MEA Flags Off the First Batch of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 on Friday, marking an exceptional resumption of the sacred pilgrimage after a five-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.

Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, ceremonially flagged off Kailash Yatris at an event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi. The minister facilitated the participating pilgrims in this year’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and extended his wishes for a safe and fulfilling journey to Mount Kailash.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Margherita expressed gratitude to the Chinese authorities for their cooperation in resuming the India-China pilgrimage route. “This year, the yatra is resuming after a long gap of five years. It gives me great joy to share that this has become possible through the blessings of Lord Shiva, the devotion of the pilgrims, and the continuous efforts of the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he stated.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced reimbursement of up to INR 1 lakh for state-domicile pilgrims undertaking pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. Eligible pilgrims must apply within 90 days of the yatra through online platforms only, with physical submissions of the supporting documents not permitted.

Significant infrastructure improvements have been made to both the Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La route during the suspension period. MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh earlier noted that vehicles can now easily traverse routes where pilgrims previously had to walk, thanks to the collaborative efforts of border agencies and the Indian Army, specifically for infrastructural development across the region.

Among the selected pilgrims, 66-year-old Tara Kshatriya shared her emotional journey, traveling alone after losing her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We went on every trip together, and Kailash was our shared dream,” she said in loving memory of her late husband.

Another pilgrim, 61-year-old Deviprasad, a retired aviation engineer, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s the ultimate trek. I have been yearning to visit Tibet for the last 15 years. This pilgrimage gives me a chance to experience adventure in divinity.”

For the reader’s reference, the selection process for the government route Kailash yatra involved approximately 5,000 online applications, with successful candidates chosen through a lottery system. Singh assured the unsuccessful applicants that efforts would be made to increase participation numbers in future iterations of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

While the government route of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 has commenced, private tour operators are expected to begin the yatra to Kailash Mansarovar by late June or early July. The delay is attributed to documentation processes and permit approvals from Tibetan authorities.

Trip to Temples is a leading pilgrimage service provider, and we have already submitted permit applications to the Chinese authorities. “We are excited that the yatra is resuming after five years. We expect to begin operations by the end of June through the Lucknow and Nepal, Kathmandu route, after clearance of the pending letter of invitation from Tibetan authorities, which should be received within two to three days,” stated our spokesperson.

Ahead of the lines, Minister Margherita emphasized a deeper meaning of the pilgrimage, stating, “Mount Kailash is regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva. In our sacred scriptures, this pilgrimage is seen as a divine opportunity for self-purification, penance, and communion with the Divine. This holy journey is not merely a religious duty but a symbol of India’s eternal traditions, faith, and spirituality.”

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra represents one of the most significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, drawing devotees from across India to undertake the challenging journey to the sacred mountain and lake in Tibet, strengthening India-China ties through this ancient spiritual tradition.

Stay tuned for more updates on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025.