Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: Application process begins

New Delhi: The government on Thursday announced the commencement of online application for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

The pilgrimage is planned during the period 12 June to 9 September 2016 through Lipulekh and Nathu La.

The route via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves extensive trekking of about 200 kilometers, is estimated to cost about Rs 1.6 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each. The route through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and is estimated to cost about Rs 2 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 7 batches of 50 pilgrims each.

Age limit for applicants is between 18 and 70 years as on 1 January 2016. Applicants can opt for either of the routes. Senior citizens will have priority on the Nathu La route. First time applicants, senior citizens and medical doctors will be given priority.

The application process is fully online. The online application form provides necessary instructions and guidelines in Hindi and English languages to complete the application.

Applicants for this Yatra will be selected and assigned routes and batches through a fair, computer-generated, gender-balanced selection process. Applicants can get information, and track the status of their application through the IVRS helpline No: 011-24300655.

The Yatra is undertaken by hundreds of people every year. Holding significance for Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it holds religious importance also for the Jains and the Buddhists.