Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 — Official Announcement
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially announced the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026. For the second consecutive year, this most sacred of pilgrimages will take place from June to August 2026, in coordination with the Government of China. Registrations closed on May 19, 2026.
A total of 1,000 pilgrims will be selected to undertake the yatra, divided into 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each. Selection is done through a computerised, random, gender-balanced draw — ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Two Routes for 2026
Batches: 10 batches × 50 pilgrims = 500 pilgrims
Start: June 30, 2026
Type: Trek — strenuous, rewarding
Permit: No Nepal visa needed
Batches: 10 batches × 50 pilgrims = 500 pilgrims
Type: Mostly by vehicle — less strenuous
Start: Sikkim
Permit: No Nepal visa needed
Why the Lipulekh Route is Special for Dharchula Pilgrims
The Lipulekh Pass route passes directly through Dharchula — making Yatra Kailash the ideal operator for pilgrims taking this route. Our team has been guiding yatris along this ancient path for years. We know every checkpoint, every guesthouse, every mountain condition from Dharchula to Lipulekh Pass at 5,334m.
Pilgrims on the Lipulekh route experience the Himalayan border towns of Gunji, Kalapani and Nabhidhang — the same villages our team calls home. This is not just a tour — it is a homecoming to the mountains.
Private Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh — Available Year Round
The government-organised MEA yatra for 2026 is limited to 1,000 pilgrims. However, Yatra Kailash operates private Kailash Mansarovar Yatra packages via Lipulekh Pass for groups and families throughout the yatra season — with personalised support, flexible dates and full local expertise.
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs official announcement May 2026, Business Standard, Organiser.org, LatestLY, Mero Uttarakhand. Published May 2026 by Yatra Kailash, Dharchula.