New Delhi, May 8: External Affairs Miniter Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said that this year, around 1580 pilgrims will undertake Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. While addressing media, Swaraj informed that India will send 18 batches, of 60 pilgrims each, through Lipulekh Pass while 10 batches, of 50 pilgrims each will be sent through Nathu La Pass.

"I had told Chinese Foreign Min that relations between governments can't prosper until people-to-people relations are improved when Nathu La pass was closed during last Yatra it came as a blow to people. I'm happy to announce that it has now been opened for Yatra", Swaraj was quoted by ANI.

This year, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is scheduled for June 8 to September 8, 2018, through two routes. The yatra, which holds religious value, cultural significance, is undertaken by hundreds of people every year. The applicants for this Yatra must be at least 18 years and not more than 70 years on 1 January 2018 to be eligible to apply for this Yatra. The last date for registration is 23 March 2018.

There are two routes for the religious Yatra. The route through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves some trekking is estimated to cost about Rs.1.6 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each. The duration of the Yatra is 24 days for each batch including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar etc. Yatris can also see the scenic beauty of Chialekh Valley, or the ‘Om Parvat’ which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of ‘Om’ on this mountain.

The route through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and suitable for senior citizens unable to undertake arduous trekking. From Gangtok the route passes through scenic places like Hangu lake, and through the vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau. It is estimated to cost about Rs.2 lakhs person, and duration would be 21 days including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This year 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each are scheduled for this route.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2018 12:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).