Q: |
Are foreigners with PIO/OCI status eligible to undertake the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra ? |
| Ans: |
An Indian citizen, holding a valid Indian passport, aged minimum 18 years and maximum 70 years as on 1st January of the year, is eligible to apply for the Yatra. Those who hold foreign nationalities are not eligible. OCI card holders are, therefore, ineligible. |
Q: |
Similar yatras are conducted by other private agencies, which complete in only 14 days. What is the difference between the one conducted by the Government of India and those conducted by private agencies? |
| Ans: |
There are no private agencies that conduct the Kailash Manasarovar Yatr on these two routes via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim), hence there is no comparison. Yatris on these two routes traverse through numerous touristic and religious places with scenic and mesmerizing beauty, providing splendid views of mountain peaks and famed flora of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and Sikkim which is unique to these areas. Also, the number of days of the Yatra affords appropriate acclimatization process to withstand the inhospitable conditions en route; because hasty ascent to high altitudes may cause severe high altitude sickness, which can prove life threatening. In addition, the Yatra requires 4 days to be spent in New Delhi for completing various formalities. Depending upon the route opted, it takes about 23-25 days to cover the whole Yatra. |
Q: |
Is there any subsidy given to Kailash Manasarovar Pilgrims? |
| Ans: |
No subsidy or financial assistance is provided by Ministry of External Affairs. Some state governments are known to provide varied types of assistance to their residents to cover a part of their Yatra expenses. |
Q: |
If the spouse has also filled the form, will he/she directly be selected if the other member is selected through the computerized draw of lots. |
| Ans: |
Applications for both persons have to be completed on-line together before the last date, otherwise the incomplete application would be rejected. |
Q: |
Are officers posted in Indian Missions abroad eligible to be appointed as Liaison Officers? If an officer were to move abroad after selection as LO, will he/she still be eligible to officiate as LO? |
| Ans: |
There is nothing to prohibit the members of the Indian Missions/Posts abroad from being appointed as LO. Administrative sanction of the concerned Ministry/Mission is necessary before an officer is considered for interview for selection as LO. In the eventuality of moving abroad on a foreign assignment after selection as LO, the selected LO will need clearance from HOM and the Administrative Ministry before performing his/her duty as LO. |
Q: |
Are the food and accommodation arrangements made during the Yatra? What is the estimated expenditure per yatri? |
| Ans: |
On the Indian side of the Yatra, KMVN or STDC makes the transport, logistical, and food arrangements for the Lipulekh and Nathu la routes respectively. In Tibet, the TAR authorities provide accomodation and logistical support. For details please see the webpage “Fees and Expenditure for Yatri”. |
Q: |
If the Body Mass Index (BMI) of a person is over 25, will he/she be rejected in medical test? |
| Ans: |
Fitness for the Yatra depends on many other factors of one's health. If a person is otherwise found fit and healthy after comprehensive medical examinations, doctors may not be rigid about his/her BMI. Nevertheless, one should try, in the meanwhile, to bring down the BMI level to 25 or less to add to overall fitness. |
Q: |
Why are yatris required to undergo and qualify detailed medical examinations at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital? |
| Ans: |
Yatris are required to trek through high altitudes upto 19,500 ft. In such places, oxygen is less and the atmospheric air is at low pressure and people suffer due to effect of Hypoxia (low level of oxygen). In the rarefied atmospheric conditions, yatri may develop diseases like pulmonary edema/cerebral edema and acute mountain sickness, etc. Individuals who are suffering from coronary artery diseases, various lung diseases like bronchial asthma, hypertension and diabetes, may collapse. Therefore, Yatris are screened thoroughly before they are inducted into high altitudes. |
Q: |
Will the medical examinations, conducted at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital, guarantee that yatris will not suffer from pulmonary oedema, etc? |
| Ans: |
No. it is not a guarantee. The medical tests are only for determining fitness levels. A person may still become a victim of high altitude diseases if they do not take proper precautions and follow the recommended procedures for high altitude acclimatization. |
Q: |
Is there any age factor for yatris ? |
| Ans: |
It is usually recommended that person beyond the age of 70 years should not be inducted into high altitudes, as they generally cannot acclimatize properly and cope with the stress at such advanced age. It is also observed that some young persons in age group of 19-30 years are more prone to high altitude sickness than persons in older age groups. |
Q: |
Why are younger persons more prone to HAPE or HACE ? |
| Ans: |
Exact cause is not known. It is believed that younger persons are less inclined to respect the rules of acclimatization due to a false sense of bravado. |
Q: |
If a yatri has been to high altitude previously and had an uneventful stay there, does he still need to undergo the prescribed medical examinations? |
| Ans: |
That is all the more reason for the detailed medical examinations, as it is seen that persons who are inducted second or third time are more prone to high altitude diseases than the first timers. |
