Nestled within the Western Himalayan ranges of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, Mount Kailash, and Lake Mansarovar stand as symbols of serenity and spiritual significance. It is a revered pilgrimage site of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bon practitioners alike This sacred site, often referred to as the ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ draws pilgrims and adventurers alike, seeking solace and divine blessings. Pilgrims undertake the difficult journey of Mansarovar to get spiritual wisdom. Facing both physical and mental challenges along the way they traverse through treacherous mountain passes, rugged terrain, and high altitudes. , Annually conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs from June to September, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage of profound spiritual importance, attracting devotees from diverse faiths.
Spiritual Significance and Magnificence of Mount Kailash
- Mount Kailash, shaped like a diamond, is a majestic peak in the Himalayan ranges, revered for its spiritual energy.
- Known as Kailash, this sacred site is considered the abode of Lord Shiva by Hindus and holds significance for Jains, Buddhists, and followers of the Bon religion.
- The ‘Stairway to Heaven’ moniker reflects the awe-inspiring beauty and divine essence of Mount Kailash.
Annual Pilgrimage
- The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, spans from June to September each year.
- Devotees embark on this pilgrimage to seek blessings and inner peace, with the journey taking them to both Mount Kailash and the tranquil Lake Mansarovar.
- Beyond religious significance, adventurers are drawn to the challenge and mystique of this sacred journey.
Yatra Registration
- To participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, individuals must undergo a registration process facilitated by the official government website.
- Unlike other yatras, the registration for Kailash Mansarovar is exclusively online, adding convenience to the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizens must belong to the age group of 18 to 70 years old with a BMI calculation of less than or equal to 27 only.
- Besides that, you have to be physically and psychologically accommodated and have no serious medical conditions.
Application Conditions
- Prospective yatris are advised to review application conditions meticulously.
- Incomplete applications risk rejection, and any false information can lead to disqualification at any stage of the journey.
- Medical tests, conducted at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi, assess the physical well-being of applicants.
Selection Process
- In a bid to promote equity and transparency, a computer-generated draw is used to arrive at the selection process.
- Lastly, once the applicants are shortlisted batches are made by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Different factors are part of the decision-making process, such as limitations on batch charges and the need to deposit a non-refundable Confirmation Fee.
Application Procedure
- Visit the official website: https://kmy.gov.in/kmy/
- Fill in accurate details and choose between the two routes: NathuLa in Sikkim or Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
- Choose the endpoint of the yatra: Dharchula, Delhi, Gangtok, or Delhi.
Required Documents
- Ensuring the submission of necessary documents is crucial for a seamless registration process.
- Yatris must provide a scanned passport-size photograph, scanned copies of the first and last pages of their passport, and mention a valid email ID and phone number in their application.
Medical Tests
- Pre-emptive Medical Tests are an important part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra before planning your pilgrimage.
- These tests are conducted at the Delhi Heart & Lung Institute and ITBP Hospital; they analyze different aspects of your health including hemoglobin, cholesterol, insulin levels, and BMI.
- The expenses of the medical tests are non-refundable.
Costs
- If you are taking the Lipulekh route, which has 18 gangs with 60 people each, it comes to INR 1.5 lakh per person.
- However, if you choose NathuLa, it’s INR 1.7 lakh per person for the 5 sets of 50 each.
- The best thing about this is that you pay the fee after you are selected for the journey.
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Conclusion
The pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a very demanding journey. Due to the challenges of high altitude, some preliminary preparations become important. This guide, with its step-by-step bulleted lists, offers intricate insights about the spiritual importance of Mount Kailash and the annual pilgrimage, the enrolling process, eligibility criteria, application procedures, vital papers, medical tests, and relative costs together. Travelers can get in touch with Tourism of India and obtain help from the experts via email or any mode of communication they find convenient and accessible. So likewise let this spiritual journey lead to inner peace and the presence of God be with every single faithful traveler.
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