Nodal agency seeks hike in Kailash-Mansarovar yatra charges

With more people preferring to go to Kailash-Mansarovar through the Lipulekh Pass following the Dokalam standoff, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, the nodal agency for the yatra, has sent a proposal to the Centre for a hike in the charges for the pilgrimage.
It has suggested increasing the charges per person from Rs 35,000 to Rs 48,000.
"We submitted our proposal to the Ministry of External Affairs yesterday seeking an increase of Rs 13,000 in the pilgrimage cost per pilgrim as travel by buses, meals and labour services have all become dearer," General Manager (Tourism) KMVN T S Martolia said.
The number of pilgrims undertaking the yatra through Lipulekh also rose suddenly last year following closure of the other route through Nathula in Sikkim in the wake of the Dokalam stand-off between India and China.

"Hence, the increase in the charges has been sought to deal with the increased pressure of pilgrims whose satisfaction is our goal," Martolia said.
"After China obstructed pilgrimage through Nathu La last year, we witnessed sudden increase in pilgrims willing to undertake the journey through Lipulekh. Some modifications need to be made in view of the growing pressure on this route," he said.

"There was an abrupt addition of nearly 400 pilgrims last year as the alternative route through Sikkim was disturbed. Thus, the cost of travelling from Kathgodam to Tawaghat alone went beyond Rs 20 lakh which caused losses to the Nigam.

More money need to be spent on meals and other facilities for pilgrims to ensure they do not suffer from any shortage of facilities on the motor as well as track routes, the KMVN GM said.
The proposal for increase in pilgrimage charges per person is subject to approval of the MEA which organizes the pilgrimage every year since its resumption in 1981.
Meanwhile, beginning preparations for the pilgrimage next year, Nigam officials today organized a training camp for pony owners and porters who accompany the batches of pilgrims on the yatra.
"We have trained porters in rescue, rehabilitation and first aid methods in the high-altitude region," yatra manager at the Dharchula base camp of the Nigam RC Joshi said.

Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage which ended due to the Indo-China conflict in 1962 was resumed in 1981 after an understanding between the two countries.
The yatra through Lipulekh Pass located at a height of 17500 feet goes on for four months beginning in the month of May every year.