Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Sees Significant Price Hike
Pilgrims planning to undertake the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will face a notable increase in expenses this year. The total cost for the pilgrimage has risen by 20%, bringing the new fee to ₹2.09 lakh. This marks an increase from last year's ₹1.74 lakh, with officials attributing the hike primarily to currency fluctuations affecting the Tibetan leg of the journey.
Understanding the New Cost Structure
The overall cost for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is divided into two main components: the Indian leg and the Tibetan leg. The Indian portion of the journey, managed by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), now stands at ₹65,000 per pilgrim. This amount covers essential services such as transport, lodging, and guides.
The Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for collecting fees for the Tibetan section, which includes visa costs, medical expenses, and other related charges, all denominated in US dollars. Both the prevailing exchange rate of the US dollar and revised rates for services have contributed to the overall 20% price increase for pilgrims.
Pilgrimage Details and Significance
The annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which traverses through the scenic Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, is scheduled to commence on July 4. This year, the pilgrimage will be conducted in 10 batches, with each batch accommodating 50 pilgrims. For Hindus, Mount Kailash holds profound spiritual significance as the abode of Lord Shiva, and undertaking the circumambulation of the peak along with a purifying dip in Lake Mansarovar is considered crucial for attaining salvation.
How to Apply for the Yatra
Prospective pilgrims must visit the official website, kmy.gov.in, to initiate their application process. The online application requires filling out a comprehensive form, alongside submitting an indemnity bond, consent for cremation, and an undertaking for helicopter evacuation. Applicants must also provide personal details, a passport-size photograph, and a valid passport. A medical fitness certificate and payment of the registration fee are mandatory steps to complete the application.
Eligibility Criteria for Pilgrims
Eligibility for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is stringent to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Applicants must be Indian citizens holding an Indian passport valid for at least six months as of September 1 of the current year. Age restrictions stipulate that pilgrims must be between 18 and 70 years old as of January 1 of the current year. Furthermore, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less is required, along with certification of being physically fit and medically healthy for the arduous journey. Foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not eligible to apply for this particular yatra.