RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4410
ANSWERED ON - 02/04/2026
KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA
4410. SMT. SULATA DEO
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
a) whether the Ministry is taking steps to simplify and facilitate the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims, including streamlining procedures and improving coordination with concerned authorities; and
(b) if so, the details of measures taken and progress achieved.
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a & b) The Ministry of External Affairs has been organizing Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in cooperation with the State Governments of Uttarakhand, Delhi and Sikkim, along with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other concerned agencies of Government of India, through the two official routes of Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand (since 1981) and Nathu la Pass in Sikkim (since 2015).
The Yatra had not taken place between 2020 and 2024 following the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side. Government took up the issue of resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra with Chinese authorities at various levels in its diplomatic engagements and the Yatra was finally resumed in 2025.
During the operation of the Yatra, Government takes various facilitating steps, which include a dedicated website to simplify and expedite the registration and selection process and to facilitate communication with Yatris. A bilingual telephone helpline is also set up during the period of the Yatra.
Government, on a self-payment basis, makes logistical arrangements including accommodation, food, transport and porters on the Indian side for the Yatra. Medical tests are conducted for the Yatris to ensure their fitness for high altitude endurance.
From time to time, Government provides financial assistance for improving facilities along the Yatra route. Road connectivity has been established in recent years to facilitate movement of the Yatris to Lipulekh Pass in vehicles.
Two Liaison Officers from the Central and State governments are appointed for each batch. The Liaison Officers stay in touch with Indian and Chinese authorities concerned and seek assistance in case of any emergency for the safety and well-being of Yatris. In addition, each batch of the Yatris is briefed by MEA on the necessary safety measures and precautions required to be followed by the Yatris to ensure a smooth Yatra. Provision for air-lift of Yatris by helicopter is also available on payment basis in coordination with concerned agencies in case of emergency. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) provides assistance to Yatris on the Indian side.
The facilities (transports / loading / food, etc.) are being upgraded on a continuous basis along the entire route of the Yatra to ensure a safe and secure travel by the Yatris.
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