China to Open Two Routes for 1,000 Indian Kailash Pilgrims

China Facilitates Travel for 1,000 Indian Pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that China will facilitate the travel of 1,000 Indian pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation and religious exchange between the two countries. This year's quota of 1,000 pilgrims represents an increase from 750 participants in 2025, signalling a gradual scaling up of the pilgrimage after its resumption last year.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, is scheduled to take place between June and August 2026. Registration for the pilgrimage has already opened, with applicants required to meet strict eligibility and medical fitness criteria due to the high-altitude terrain. Pilgrims will travel in organised batches, with both Indian and Chinese authorities working together to handle key arrangements such as visas, permits, accommodation, and medical assistance along the route.

This year's pilgrimage will be conducted in batches through two established routes, Uttarakhand's Lipulekh Pass and Sikkim's Nathu La Pass, with 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each on both routes. The Lipulekh route, though physically demanding, remains a traditional path, while the Nathu La route offers comparatively easier access. Officials have advised applicants to be well-prepared for the demanding journey, which involves travelling at altitudes above 4,500 metres, where low oxygen levels, harsh weather, and long stretches of trekking can pose serious challenges.

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The revival of the yatra in 2025 was widely viewed as a confidence-building measure following diplomatic efforts and disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh. The continuation and expansion of the yatra reflect improving ties between New Delhi and Beijing. The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet has often reflected the state of India-China relations, with access expanding or shrinking depending on the broader political climate between the two sides. As preparations gather pace, the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is being seen not only as a major spiritual event but also as a symbol of renewed engagement and people-to-people connectivity between India and China.