Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes after 5 Years: All You Need to Know to Plan This Pilgrimage

After a five-year pause, one of India’s most revered spiritual journeys is making a long-awaited comeback. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume on 30th June 2025, rekindling the spiritual aspirations of devotees and adventure seekers alike. This sacred trek to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar offers not just divine connection but also a test of endurance in the high Himalayas.

Whether you're a first-time pilgrim or someone waiting years to return, here's a comprehensive guide to planning your journey.

Why the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Matters
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritually significant pilgrimage revered by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion. Mount Kailash is considered the mythical abode of Lord Shiva, while Lake Mansarovar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma and holds purifying powers.

This sacred trek offers more than a religious journey—it’s an intense personal experience of devotion, discipline, and mental strength at altitudes over 15,000 feet.

Why the Yatra Was Suspended
The yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting international travel restrictions. Border tensions between India and China further delayed its resumption. However, with improved diplomatic relations and safety protocols in place, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced the official reopening of the yatra via the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand.

Who is Organizing the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
The 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is being jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Uttarakhand, and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). While the Ministry and state government oversee coordination and security, KMVN is specifically responsible for managing on-ground logistics, including food, accommodation, and travel arrangements for the pilgrims.

Route Details: Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh Pass
Pilgrims will begin their journey in Delhi, and proceed via the Lipulekh Pass in the Pithoragarh district to enter Tibet. A total of 250 yatris, divided into five batches of 50, will undertake the 22-day pilgrimage.

Travel Itinerary (India leg)

• Delhi – Departure & medical screening
• Tanakpur (Champawat) – 1-night stay
• Dharchula (Pithoragarh) – 1-night stay
• Gunji – 2 nights for high-altitude acclimatisation
• Nabhidang – 2-night halt before crossing into Tibet
• Taklakot (Tibet/China) – Entry point into Tibet

Return Route

• Bundi – 1 night
• Chaukori – 1 night
• Almora – 1 night
• Delhi – Final destination

Important Dates for Pilgrims
The 2025 edition of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will kick off from Delhi on June 30, with a total of 250 pilgrims participating in five batches of 50 each.

The first group is scheduled to enter China via the Lipulekh Pass on July 10, marking the beginning of the cross-border leg of the journey. The final batch will return to India by August 22, bringing the pilgrimage to a close. Each group will undertake a 22-day spiritual expedition, beginning and ending in Delhi, encompassing both challenging terrains and deeply transformative experiences.

Registration Process
To embark on the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, pilgrims must register through the official portal of the Ministry of External Affairs at https://kmy.gov.in.

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, applicants must be Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 70 as of January 1, 2025. They must also be physically and medically fit for the strenuous high-altitude trek, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) not exceeding 25. A valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity from September 1, 2025, is also required.

Selection Process
Pilgrims are selected through a computerized draw of lots conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs. Those chosen will need to provide essential documents such as a valid passport, government-issued ID proof, and medical fitness certificates to confirm their readiness for the demanding journey.

Medical Fitness and Acclimatisation
To safeguard the well-being of all participants, mandatory medical screenings will be carried out at two key points—Delhi and Gunji in the Pithoragarh district. These health checks, conducted with support from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are crucial for assessing each pilgrim’s fitness to undertake the physically demanding high-altitude journey.

What to Pack for the Yatra
Essentials for a safe and comfortable journey:

• Thermal clothing and down jackets
• Trekking boots and warm socks
• Rain gear, sunscreen, lip balm
• Personal medication, basic first-aid kit
• Water purification tablets, dry fruits/snacks
• Battery packs, torches, and ID copies

Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
The spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is deeply rooted in ancient traditions. Pilgrims believe that performing a parikrama (kora) around Mount Kailash can cleanse them of a lifetime's sins, while bathing in the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar is said to bestow moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This region is revered not only for its strong mythological connections but also for the profound transformative spiritual energy it offers to those who embark on the pilgrimage.

The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after five long years marks a profound moment for spiritual seekers across India and the world. With improved infrastructure and renewed safety protocols, the journey is now more accessible than ever—yet remains as spiritually powerful as it’s always been.

Whether you’re moved by faith, a thirst for adventure, or a longing to reconnect with your inner self, Mount Kailash awaits. Start your preparations now to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.