After a five-year hiatus, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially opened applications for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025, scheduled to take place from June to August. The pilgrimage, which was suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions with China, will resume with 15 batches accommodating 750 pilgrims in total. Applications are now being accepted through the official website (kmy.gov.in), with pilgrims selected through a computerized random process. Health requirements remain stringent due to the high-altitude trek, and applicants must be between 18-70 years of age with specific health parameters.
Breaking News: MEA Opens Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 Registration
The Ministry of External Affairs officially announced yesterday (April 26) that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume after a five-year interruption, with the 2025 pilgrimage scheduled to take place between June and August. This long-awaited development follows extensive diplomatic efforts between India and China, with the first batch expected to depart from Delhi on June 30, 2025. The announcement comes as welcome news to thousands of devotees who have been waiting for the opportunity to undertake this sacred journey.
Online applications have been opened on the official website (kmy.gov.in), where pilgrims can submit their details for consideration. According to the MEA statement, a total of 15 batches will be organized: five batches of 50 pilgrims each will travel via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, while ten batches of 50 pilgrims each will journey through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. This arrangement will allow a total of 750 pilgrims to undertake the yatra this year.
The resumption marks a significant step in normalizing India-China relations following the military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s January 2025 meeting with Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong was instrumental in finalizing arrangements for the yatra’s return.
Eligibility Criteria for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025
Age and Health Requirements
The Ministry of External Affairs has outlined specific eligibility criteria that must be met by all potential pilgrims. Applicants must be Indian citizens between 18 and 70 years of age, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less. This health parameter is crucial given the extreme altitude and challenging conditions of the journey, which takes pilgrims to elevations of up to 19,500 feet.
“The strict health requirements are non-negotiable due to the extreme conditions pilgrims will face,” explains Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a high-altitude medicine specialist. “Oxygen levels at these elevations are significantly lower, and only those in excellent physical condition should attempt this journey.”
Medical Fitness and Documentation
All applicants must undergo comprehensive medical examinations to establish their fitness for high-altitude trekking. Selected applicants will be required to undergo additional medical tests conducted by the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi. These examinations will determine the final eligibility, and those found medically unfit will have their applications canceled without exception.
According to the official guidelines, applicants must not have a medical history of lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease. This strict medical screening is essential considering the remote locations and limited medical facilities available during the pilgrimage.
Passport and Documentation Requirements
All applicants must possess a valid Indian passport with at least six months validity beyond September 1, 2025. The passport must be an ordinary Indian passport, and applicants facing any legal or executive sanctions preventing international travel will be automatically disqualified.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Online Registration Procedure
The entire application process for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 has been fully computerized since 2015, eliminating the need for physical documents or faxes. To apply, pilgrims must follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: kmy.gov.in
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal details
- Upload required documents, including a passport-sized photo and scanned copy of passport
- Indicate route preferences (Lipulekh or Nathu La)
- Select endpoint preferences for the return journey
- Submit the application through the online portal
“We’ve streamlined the entire process to make it user-friendly,” stated an MEA spokesperson. “Applicants should ensure all details are accurate as any discrepancies could lead to disqualification.”
Document Requirements and Preparation
Before beginning the application process, applicants should prepare the following items:
- Scanned passport-size photograph (JPG format, not exceeding 300 KB)
- Scanned copy of passport (photo page and personal particulars) in PDF format not exceeding 500 KB
- If applying with a companion, prepare similar documents for them as well.
The MEA advises that in a single user account, a maximum of two registration forms can be submitted if two people want to travel together in the same batch. After successful submission, applicants should take a printout of the form for reference and will receive confirmation via SMS and email.
Comparing the Two Routes: Lipulekh vs. Nathu La
Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand)
The traditional Lipulekh Pass route through Dharchula, Uttarakhand, will accommodate five batches of 50 pilgrims each during the 2025 yatra. This route has been operational since 1981 and involves:
- Departure from Delhi
- Overnight stays in Tanakpur, Dharchula, Gunji, and Nabhidang
- Entry into China via Lipulekh Pass
- Return journey with overnight stays in Bundi, Chaukori, and Almora
- Total journey duration: approximately 22 days
The approximate cost for the Lipulekh route is ₹1.74 lakh per person. The first batch entering China via this route is scheduled for July 10, 2025, with the last batch departing China for India on August 22, 2025.
Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim)
The newer Nathu La route through Gangtok, Sikkim, which opened in 2015, will accommodate ten batches of 50 pilgrims each. This route offers:
- More comfortable travel conditions
- Less trekking compared to the Lipulekh route
- Better accommodation facilities
- Higher cost: approximately ₹2.83 lakh per person.
“The Nathu La route is more expensive primarily due to higher airfares and improved accommodation,” explains Rajiv Mehta, a veteran tour operator specializing in Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimages. “However, it’s often preferred by older pilgrims or those concerned about the physical demands of the Lipulekh route.”
Selection Process and Important Dates
Computerized Random Selection
Pilgrims will be selected through a fair, computerized, random, and gender-balanced selection process. This system ensures transparency and equal opportunity for all applicants, regardless of when they apply within the application window.
The MEA has emphasized that the selection is not first-come-first-served, so there is no advantage to rushing applications on the first day. Instead, all complete applications received before the deadline will have an equal chance of selection through the computerized system.
Key Dates to Remember
- Application opening: April 26, 2025 (already open)
- First batch departure from Delhi: June 30, 2025
- First batch entry into China via Lipulekh: July 10, 2025
- Last batch departure from China: August 22, 2025
- Expected application deadline: End of May 2025 (exact date to be confirmed by MEA)
What This Means: Implications Beyond Pilgrimage
Diplomatic Significance
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025 carries significant diplomatic weight, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations. This development follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024, which set the stage for improved bilateral relations.
“The resumption of the yatra signals a positive shift in India-China relations after years of tension,” notes Dr. Arundhati Singh, an international relations expert from Jawaharlal Nehru University. “It represents one of the most visible people-to-people exchanges between the two nations and serves as a confidence-building measure.”
The decision to resume the pilgrimage came after several high-level meetings, including discussions between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. The matter was further addressed at the Special Representative meeting in December 2024 and during subsequent diplomatic engagements.
Future India-China Initiatives
Beyond the yatra, both countries have agreed to several other confidence-building measures, including:
- Resumption of direct air services between India and China
- Early meetings of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss hydrological data sharing
- Commemorative activities marking 75 years of diplomatic relations
- Encouraging dialogue between media and think tanks of both countries
These initiatives collectively aim to rebuild mutual trust and restore confidence between the two Asian giants after years of strained relations.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Successful Application
As applications continue to flow in for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025, interested pilgrims should act promptly to complete their registration. The MEA has simplified the process considerably, but applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, particularly the stringent health requirements, before applying.
Prospective pilgrims should carefully consider their route preference based on physical fitness, budget considerations, and comfort requirements. While the Lipulekh route offers a more traditional experience at a lower cost, the Nathu La route provides greater comfort at a premium.
With the yatra resuming after five years, competition for the limited 750 spots is expected to be intense. Regardless of which pilgrims are ultimately selected, the resumption of this sacred journey represents a significant milestone in both spiritual opportunity for devotees and diplomatic relations between India and China.
For the latest updates and detailed information, visit the official website at kmy.gov.in or contact the Ministry of External Affairs helpline for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025.
