Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: New Guidelines for Indian Pilgrims(2025 )

Can Indian Citizens travel to Tibet for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025?

Yes, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is open for Indian citizens with valid Chinese visa and travel permit to Tibet. Moreover, news of flight continuation between India and Tibet comes as a beacon of hope to Indians.

This yatra or pilgrimage is a sacred and important religious trek for Indian citizens. It is a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Mount Kailash is home to Lord Shiva who is considered the “Destroyer” in Hindu mythology. “Kailash” is considered as a home for Lord Shiva.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra involves circumambulation/parikarma/kora and a sacred bath in the Mansarovar Lake. People around the world come to Tibet for pilgrimage. Mainly Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs come for the pilgrimage. It is the spiritual walk to the home of Lord Shiva.

Kailash Yatra for pilgrims is a path to liberation and purification. Pilgrims  believe completing parikrama or circumambulation around Mount Kailash leads to liberation from their sins.

Beacon of Hope for Indian nationals!

Great news for devotees who have planned a spiritual journey to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025. India and China will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries on April 1, 2025. The good news came after the joint meeting between the Indian Foreign Secretary and the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister.

Himalayan Airlines, which has scheduled direct flights from Pokhara to Lhasa once in a week, is planning to operate two flights in a week. This has given options for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage to take different routes from India.

Direct flights between the two countries were discontinued in 2020 due to COVID-19 and border conflict. This news is sure to strengthen diplomatic relations between India and China and act as a catalyst for strengthening economic and cultural ties between them.

Why were Indian Pilgrims restricted to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Indian citizens have not gone for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 2019 due to COVID-19 and Political disputes between India and China. This spiritual journey generally starts from May to September.

After COVID-19, all foreign nationals, including Indians, were restricted from entering China due to safety concerns. Well, the whole world was in a Lockdown. However, the ban on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was not lifted even after COVID due to political tension.

Another reason for banning Indian routes was a border dispute between India and China in several locations like Arunachal Pradesh.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Revised Registration Process

A registration process has been revised for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 for Indian pilgrims. Find the process below.

• Mandatory e-Application through the Embassy of China in New Delhi.

• Recommended to apply before 3 months due to the limit in pilgrim entry 

New Health and Safety Protocols:

Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage requires updated health and safety protocols to be followed by Indian nationals. The updated rules are as follows:

• COVID-19 vaccine certification is not mandatory to enter Tibet. 

• Must carry a valid Medical Test Certificate and Medical Fitness Certificate issued by the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute (DHLI) and the ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi.

• Availability of Emergency Medical Support during Yatra at Simikot and Hilsa of Humla district.

Route Adjustments via Nepal:

Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has prioritized Simikot/ Hilsa via Helicopter and Road route Rasuwaghadi also called Kerung Border for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 2025.