Pithoragarh: Pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this year will be allowed to carry up to 20 kilograms of essential items into Chinese territory, officials associated with the pilgrimage said on Tuesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also approved an additional five kilograms of common baggage allowance for each group of pilgrims, according to the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency responsible for coordinating arrangements for Indian pilgrims within the country.
Officials said every batch of pilgrims will be accompanied by a five-member support team comprising a doctor and four cooks. If the medical officer advises against continuing the journey due to health concerns or other reasons, the entire batch will have to return from that point.
The first group of pilgrims is scheduled to leave New Delhi on June 30 and is expected to reach the Dharchula base camp in Uttarakhand on July 5.
Pilgrims will also be permitted to carry essential medicines to treat around 20 medical conditions while travelling through Tibet.
Meanwhile, a team from the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to inspect transit camps and logistical facilities in Pithoragarh and along the route up to Lipulekh Pass ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage.
Officials said pilgrims generally carry dry food items such as rice, pulses and spices, as Indian food is not available once they enter Chinese territory.
(With agency inputs from PTI)
