New Delhi, June 14: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a warning to pilgrims regarding fake advertisements and announcements circulating online about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026. The ministry clarified that official information related to the pilgrimage is only available on the government’s authorized portal.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on the social media platform X, stating, “Caution for travelers. It has been observed that fake announcements and advertisements related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by the Ministry of External Affairs are being circulated online. Be wary of such misleading advertisements and announcements.”
He emphasized that the only official portal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by the MEA should be relied upon, urging pilgrims not to fall for any other websites or advertisements.
Meanwhile, according to Lukendra Rasaili, president of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), the first batch of travelers arrived in New Delhi on June 11. Here, they are undergoing mandatory medical checks, fitness tests, visa processing, and other formalities under the supervision of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The first group will reach Gangtok on June 15 and, after completing the acclimatization process, will enter the Tibet Autonomous Region of China via the Nathu La Pass on June 20.
The Nathu La route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was introduced in 2015 as an alternative path. This year, out of approximately 1,500 applications, 500 pilgrims were selected through a computerized lottery. All travelers will be sent in groups of 50, with the final group expected to depart in August.
Upon reaching Gangtok, travelers will undergo a special program to acclimatize to high altitudes. They will spend two nights at the ’18 Mile’ center, located at an altitude of 10,500 feet, followed by two nights at the Hangu Lake area, situated at around 13,000 feet. After health assessments and final medical checks by the ITBP, they will be permitted to enter Tibet through the Nathu La Pass, which stands at 14,140 feet.
Once in Tibet, pilgrims will circumambulate the sacred Mount Kailash, passing through Kangma, Lazi, Zhongba, and Darchen, with major stops including Dirapuk and Juthulpuk. The entire journey will span 22 days, including four days in Delhi for documentation and health procedures, several days in Sikkim for acclimatization, and approximately 12 days in Tibet.
After a prolonged disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the pilgrimage resumed in 2025. According to officials, this year, accommodations, medical facilities, and communication arrangements for travelers have been significantly strengthened.
Leave a Comment