Pilgrims waiting for the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 2019 to kick-start can heave a sigh of relief. The yatra organised by the Ministry of External Affairs will be between June 8 and September 8, 2019. The registration formalities of the yatra started on April 16 and will end on May 9, 2019.

Interested applicants are required to have an Indian passport, valid for a minimum of six months as on September 1, 2019.

The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage will cover the famous Nathu La Pass in Sikkim and the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. The journey is estimated to cost about INR 1.8 lakh to 2.5 lakh per pilgrim. The entire pilgrimage will last for 24 days per batch, which includes 3 days in Delhi for fitness test and preparatory formalities.

The passage via Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) can be covered by a taxi and is best suited for the elderly pilgrims, who find it hard to walk on high altitude mountains. Those who are keen on enrolling for this yatra can fill the online application.

he following documents are mandatory for filing the application for Kailash Mansarovar yatra:

• 1 scanned copy of passport size photograph (in .jpg format not more than 300 kb size)
• 1 scanned copy of Passport (photo & personal details) and last page bearing family information in .pdf format; not more than 500 kb size.

Process of selection:

• A computer-generated, random and gender-balanced selection process will be used for selection of yatris.
• After the computerized draw of lots selection, the yatris will be contacted via automated messages to their registered mobile number and email id.
• All the chosen yatris will have to confirm their participation in the pilgrimage by submitting a non-refundable amount in the bank account of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) or Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) by a set date.