Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Dates, Routes and Complete Travel Guide

After the auspicious “Chaar Dham” yatra, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is an another sacred pilgrimage journey. According to Hindu mythology, Mount Kailash is believed to be a home to Lord Shiva. It is also a holy pilgrimage site for Jainism, Buddhism and Bon religion. However, it is globally considered one of the toughest and most physically challenging journeys. Located at a high altitude of 4,600 meters, completing this yatra requires acclimatization and physical fitness to avoid the chances of altitude sickness. It is prohibited to climb Mount Kailash, but Kalish Mansarovar Yatra offers an opportunity to visit the sacred adobe of Lord Shiva. Being a devotee of Shiva, if you are planning for this yatra in 2025, you have landed at the right place.

After a duration of five years, this year the Indian government is going to conduct the most awaited Mansarovar Yatra. It has been decided that pilgrims will be divided into 8 primary batches, each batch will be accompanied by 50 pilgrims. We have mentioned the dates, routes, cost and religious emphasis. We have also added the registration process for this one-of-a-kind yatra. Let's delve in and get to know everything about this holy journey.

Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Different Religion

The prosperous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra beholds significant importance in various religions. If you are planning to be a part of this yatra, you must know its importance. In every religion, it has a different significance. Take a look, why this yatra is important for Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon.

1. Hinduism

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is considered the supreme deity. Mount Kailash is the eternal home of Shiva. Hindu devotees desire to visit Kailash Mansarovar to purify their souls and liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death. This yatra is important for them to seek blessings of the divine lord and enhance their spiritual journey. It is believed that this holy yatra is a path towards spiritual liberation. Taking a dip into Mansarovar Lake and circle around (Kora or Parikrama) Mount Kailash, purifies souls and cleanses sins. In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is also considered the center of the universe. This is why, Hindu devotees choose this yatra to elevate their spiritual awakening.

2. Buddhism

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is an important part of spiritual journey of Buddhism. Similar to Hinduism, Buddhists also consider Mount Kailash the center of the Universe. It is believed to be the holy adobe of Buddha Demchok, a powerful deity of Buddhism religion. For the Buddhists of Tibet, this mountain is known as “Kangri Rinpoche” which refers to precious snow mountain. The divine Buddhism mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is also associated with Mount Kailash. They chant this mantra on a regular basis, which is also a symbol of wisdom and compassion. According to Buddhist cosmology, Mount Kailash is considered as “Father” and Mansarovar Lake is considered as “Mother”. In Buddhism, circumambulating or doing parikrama around the mountain believed to enhance spiritual awakening and good luck.

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3. Jainism

Mount Kailash is known as Mount Ashtapada in Jainism. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is auspicious for Jains, as it is associated with Rishabhadeva. He was the first Tirthankara who liberated himself from the cycle of birth and death. This is why this place is highly auspicious for Jains. According to Jain scriptures, this yatra is a divine way to connect with sacred space. For Jains, the Mansarovar Yatra is a way to respect the liberation of Rishabhdeva and seek blessings. They consider it as a journey of spiritual growth and self-awakening. On the way to this holy journey, they also visit shrines and stupas made by Bharata Chakravartin. He was the son of Rishabhdeva, he dedicated 24 tirthankaras around Mount Kailash.

4. Bon

First of all, Bon is an ancient religion of Tibet. It was originated before the Buddhism and there are still horde of people who follows this religion. In this religion, Mount Kailash is believed to be the sacred home of “Sipaimen” the sky goddess. As per Bon cosmology, this mountain is known as “Yungdrung Gutsek”. It means a nine-story swastika mountain, associated with the spiritual power of this mountain. During Mansarovar Yatra, they  move around Mount Kailash anti clockwise. They believed this practice brings good luck and prosperity.

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Registration Process of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025

You must know that the highly auspicious Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs. Hundreds and thousands of people every year apply for this yatra. It is important to know that the Indian government do not provide any financial support or subsidy for this yatra. Physical fitness is the paramount to be eligible for this yatra. Before we know the eligibility criteria, let’s uncover the step-by-step process of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra registration.

#Step 1.

Visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). You can click on this link to directly visit the website (https://kmy.gov.in/?lang=en)

#Step 2.

Fill in the application form by choosing a preferred route and end point of this yatra. You have to provide several documents while submitting your form.

#Step 3.

Attach all the required documents. A copy of valid Indian passport or Adhaar Card, 6 copies of current passport size photographs, an indemnity bond on a hundred rupees non-judicial stamp paper. It must be authenticated by first class magistrate or notary public.

#Step 4.

Attach a written application for undertaking helicopter evacuation in case of emergency.

#Step 5.

You need to sign the consent form for cremation of mortal remains, in case of any death situation. The registration process cannot be completed without attaching this form.

#Step 6.

Submit a medical fitness certificate to ensure your physical ability for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

#Step 7.

Last but not the least, pay the non-refundable registration fee. The registration fee typically varies between INR 5,000 to 25000.

After completing the registration process, just sit back and wait a response from Ministery of External Affairs. They conduct computer-generated random selection. If you get selected, you will be notified by them. It is one of the best things to do in India, if it is affordable for you.

Selection Process of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

It is duly important to know about the selection process if you are registering for this holy yatra. Every year only 750 devotees are selected for this yatra.  Kindly read out all the pointers for the selection process to avoid any confusion.

