The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is a spiritually significant and physically demanding pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, through either the Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) or Nathu La (Sikkim) route. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply, eligibility conditions, costs involved, and key FAQs.
Before You Apply: Key Preparations
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Eligibility: Must be an Indian citizen, aged 18-70 years as of 1st January 2025, with a valid Indian passport.
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System Requirements: Acrobat Reader is required for document processing.
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Application Mode: Online only, via the MEA Yatra portal.
Yatra Subsidies-
Eligibility Criteria
• Indian citizen with a passport valid for at least 6 months as of 1st September 2025
• Age: Between 18 to 70 years
• Body Mass Index (BMI) should be ≤ 25
• Medically and physically fit for high-altitude trekking
• OCI cardholders are not eligible
Documents & Information Required for Application
Keep the following ready in specified formats: • Passport-size photograph (JPG, ≤ 300 KB)
• Scanned passport copies (first and last page) in PDF format (≤ 500 KB)
• For two-person applications, repeat the above for both individuals
How to Apply Online
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Read eligibility & conditions on the official website.- https://kmy.gov.in/
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Fill in the online form accurately.
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Choose route preferences:
• Lipulekh: End at Dharchula or Delhi
• Nathu La: End at Gangtok or Delhi -
Submit and take a printout of the application.
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Receive confirmation via SMS and email.
Note: A maximum of two applications per user account is allowed.
Fee Structure and Estimated Expenses
| Particulars | Lipulekh Route | Nathu La Route |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation Amount | ₹5,000 (Non-refundable) | ₹5,000 (Non-refundable) |
| Balance to KMVN/STDC | ₹30,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Return Airfare (Delhi–Bagdogra–Delhi) | — | ₹14,000 |
| Medical Tests (at DHLI) | ₹3,100 + ₹2,500 (if required) | Same |
| Chinese Visa Fee | ₹2,400 (cash) | Same |
| Porter & Pony (Indian side) | ₹12,189 + ₹16,081 | — |
| Pool Fund & Group Logistics | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Tibet Expenses (TAR) | US $950 + RMB 3,360 | US $2,200 + RMB 3,360 |
Important: No part of the fee is refundable or transferable once confirmed.
Selection Process
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Computerized Draw: Random, gender-balanced draw of lots by MEA.
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Intimation: Selected applicants are notified by SMS/email.
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Confirmation: Pay ₹5,000 to KMVN/STDC to confirm participation.
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Reconfirmation: Required before arrival in Delhi.
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Medical Test Reporting: At Delhi Heart & Lung Institute on scheduled dates.
Mandatory Documents for Selected Yatris
• Valid Indian passport
• 6 color passport-size photos
• Indemnity Bond (Rs. 100 stamp paper)
• Undertaking for evacuation & cremation consent
Medical Examinations
• Conducted by Delhi Heart and Lung Institute & ITBP Base Hospital
• Mandatory to qualify for high-altitude clearance
• Secondary test at Gunji (Lipulekh) or Sherathang (Nathu La)
Conditions & Restrictions
• Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected
• Medical unfitness at any stage disqualifies the Yatri
• Legal or travel restrictions disqualify applicants
• Priority given to first-time applicants
• Those with 4+ past yatras via MEA are ineligible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are OCI holders eligible for the Yatra?
No, only Indian passport holders are eligible.
Q: Is there a government subsidy for the Yatra?
No central subsidy. Some state governments offer assistance.
Q: Why is BMI important?
Higher BMI increases health risks at high altitude.
Q: Are private agencies allowed on these routes?
No. Only MEA conducts the Yatra via Lipulekh and Nathu La.
Q: What if I fall sick en route?
ITBP provides medical aid. Evacuation costs are borne by the yatri.
Q: Can medical certificates from private hospitals be used?
No. Only tests from DHLI and ITBP Base Hospital are accepted.
Q: Is the route via Nathu La easier?
Yes. It is mostly motorable with limited trekking (35–40 km).
Q: Can I start the Yatra from Gangtok if I live in Sikkim?
No. All yatris must report in Delhi for visa and medical formalities.
Q: Are refunds possible after confirmation?
No. All payments after batch confirmation are non-refundable.
Travel Agencies & Logistics
• KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam): For Lipulekh route
• STDC (Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation): For Nathu La route
These agencies manage accommodation, food, and logistics in India.
Key Contacts
• IVRS Helpline: 011-24300655
• Official Website: MEA Yatra Portal
• KMVN & STDC details: Refer to the official Yatri Guide
Suggest the pilgrims be allowed to go to their destinations on return from Kathgodam or Bagdogra as per the route, so that they need not to come to Delhi and then go to their respective destination which will be time consuming and costly also.
Thanks and regards,
Mukesh Choudhary
I am 75 yrs, medically quite fit. Is there are any exemptions on age.
Self address in the first application form could not fill up. It accepts few data only. pl. help,