Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

Foreign Secretary Smt. Sujatha Singh presided over a computerized draw conducted on 30 April 2014 for the selection of yatris for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra-2014, organized every year by the Ministry of External Affairs. This year, a maximum of 1080 yatris, equally distributed in 18 batches of 60 yatris each, will embark on the Yatra between June and September. Each batch will complete the Yatra in 22 days, besides spending 3 days in Delhi to complete certain Yatra related formalities. The Yatra-2014, beginning on 12 June, will conclude on 9 September with the return to Delhi of the last batch of yatris.

The Government of India has been conducting the Yatra since 1981 in close cooperation with the Government of the People’s Republic of China under a bilateral arrangement. Addressing the media after the draw, the Foreign Secretary said that the Yatra is a symbol of cooperation between India and China and contributes towards deepening people-to-people contacts.

The Yatra will pass through the State of Uttarakhand and cross into the Tibet Autonomous Region via Lipulekh Pass. During their journey, yatris will traverse through numerous places of touristic and religious significance.

The Government of India, among others, provides medical assistance, security and escort cover to yatris till the Lipulekh Pass on the Indian side, and a satellite phone to each batch of yatris for use in case of emergency throughout the Yatra. A Liaison Officer is attached by the Government with each batch of yatris, who is responsible for general welfare of yatris.

New Delhi
April 30, 2014