• Your age should be between 18 to 70 and must have an Indian passport.
• All the applicants of Mansarovar Yatra must be an Indian citizen. International citizens cannot apply for this divine journey through Indian government website.
• You can be disqualified from the selection list if you have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, and heart disease.
• All the devotees are selected by the Ministry of External Affairs through a fair computer-generated process. If there is a group of two people, they can request the same batch. The request can only be accepted if there will be a room for acceptance.
• All the selected devotees will be informed via automated generated messages. You can receive a message on your email-id or contact number. You can also see the status update through helpline number: 011-23088133.
• Once you are allocated to a dedicated batch, you can’t raise a request to change the batch. However, in case of emergencies you can raise a request with valid reasons and proof. It is crucial to know that the decision will be solely made by government officials.
• If you are selected, you have to confirm your participation by paying the non-refundable fees for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.  The fees will directly be credited to Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam or Sikkim Tourism development corporation.
• You can get removed from the list, in case of not crediting the amount before the cut-off date. That’s why it is essential to pay the fees before the cut-off date to avoid such heart-wrenching situations.
• All the selected devotees must report to the Delhi Heart & Lung Institute for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Delhi, on the given date and time. Your name can be cancelled from the batch, in case of absence from the venue. It is important to travel together with the allotted batch.

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Date, Routes & Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be accomplished via two major routes. If you are planning a trip from India, you can have two options. International citizens can book Nepal tour packages and choose this route for this auspicious journey. In this specific section, we have mentioned detailed information about routes and travel costs.

Indian Routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025

For Indians this Yatra will be conducted through two major official routes. If we talk about the cost of this yatra, it can vary between 1.6 to 4.5 lakhs. The cost varies as per your package and chosen routes. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter can be a but expensive. This yatra is organized by Indian government from June to September. The first batch of this yatra will depart on 30th June, it is just a tentative date. Let's know about the routes.

1. Nathu La Pass, Sikkim

Operating from 2015, Nathu La Pass in Sikkim is the most considerable route for elderly people. It is great for them who can’t trek, since it is motorable and it is easier and shorter than other routes. The well-maintained roads of this route can easily take you to Indo-China border. This route will take 21 days to complete this, Yatra. On the way, you delve into the scenic beauty Sikkim and Tibetan Plateau. Your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Delhi will first stop at Gangtok and then you will be taken to Tibet via Nathu La Pass.

2. Lipulekh Pass, Uttarakhand

This route is mostly opted for by adventure-loving people. The Lipulekh Pass route is ideal for absolutely fit people. This route involves trekking via high altitude villages, flower valleys, and breathtaking landscapes. The journey starts from Delhi to Dharchula via road and then from Gunji to Lipulekh Pass. Once you cross the Tibet border, the trek will start to reach Burang. It is necessary for pilgrims to get ready for the final trek to reach Mansarovar Lake. Believe it or not but is the toughest treks in India.

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International Routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Being an international citizen planning to go on this holy Yatra? Well, you can go via Nepal. Foreign citizens can go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal, it is the most common route for the. However, to reach this beautiful country it is advisable to book a tour package. Booking a tour package can eliminate all the difficulties that may occur while visiting a foreign country. Your journey will start with flying to Kathmandu and then taking a helicopter route to reach the Nepal-Tibet border. However, after reaching Nepal, you can also opt for the road route via Kathmandu to Kyirong county in Tibet. Once you reach Kyirong, the challenging trek starts to reach the Mansarovar Lake, which is the base for Mount Kailash. It will take almost three days to complete the circumambulation (Parikrama) of Mount Kailash. If you are able to do the trek, you must go for it. Another way to complete this Parikrama is via helicopter.

Essential Considerations for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

However, there are certain things which is necessary to take into consideration before you start this journey. Here we have mentioned certain points that you must keep in mind.

1. The most important thing to take into consideration before starting this journey is your physical health. Before planning this trip, do get engaged with regular exercise and follow a healthy fitness regime.
2. It is important to practice the acclimatization process; it will keep you balanced throughout the journey at higher altitudes.
3. Go through complete medical checkups to identify any health issues. Get it sorted before this yatra.
4. If you are an Indian citizen, it is essential to get registered via Ministery of External Affairs. For International citizens it is required to get a visa and Tibet travel permit. However, your travel partners can get it arranged for you.
5. Do not forget to carry your necessary documents including passport, id cards and permits.
6. The Himalayas are quite unpredictable, that’s why it is essential to be prepared for harsh weather. You may encounter snowstorms or extreme cold.
7. Keep yourself hydrated to avoid headaches and nausea due to high altitude.
8. Your bags must contain protein packed food and warm clothes to tackle cold weather.

Ideal Month for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Between June to September

Temperature:

Daytime: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)

Nighttime: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)

You must consider all the above pointers before planning Kailash Mansarovar yatra. Undoubtedly, it is not going to be an easy journey; you have to plan a lot of things. From being physically to financially fit, this yatra really tests you. Most pilgrims start this journey to establish a closer connection with Lord Shiva. This Yatra proves that it is not easy to find him or get closer to him. So, if you are ready to sacrifice materialism for a while, register now on the MEA website. However, International citizens should book a Nepal tour packages. You can book this tour package through any reliable travel agency.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 - FAQ’s