Kailash Mansarovar Yatra registrations open; Om Parvat darshan planned

Registrations for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begin today, with pilgrims set to get Om Parvat darshan during the journey through Lipulekh and Nathu La routes.

Registrations for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra opened on Thursday, with authorities initiating preparations across key transit points in Uttarakhand and Sikkim. The annual pilgrimage, considered among the most sacred for devotees of Lord Shiva, is scheduled to commence in early June this year.

Officials confirmed that the yatra will be conducted via two established routes — the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. Each route will host 10 batches, with 50 pilgrims in every group, taking the total number to 500 per route.

Online registrations begin

The registration process is being carried out through the portal of the Ministry of External Affairs. Applicants are required to create an account, fill in personal and passport details, and upload necessary documents, including a photograph and scanned passport copy.

According to officials, entries will be screened before selection through a computerised lottery system. “There is no manual intervention in the selection process,” a source familiar with the system said. Successful applicants will be notified via SMS and email.

Medical screening mandatory

Shortlisted pilgrims will undergo detailed medical examinations in Delhi. Teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police along with specialist doctors will conduct health checks.

Clearance from these tests remains a key requirement. Final confirmation for the journey will only be issued after medical fitness is established and the prescribed fee is paid.

Journey from June

District authorities in Pithoragarh said the first batch is expected to depart in the first week of June. Preparatory work, including coordination with local agencies and route management, has already begun.

The pilgrimage traditionally starts from Delhi, passing through Tanakpur and Champawat before reaching Pithoragarh. After a halt at Dharchula, pilgrims proceed towards Gunji, where another round of medical checks is conducted.

Logistics under KMVN

The yatra is organised by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, which has been managing logistics since 1981. The corporation oversees transportation, accommodation, and food arrangements along the route.

Security, especially in high-altitude stretches, is handled by ITBP personnel. Officials said coordination between civil administration and security forces has been strengthened this year.

Road access improves route

Infrastructure upgrades in recent years have significantly reduced the physical strain of the journey. Before 2019, pilgrims had to trek over 60 kilometres in difficult terrain, often dealing with low oxygen levels.

With the construction of a motorable road up to Lipulekh, most of the route can now be covered by vehicles. Only a short stretch of about 400 metres near the border requires trekking, making the journey comparatively more accessible.

Last year marked the first instance when pilgrims travelled by vehicle up to Lipulekh. This year will be the second such season.

Om Parvat darshan included

A notable addition to the pilgrimage is the inclusion of darshan at Om Parvat near Nabidhang. The site, known for a natural formation resembling the ‘Om’ symbol, has drawn increasing interest among devotees.

After crossing Lipulekh Pass, pilgrims enter Chinese territory and travel through Taklakot and Darchen before reaching Mansarovar.

Religious significance

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar hold deep spiritual importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The site is widely regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva and a centre of cosmic energy in several traditions.

The yatra was suspended following the 1962 India-China conflict but resumed later with government facilitation. Passports are mandatory for all participants due to the international nature of the journey.

With registrations now open, authorities expect strong interest from pilgrims across the country for this year’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.