Q: |
How can one become a fit yatri? |
| Ans: |
A yatri should be free from all major ailments like heart diseases, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, menstrual disorders, cancer, etc. Yatris are advised to bring their weight to average standards (BMI 25), exercise regularly, do breathing exercises, and quit tobacco, alcohol, etc. A doctor may be consulted to rule out any ailments that may render one unfit for the Yatra. |
Q: |
Are the medical examinations carried out at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base Hospital in New Delhi, the only medical examinations that the yatris have to undergo and qualify? |
| Ans: |
There is also a second medical check at Gunji (altitude of 3,220 metres) on the Lipulekh route; and at Sherathang (altitude 4115 metres) on the Nathula route, to assess body reaction to high altitude. Only those yatris who are found fit there, are allowed to proceed further. |
Q: |
What happens if a yatri falls sick en route? |
| Ans: |
If a yatri suffers from minor ailments, there are medical and paramedical staffs on the Indian side to provide relief. ITBP is adequately equipped to provide immediate medical assistance. But for any major health problem, he/she may need to be evacuated to a hospital by helicopter at his/her own cost. Helicopter evacuation depends on weather conditions which is unpredictable at high altitudes. On the Chinese side due to difficult climatic and geographical conditions, such evacuation may take time - due to administrative procedure. Therefore, yatris should ensure that they are truly confident of their health and physical fitness before they undertake this Yatra. |
Q: |
Should Yatris carry the prescribed medicines, which they have been taking regularly on the advice of their doctors? |
| Ans: |
Yes. Yatris are advised to take requisite stock of their prescribed medicines for the duration of the Yatra. They may discuss this matter with the ITBP doctors also. |
Q: |
Do yatris need to pay for the medical tests at the ITBP Base Hospital or other places? |
| Ans: |
No. As a courtesy, ITBP administers these tests free of charge. |
Q: |
Why does Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (KMVN), Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) charge non-refundable Confirmation Amount from yatris ? |
| Ans: |
KMVN and STDC provides logistical support to yatris on the Indian side of the Yatra. The arrangements for food, lodging, transportation, etc. is arranged and paid in advance. As a result, even if one does not perform the Yatra eventually, this expenditure cannot be reimbursed. |
Q: |
Are the medical reports from other Government/ Private hospitals accepted to qualify for the Yatra? |
| Ans: |
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is very arduous and physically challenging Yatra. Yatris have to trek through areas which are as high as 19,500 feet in altitude under inhospitable conditions. There is a risk to person’s life. Keeping in view the special requirements of the Yatra, yatris are required to undergo and qualify tests at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute and the ITBP Base hospital in New Delhi. The reports of other hospitals are not accepted so as to ensure that yatris undergo uniform medical examinations for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and to determine fitness levels. |
Q: |
If any yatri is rejected on medical ground, can he/she be considered for a subsequent batch on recovery from the medical conditions ? |
| Ans: |
No. The Kailash-Manasarovar region hardly has any medical facilities on the route and it is very difficult to airlift a person for immediate specialized medical treatment. Therefore, as a measure of caution and prudence, if a yatri is once declared medically unfit, he/she is advised not to participate in the Yatra during that year in his/her own interest. |
Q: |
Do NGOs and voluntary organizations have any role to play in Kailash Manasarovar Yatra organized by the Ministry of External Affairs ? |
| Ans: |
NGOs and voluntary organizations are known to play an important role in any society. Some NGOs are known to provide material aid in the form of equipment or food items etc. It is up to the individual Yatri to accept their help. The Ministry of External Affairs does not appoint or authorize any NGO, voluntary organization, or individual for the work relating to the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. |
Q: |
What are the parameters or condition for selection of Yatris ? |
| Ans: |
Selection is subject to age limits of the applicants, and other conditions given in Eligibility conditions, Please read the information contained in the webpage “Selection Process”, and “Medical Tests”. |
Q: |
How much of trekking is involved in the route via Nathu la? |
| Ans: |
Nathu la is a motorable route and involves comparatively very little trekking of about 35-40 kms for the Kailash Parikrama only. |
Q: |
Is Mount Kailash Parikrama the only trekking involved in the Yatra? Or, is there any additional trekking involved during the entire Yatra? |
| Ans: |
Currently there is a trekking of about 200 km on the Lipulekh route, and about 35km through Nathu la route during the whole Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. For details please see the itinerary on the website. |
Q: |
As Nathu la is a motorable route, is a person above 70 years, who is medically fit, allowed to go on Yatra? |
| Ans: |
It is recommended that the person beyond the age of 70 years should not be inducted into high altitudes, as one cannot generally acclimatize properly and cope with the stress at such advanced age. |
Q: |
Is a person living in Sikkim allowed to start the yatra from Gangtok ? |
| Ans: |
