**Executive Summary**
The document addresses questions regarding the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, specifically the Government's efforts to resume the Yatra after suspension due to the pandemic, explore alternative routes (Shipki La Pass), and improve infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organized the Yatra in 2025 through two official routes and continues to engage with China regarding alternative routes. The MEA also provides assistance to Yatris on a self-financing basis.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025:**
* The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organized the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 between June and August.
* The Yatra utilized the two official routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
* The MEA coordinated with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
* **Alternative Routes:**
* The Government constantly endeavours to improve conditions for the Yatra.
* The MEA has requested China to open alternative routes, including via Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
* China cited difficulties in opening alternate routes.
* The Government remains engaged with China on opening of additional routes.
* **Assistance to Yatris:**
* The MEA provides assistance on a self-financing basis, including transportation, accommodation, food, and medical tests.
* The MEA coordinates with China and various Indian agencies for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
* Provision for air-lift of pilgrims by helicopter is made on the Indian side in case of a medical emergency.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Yatris (Pilgrims)**
* **Impact:** Pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra benefit from the organized Yatra through the official routes and the assistance provided by the MEA, including transportation, accommodation, food, and medical facilities.
* **Action Required:** Yatris may need to cover their own expenses for the Yatra (self-financing).
**Stakeholder: State Governments (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh)**
* **Impact:** State Governments play a role in the coordination of the Yatra, particularly for routes within their territory. The Government of Himachal Pradesh may be involved in assessments for the Shipki La route.
* **Action Required:** Provide support and coordination for the Yatra within their respective states.
**Stakeholder: Government of China**
* **Impact:** China is a key partner in facilitating the Yatra, particularly regarding border crossings and the opening of alternative routes.
* **Action Required:** Engage with the Indian government regarding the feasibility of opening additional routes for the Yatra.
**Stakeholder: Indo-Tibetan Border Police**
* **Impact:** Responsible for border security and support for the Yatra.
* **Action Required:** Assist in the coordination of the Yatra.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of External Affairs**
* **Impact:** Responsible for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra's successful organisation.
* **Action Required:** Continue to engage China in opening additional routes for the Yatra.
Key Entities Referenced
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: A pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, including the efforts to resume and improve it.
Ministry of External Affairs: The primary ministry responsible for facilitating and organizing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
China: The country with whom India is engaging to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Shipki La Pass: Proposed additional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra located in Himachal Pradesh, India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1283
ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026
KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA
1283. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is actively engaging with the Chinese side
to facilitate the early resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which
was suspended due to the pandemic and border restrictions, and if so,
the details of progress made in this regard;
(b) whether the Government has examined the possibility of opening an
additional, more convenient route for the Yatra via Shipki La Pass in
Himachal Pradesh, if so, the details thereof and the current status of
inter-ministerial and bilateral consultations;
(c) whether technical, security and connectivity assessments for the
Shipki La route have been initiated in coordination with the Government
of Himachal Pradesh and central agencies, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen infrastructure and
ensure safer and improved pilgrimage experiences?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) Yes Sir. Ministry of External Affairs organized the Kailash
Manasarovar Yatra 2025 between June and August, 2025 through the
two official routes of Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in
Sikkim, in cooperation with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand and Sikkim and also the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
It is the Government’s endeavour to constantly improve the conditions
for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. In the past, the Ministry of External
Affairs has requested the Government of China for opening of alternative
routes for the Yatra, including through Shipki La Pass in Himachal
Pradesh. The Chinese side cited difficulties in opening alternate routes
to Kailash Manasarovar. The Government remains engaged with China
on opening of additional route for the Yatra.
The Ministry of External Affairs provides assistance, on self-financing
basis, to the Yatris undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by
providing facilities like transportation, accommodation, food, medical
2tests, guides etc. The Ministry of External Affairs also coordinates with
the Government of People’s Republic of China as well as various Indian
agencies for the smooth conduct of this Yatra. A provision for air-lift of
pilgrims by helicopter is also made on the Indian side in case of a
medical emergency.
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