Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has commenced from Tanakpur, Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the first batch of pilgrims traveling via the Lipulekh Pass. Wishing the pilgrims a safe and successful journey, he described it as a rare pilgrimage rooted in faith, spirituality, and the blessings of Lord Shiva. This year, the first batch comprises 49 selected pilgrims chosen from across the country.
Addressing the pilgrims, the Chief Minister stated that he had prayed to Lord Shiva for their journey to be safe, smooth, and peaceful. He remarked that this pilgrimage is a matter of divine grace and devotion.
He noted that out of a country with a population of 1.4 billion, only 49 pilgrims have been selected for this rare spiritual journey, describing this as a sign of Lord Shiva’s grace.
Chief Minister Dhami said, “I pray to Lord Shiva for a pleasant, smooth, and safe Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for you all. May Mahadev shower His grace upon you. As I mentioned earlier, His grace is truly upon you; otherwise, only 49 people out of a population of 1.4 billion have received this rare opportunity. Flagging off the first group of pilgrims from the sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is not merely an administrative duty for me, but an opportunity to bow at the feet of Lord Shiva and remember Him through you. This is a moment of deep devotion.”
Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via two distinct routes: the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and the Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026
With the commencement of the annual pilgrimage, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) announced that, following extensive road infrastructure work, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Lipulekh Pass has largely been transformed into a vehicle-based corridor. This has facilitated easier access for pilgrims and improved connectivity in the border region.
In a post on X, the BRO stated, “Through persistent efforts in one of the world’s most challenging terrains, the 765 BRTF under Project Hirak @BRO has transformed the pilgrimage route via Lipulekh Pass.”
It further added, “The route, which was once a strenuous trek, has now largely become a vehicle-based journey, making the pilgrimage safer, faster, and more accessible, while also enhancing strategic border connectivity and improving the lives of remote border communities.” According to the organization, improved road infrastructure strengthens strategic connectivity at the border and aids the development of remote border villages by facilitating easier access and movement.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is organized annually between June and August/September by the Ministry of External Affairs, and eligible Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport can participate in it.
Applications for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 closed on May 19.
Yatra Route, Costs, and Other Details
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass comprises a total of 10 batches, with a duration of approximately 22 days. The estimated cost per person is ₹2.09 lakh.
The Yatra via the alternative route—Nathu La (Sikkim)—also consists of 10 batches and lasts approximately 21 days. The estimated cost per person for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La is ₹3.31 lakh.