All the yatries have to undergo mandatory medical tests at DHLI, and ITBP Base Hospital, and complete the Chinese visa formalities in New Delhi. Therefore their presence is required in Delhi. |
Q: |
any amount paid to the concerned service provider in India be refunded later ? |
| Ans: |
The Confirmation Amount paid is non-refundable if the Yatri is confirmed in any batch, as mentioned in “Fee and Expenditure for Yatri”. Any amount paid thereafter at any stage after confirmation, or during the Yatra is non-refundable even if the services have not been utilized. |
Q: |
Are Yatris allowed to visit places not in the itinerary ? |
| Ans: |
Visits to places not in the itinerary is not allowed, because deviation is not allowed for reasons of safety, scheduled timings, and in the common interest of the entire batch. |
Q: |
Is any action taken against a Yatri who violates the rules and regulations to be followed during the Yatra? |
| Ans: |
It is expected that every Yatri follows all the rules and regulations to be followed during the Yatra. Yatris are expected to conduct themselves responsibly to avoid any danger not only to their own person but also ensure the safety and security of fellow Yatris during the Yatra. They should attach utmost importance to the safety precautions as prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs and also follow the instructions issued by the Liaison Officer and other governmental authorities who are responsible for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. Any instance of indiscipline that jeopardises the safety of fellow Yatris, wilful deviation from prescribed itinerary; breach of instructions laid down in the relevant ‘Guide for Yatris’, and deliberate violation of instructions/advisory issued by the Liaison Officer or the local authorities would attract penalty as prescribed by the Disciplinary Committee constituted in the Ministry of External Affairs. |
Q: |
What are the likely consequences in case of such delinquent behaviour? |
| Ans: |
Based on the severity of the delinquent act, the penalty may vary from a simple warning to holding back the Yatra Completion Certificate and blacklisting from all future Yatras. In cases where the Yatri resorts to gross indiscipline and cause physical harm to fellow Yatris or accompanying governmental officers appropriate action may be taken by the local authorities, including filing of police complaint and prosecution as per the legal procedure. Yatris may note that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a difficult Yatra. There may be unforeseen delay due to climatic and other natural factors. Under such circumstances, it is important to follow the advice of local authorities. Acts such as threatening the local authorities and Liaison Officer to proceed with the Yatra under unfavourable weather conditions or provoking fellow Yatris to resort to strike, hunger-strike, bringing external pressure or any act seeking to pressurise or bodily harm the authorities compelling them to continue the Yatra under unfavourable weather conditions is a serious cognizable offence and may invite legal proceedings. Therefore, Yatris are advised to strictly abide by the rules and regulations and cooperate with each other as well as with the Liaison Officer and the local authorities to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Yatra for their Batch. |
Q: |
Which agency is responsible for providing logistical support to the Yatris? |
| Ans: |
The Kumaun Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) is responsible for the logistical arrangements on the Lipulekh Route, while the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) provides these facilities along the Nathu La Route. These agencies are responsible for providing the facilities on the Indian side. The logistical facilities, inter alia, include coordinating with the Yatris, sending confirmation to the Yatris based on their position in the waiting list, answering telephone queries from the Yatris, checking the online Yatri application details and carrying out corrections etc. |
Q: |
How are the logistical service providers paid? |
| Ans: |
Yatris are required to make the payment for the aforementioned facilities directly to the service providers i.e. KMVN or STDC. The Ministry of External Affairs does not charge/receive any payment from the Yatris. |
Q: |
Is the Yatra fee refunded in case any Yatri is unable to undertake the Yatra? What is the procedure for getting the refund? |
| Ans: |
The confirmation amount, of Rs. 5000/- received from a wait-listed Yatri is non-refundable if the Yatri is confirmed in any Batch. However, if a wait-listed Yatri is not confirmed in any Batch, the refund is permissible. The requests for refund w.r.t the wait-listed Yatris who do not get confirmed are processed only after all the batches have completed the Yatra. It may be noted that MEA does not receive any fee etc. from any Yatris and therefore does not process refund to the Yatris or maintain account of such payment or refunds.To request for refunds or queries pertaining to the refund status, Yatris may directly contact KMVN or STDC. The contact details of KMVN and STDC are provided in the ‘Yatri Information Guide’. This notwithstanding, any message received in MEA pertaining to payment or refund is forwarded to the service provider (KMVN/STDC) concerned. MEA does not provide any further assistance for processing of payment or refund. |
Q: |
Is expenditure incurred by any applicant for medical examination refundable in case they are unable to perform the Yatra despite being selected? |
| Ans: |
Expenditure incurred by applicants for their medical examination is non-refundable, irrespective of whether or not they actually perform the Yatra. |
