The holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is restarting in 2024 after a long break of five years. Pilgrims can now apply through the official portal of the Ministry of External Affairs at kmy.gov.in. The yatra will run between June and August, with two different routes available – one from Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the other from Nathula Pass in Sikkim.
Every year, thousands of devotees dream of visiting this sacred place situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. But before starting the spiritual journey, it is important to understand the full costs involved and whether the government offers any subsidy.
What Are the Two Routes Available for Yatra?
In 2024, the Indian government has allowed five batches of 50 pilgrims each to go via Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) and ten batches of 50 pilgrims each to go via Nathula (Sikkim). Both routes involve trekking in high-altitude regions and take more than two weeks.
Each route has different costs and facilities, and both require prior fitness tests, medical clearance, and group coordination.
Full Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Route (Uttarakhand)
For those selected for the Uttarakhand route, here is the breakup of major expenses:
- Rs. 5,000: Registration deposit to KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam)
- Rs. 51,000: Main travel cost payment before journey
- Rs. 5,500: Medical check-up at Delhi Heart and Lung Institute
- Rs. 2,500: Stress Echo Test (if needed)
- Rs. 8,000: General medical test cost
- Rs. 2,400: Chinese visa fee
- Rs. 4,000: Food arrangements, group activity costs, local transport
- $1200 (approx. Rs. 1,00,000): Tibet administration charges for stay, food, porter, immigration, etc.
Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 1.8 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh approx.
Full Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula Route (Sikkim)
The Sikkim route is more comfortable as it has fewer trekking days but is also more expensive. Here’s the cost structure:
- Rs. 5,000: Registration deposit to STDC (Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation)
- Rs. 35,000: Main journey fees
- Rs. 20,000: Round-trip flight between Delhi and Bagdogra
- Rs. 5,500: Medical check-up at Delhi Heart and Lung Institute
- Rs. 2,500: Stress Echo Test (if required)
- Rs. 8,000: General medical expenses
- Rs. 2,400: Chinese visa charges
- Rs. 4,000: Other group expenses
- $2400 (approx. Rs. 2,00,000): TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) charges including stay, food, porter, permits
Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 2.75 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh approx.
Does the Central Government Give Any Subsidy for This Yatra?
If you’re searching online about subsidy from the Central Government, it’s important to know that no financial support is provided by the Centre. The Ministry of External Affairs has clearly mentioned on the official KMY portal that it does not offer any subsidy for this yatra.
However, many state governments offer financial help to pilgrims going on this sacred journey. This can help reduce the total cost for selected applicants.
Uttar Pradesh Offers Rs. 1 Lakh Subsidy for Pilgrims
If you are a resident of Uttar Pradesh, you can apply for a Rs. 1 lakh subsidy under a government scheme managed by the Department of Religious Affairs.
- This subsidy can be claimed only once in a lifetime.
- You must apply on the official UP Religious Affairs website (the application process has not started yet for 2024).
- You need to submit all journey-related documents, such as travel receipts, selection proof, medical clearance, etc.
- After document verification, the money is transferred directly to your account.
This support is a big help for middle-class and senior citizens wishing to complete this spiritual journey.
Haryana Government Offers Rs. 50,000 Support
The Haryana government also provides support to its residents. If you are from Haryana, you can receive a Rs. 50,000 subsidy from the state.
- The application process is available through the Antyodaya Saral portal of the Haryana government.
- Select the scheme name from the Scheme/Service List, upload the required documents, and apply online.
- Documents include proof of journey, tickets, visa, medical certificates, and bank account details.
- After verification, a direct bank transfer is made.
This state-level scheme aims to encourage spiritual travel among residents of Haryana.
Important Notes Before Applying
- Only Indian citizens aged 18 to 70 years can apply.
- You must be physically fit and pass medical tests before the journey.
- Selection is done through a computerized draw.
- Both routes involve coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Chinese authorities, and Indian army officers.
- You must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.
To know complete details about eligibility, documents, itinerary, and registration dates, always refer to the official website: kmy.gov.in.
Source: Navbharat Times
