions of the Tibetan plateau, the Ministry advises all applicants to begin physical preparation (walking and breathing exercises) at least two months prior to the journey.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just a trip; it is a spiritual journey of a lifetime. Interested devotees are urged to complete their registrations well before the deadline to avoid technical delays.
