The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages, has resumed through Sikkim’s Nathu La pass after a six-year suspension due to geopolitical tensions. This year marks:
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First batch crossing since 2018 border disputes
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Government-to-government coordinated operation
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750 pilgrims selected nationwide (500 via Nathu La, 250 via Lipulekh)
Current Batch Details
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Batch Size | 36 pilgrims (23 male, 13 female) |
| Officials | 2 MEA representatives |
| Arrival Date | June 16, 2024 |
| Border Crossing | June 20, 2024 |
| Total Duration | 21 days (Gangtok to Kailash return) |
Complete Route Breakdown
Phase 1: Sikkim Acclimatization
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Gangtok Arrival (June 16)
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Land at Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal)
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Road transfer to Gangtok (5 hours)
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STDC welcome at Rhenock Bungalow
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17 Mile Camp (June 16-17)
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Altitude: 2,750 meters
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Medical checks & briefings
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Oxygen saturation monitoring
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Sherathang Camp (June 18-19)
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Final preparations before China crossing
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ITBP security briefing
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Phase 2: China (Tibet) Segment
| Location | Activity | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Nathu La Pass | Border crossing (June 20) | 4,310m |
| Shigatse City | Tibetan entry formalities | 3,840m |
| New Dongba | First Kailash viewpoint | 4,560m |
| Darchen | Base camp for parikrama | 4,670m |
Logistics & Facilities
1. Travel Arrangements
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Flights: Delhi-Bagdogra-Delhi (included in package)
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Road Transport: AC coaches with oxygen support
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Tibet Segment: Chinese government-approved vehicles
2. Accommodation
| Location | Facility Type | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | 3-star hotel | Medical screening |
| 17 Mile | High-altitude camp | Oxygen-equipped rooms |
| Darchen | Pilgrim guesthouse | Heating & altitude aids |
3. Medical Support
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Team Composition:
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2 doctors per batch
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4 paramedics
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Portable hyperbaric chamber
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Emergency Protocol:
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Immediate descent for AMS cases
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Helicopter evacuation from 17 Mile
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Spiritual Significance
Sacred Sites Along the Route
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Lake Manasarovar
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Circumambulation (12 hours)
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Holy dip rituals
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Mount Kailash Parikrama
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3-day, 52km trek
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Dolma La pass (5,650m)
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Tirthapuri & Tholing Monasteries
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Ancient Buddhist sites
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Asthapad connection
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Religious Practices
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Daily pujas at camp
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Guided meditation sessions
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Special permits for Gauri Kund visit
Security & Geopolitical Aspects
Border Coordination
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Indian Side:
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ITBP armed escorts
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Satellite communication
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Chinese Side:
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Restricted movement zones
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Mandatory guides
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Diplomatic Protocols
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Special pilgrimage visas
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No photography near military sites
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Pre-approved route adherence
Pilgrim Selection Process
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Annual Notification: December-January
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Application Window: 15 days
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Selection Method: Computerized lottery
Eligibility Criteria
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 18-70 years |
| Health | Medical certificate |
| Nationality | Indian citizens only |
| Fitness | 5km walk test |
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Package | 1,85,000 |
| Insurance | 15,000 |
| Emergency Deposit | 25,000 (refundable) |
For real-time updates: TheQuickUpdate.com
FAQs
1. Why was the route closed for 6 years?
Geopolitical tensions following the 2017 Doklam standoff suspended all border tourism.
2. How difficult is the trek?
The Nathu La route is graded moderate-to-strenuous with 6-8 hour daily treks at 4,500m+.
3. What’s banned during the yatra?
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Plastic bottles
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Drones
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Religious literature distribution
4. Can solo travelers join?
No – only government-organized batches permitted.
5. When will 2025 applications open?
Expected December 2024 via MEA website.
