Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: How To Apply And Prices
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), runs from June to August via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim) routes, with 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each. Registration is open until May 19, 2026, on the official portal kmy.gov.in. Indian citizens aged 18-70 with a valid passport (6+ months validity from September 1, 2026) can apply if physically fit.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 18-70, possess a passport valid for at least six months from September 1, 2026, and be medically fit for high-altitude travel. Serious heart, lung, or altitude-related conditions disqualify candidates; accurate application details are mandatory to avoid forfeiture.
Application Steps
Register online at kmy.gov.in, uploading a passport photo (JPG <300KB), passport scan (PDF <500KB), and ID proof like Aadhaar/PAN. Indicate route preferences (Lipulekh or Nathu La), then await computerized random draw notification via email/SMS. Selected pilgrims undergo medical tests at ITBP Hospital, Delhi (April-May), confirm participation, and pay fees.
Costs
Government Yatra costs approximately ₹1.74 lakh per person (may vary by route: Lipulekh ~₹1.8-2.2 lakh; Nathu La ~₹2.3-2.8 lakh), covering the ~22-day trip. Private Nepal-route packages (via Kathmandu) range from $2,950 (~₹2.5 lakh) to ₹2.85-6 lakh or more, often including helicopter options and extras like puja kits. Prices exclude add-ons for foreign nationals (~$325).
Key Dates
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Registration: Open now until May 19, 2026.
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Selection: Post-deadline via draw.
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Medicals: April-May 2026.
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Yatra: June-August 2026.
Alternative Options
For non-government yatras, book via authorized Nepal-based operators for shorter itineraries (e.g., helicopter from Lucknow at ~₹2.8-3.15 lakh), handling Tibet permits and visas. These offer flexibility but require similar fitness and documents.
