Kailash Manasarovar Yatra registration begins

The registration for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, organised by Ministry of External Affairs, commenced on Thursday, with the arduous journey starting from June 12 to September 8 through two routes.

"Applicants for this Yatra must be at least 18 years and not more than 70 years on 1 January 2017 to be eligible to apply for this Yatra. Last date for registration is 15 March 2017," the ministry said.

Kailash Mansarovar is in Tibet, China. There are two routes for this Yatra. The route through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves some trekking is estimated to cost around Rs 1.6 lakh per person.

It will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each.The duration of the Yatra is 24 days for each batch including3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. 

This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Yatris can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Chialekh Valley or the 'Om Parvat', which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of 'Om' on this mountain.

The route through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and suitable for senior citizens unable to undertake strenuous trekking.

From Gangtok, the route passes through scenic places likeHangu lake, and through the vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau.

It is estimated to cost around Rs 2 lakh per person, and duration would be 21 days, including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This year, 8 batches of 50 pilgrims each are scheduled to embark on this route.

First time applicants, doctors and married couples would have priority. Senior citizens would have priority on the Nathu La route if they opt for it, the ministry said.

"Four persons may apply and undertake the Yatra together, subject to conditions. Yatris can select both routes indicating priority or select only one of the routes. They will be allotted a route and batch through computerised draw of lots," the ministry added.

Registration for this Yatra can be done on the website https://kmy.gov.in and the process is fully online. "Selection of applicants will be through a fair computer-generated, random, gender-balanced selection process," the statement added.