The first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) 2026 pilgrims was flagged off from New Delhi by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The pilgrimage will see 1,000 selected yatris travel in 20 batches through the Lipulekh and Nathu La passes between June and August 2026, supported by enhanced infrastructure and newly inaugurated acclimatisation centres.
Key Highlights
📌 First batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 flagged off from New Delhi.
📌 A total of 1,000 pilgrims selected through a computerized and gender-balanced process.
📌 Yatris will travel via the fully motorable Lipulekh and Nathu La routes.
📌 New acclimatisation centres and improved facilities introduced for pilgrims.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 officially commenced on Saturday with the flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims from Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita presided over the ceremony and congratulated the selected yatris embarking on one of the most revered spiritual journeys for devotees.
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During the event, Margherita informed pilgrims that accommodation and support services would be available at the newly established acclimatisation centres, recently inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These facilities are expected to help pilgrims better adapt to high-altitude conditions and ensure a safer travel experience.
The minister also acknowledged the contributions of various government ministries, departments and the state governments of Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh, which have worked together to facilitate a smooth and enriching pilgrimage for participants.
Ahead of the yatra, Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami visited Lhasa in Tibet to review preparations and arrangements made by local authorities for Indian pilgrims. The visit reflected ongoing coordination between Indian and Chinese authorities to ensure the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a total of 1,000 pilgrims have been selected for the 2026 edition through a transparent, computerized and gender-balanced draw conducted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The yatris will travel in 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
The MEA noted that both pilgrimage routes are now fully motorable, significantly reducing trekking requirements and making the sacred journey more accessible to a wider range of devotees. The entire process, from online registration to final selection, has been digitized to ensure efficiency, transparency and ease of participation.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remains one of the most sought-after spiritual pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of several faith traditions, attracting thousands of applicants every year due to the religious significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Conclusion
The launch of the first batch marks the beginning of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, a spiritually significant journey supported by improved infrastructure, modernized routes and enhanced coordination between governments. The initiative reflects India’s commitment to making the pilgrimage safer, more accessible and more comfortable for devotees.
FAQ Section
When did Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 begin ?
The first batch of pilgrims was flagged off from New Delhi on June 13, 2026.
How many pilgrims have been selected for KMY 2026 ?
A total of 1,000 pilgrims have been selected through a computerized and gender-balanced process.
Which routes will be used for the pilgrimage ?
Pilgrims will travel through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
How many batches are participating in the yatra ?
The pilgrimage will be conducted in 20 batches, with 50 yatris in each batch.
Who organizes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
The Ministry of External Affairs organizes the pilgrimage in coordination with the Chinese government.
