India's Ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami on Sunday released a video message for pilgrims preparing to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY), detailing the embassy's on-ground preparations, sharing first-hand parikrama experience, and offering critical travel advisories ahead of the pilgrimage's resumption via the Nathu La route. The yatra, one of the most revered religious journeys in the Hindu tradition, marks a return to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

What the Embassy Inspected

Ambassador Doraiswami and his colleagues personally visited the parikrama route around Mount Kailash and all official entry points for the yatra. The team also inspected the hotels where pilgrims will stay each night, reviewed kitchen facilities, examined the rooms allocated to participants, and assessed the primary medical infrastructure available on site.

He described the inspections as thorough, noting that preparations have been completed in close coordination with the Chinese government. The ambassador emphasised that while arrangements are as complete as possible, pilgrims must be aware of the inherent challenges of the terrain.

The Altitude Challenge

Doraiswami issued a direct caution about the extreme altitude conditions pilgrims will face. “It is a high altitude region. On balance, you will be at any point in time above 3,500 metres above sea level. The Kora itself touches 5,605, nearly 6,000 metres above sea level,” he said.

Visibly affected by the thin air himself, the ambassador added: “As you can see, even in talking to you, I need to catch my breath. The weather is very, shall we say, fickle, particularly around holy Mount Kailash. It can snow and be sunny and be wet more or less at the same time.” He also provided specific advice on clothing, health conditions, and oxygen levels.

A Special Year for the Yatra

The ambassador noted that 2025 is a once-in-12-year special year in both the Chinese and traditional Tibetan calendars, making Mount Kailash a particularly significant destination this cycle. Pilgrims should expect considerably larger crowds than usual, as the site holds deep religious importance for local communities as well.

How the Yatra Is Organised

A total of 500 pilgrims will undertake the yatra this year through the Nathu La route, divided into 10 batches of 50 participants each. Every batch will be accompanied by a dedicated liaison officer and a medical assistant to ensure smooth coordination and provide necessary support throughout the journey.

The structured batch system reflects lessons from past editions of the pilgrimage, which has historically posed logistical and medical challenges given its remote, high-altitude setting. With the yatra resuming after a period of suspension, the Indian government's visible preparation signals a diplomatic and logistical commitment to pilgrim welfare.