The spiritual journey to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar is set to begin soon. Preparations are in full swing as the first batch of pilgrims for the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to depart from Delhi on June 30. This year’s journey will see devotees traveling to Lipulekh Pass via vehicle—a route that blends modern convenience with ancient devotion.

About the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages. Pilgrims embark on this journey to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, whose abode is believed to be Mount Kailash. The trek also holds significance for Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon religion.

Yatra 2025: What’s New This Year?

• Pilgrims will travel primarily by vehicle till Lipulekh
• Health and security protocols have been enhanced post-COVID
• Mobile medical units and satellite phones to be used in remote areas
• Digital registration and tracking for all yatris

Journey Route: From Delhi to Lipulekh

• Start from Delhi via bus to Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
• After documentation and acclimatization, pilgrims head to Dharchula
• From there, travel continues by road and local 4×4 vehicles to Lipulekh Pass
• Trekking resumes beyond Lipulekh for the Kailash parikrama

Security, Health & Logistics Readiness

The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with ITBP and the Uttarakhand Government, is:

• Deploying rescue teams
• Setting up checkposts and emergency camps
• Preparing helipads for aerial rescue if needed
• Offering pre-yatra health checks for all participants

Devotee Guidelines for 2025

• Mandatory health certificate & age limit between 18–70 years
• Only fully vaccinated participants allowed
• Fitness training recommended 30 days prior to travel
• Essential gear: trekking shoes, warm clothes, ID proofs, prescribed meds

On June 18, 2025, Air India Flight AI2145, en route from Delhi to Bali, was advised mid-flight to return to Delhi due to a volcanic eruption near Bali’s airport. Indonesian authorities had raised the volcano alert to its highest level after Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki spewed ash and smoke up to 10 km into the atmosphere

Flight & Safety Details

• Safety Concern: Volcanic ash poses threats to aircraft engines and visibility, making the air route unsafe
• Safe Landing: The plane landed smoothly back at Delhi IGI Airport, and all passengers disembarked safely

Passenger Support

Air India promptly arranged:

• Hotel accommodations for all affected passengers
• Full refunds or complimentary rerouting/rescheduling options

Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki

• Eruptions from the twin volcano sent ash plumes up to 10 km high, visible as far as 150 km away
• The volcano’s alert level was raised to maximum, with an 8 km evacuation zone established around the crater
• Travel chaos ensued: flights from Bali and nearby Labuan Bajo were cancelled or delayed by airlines like Jetstar, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines

ncident Overview

On June 17, 2025, Air India flight AI180—a Boeing 777‑200LR originating from San Francisco bound for Mumbai—made a scheduled stop in Kolkata at 12:45 a.m. local time. During the layover, a technical inspection revealed a snag in the left engine, causing a delay and resulting in passengers being asked to deplane around 5:20 a.m.

Engine Snag & Safety Response

The left engine fault prompted the captain to order safe deboarding, citing “flight safety” as the top priority Video from the tarmac shows ground personnel inspecting the idle aircraft, while passengers waited in the terminal. No injuries were reported

Passenger Impact & Assistance

Passengers were promptly rebooked on alternate flights to Mumbai. Air India arranged accommodations and on-ground support during the delay, ensuring minimal disruption. Affected travelers remained safe and informed about next steps

Context of Recent Air India Issues

This incident adds to a string of recent technical problems at the carrier:

• An Air India Dreamliner from Hong Kong to Delhi returned mid-air due to technical issues
• A tragic Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad resulted in over 270 fatalities, prompting urgent fleetwide scrutiny

Regulatory Follow-up

Following these events, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has directed Air India to conduct comprehensive checks of its Boeing aircraft, focusing on engine systems, cabin performance, and safety protocols

What’s Next for Flight AI180

• Engine maintenance: AI180 is undergoing detailed inspections and repairs in Kolkata before resuming its journey.
• Passenger re-accommodation: Travelers are either boarding next available AI flights or placed on partner airlines.
• Follow-up monitoring: The flight crew and technical teams will assess readiness before departure to Mumbai.