Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2010 by Government of India – Dates and Application Forms

Booking and Selection Process for the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2010 organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, from end of May last week to September 2010 has started. The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is open to all Indian citizens above 18 years of age who wish to proceed to Kailash Manasarovar in China for religious purposes. The last date of receiving applications is Friday, March 16, 2010. Facility of online application generation is also available till March 9, 2010. The application forms and other details are available online at the Ministry of External Affairs website.

You can download the online form here at the official website of Passport office of India. The form must be filled online and a print taken out.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Hinduism

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra conducted by the Government of India includes visit to Mount Kailash – the abode of Lord Shiva – and Manasarovar Lake. According to Hindu scriptures, those who take a dip in the Manasarovar and complete the parikrama (circumambulate) around Mount Kailash are absolved of their sins and are liberated from the cycle of birth and death. They are ultimately united with Brahman (symbolically represented by Mount Kailash or Shiva).

The Selection Process for Yatra

The selection of Yatris will be done by Ministry of External Affairs of India through a computer-generated random gender-balanced selection process. Selected persons will be informed by speed post about their inclusion in a particular batch 3-4 weeks before their scheduled departure. Spouses will be automatically selected (provided this fact is clearly indicated in the relevant column of the application form) subject to clearing the medical test. Selected applicants will be required to confirm their participation in a particular batch by sending a non-refundable demand draft of Rs. 5,000/- in favor of KMVN to Ministry of External Affairs by a specific deadline.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2010 Dates

In 2010 it is planned to send sixteen batches each consisting of a maximum of 60 pilgrims. The first batch is expected to depart from New Delhi in the last week of May 2010. The Yatra is expected to continue till the end of September 2010. The last batch is expected to depart in end of August/beginning of September 2010.

The Essentials for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Applicants should ensure that they possess an ordinary Indian passport valid for more than six months on September 1, 2010.

All Yatris need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination and there selection will only take place after a positive medical report. Applicants should not suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, etc.

Total Cost of the Yatra

Rs. 24,500/- (inclusive of Service Tax) to be paid to Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) out of which Rs 5,000/- is a non-refundable deposit

Rs. 2,150/- to be paid to Delhi Heart and Lung Institute to covercosts of medical examination / tests at Delhi. Additional amount if further medicals tests are needed.

US$ 700/- to be paid to the Chinese side.

Expenditure on adequate equipment, clothing, food stores, porters, baggage, ponies and other items required for the Yatra.

Application Forms

Complete applications in the prescribed format should be sent to:

Under Secretary (China),
China Registry (KMY),
Room No. 255-A,
South Block,
Ministry of External Affairs,
New Delhi-110011

Last date of receiving application: Tuesday, March 16, 2010.

You can find other details and download the application form and brochure from the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

A High Risk Journey

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Yatra is extremely arduous (more so than the Vaishnodevi / Amarnath routes), involves trekking at high altitudes up to 19,500 feet, under inhospitable conditions including extreme cold and rugged terrain and may prove hazardous for those who are not physically or medically fit. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation has recognized the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra as a trekking expedition. There is a considerable element of risk to life and property.