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

Delhi is set to offer a fresh perspective from above as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) prepares to launch tethered hot-air balloon rides along the Yamuna riverfront. The initiative promises a blend of adventure, tourism, and urban recreation.

Proposed Locations

DDA plans to facilitate tethered balloon rides at Baansera and Asita parks along the Yamuna floodplains. Based on public interest, additional parks may be added later.

What Are Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Rides?

These balloons remain anchored via ropes, offering a controlled and safe aerial experience lasting a few minutes. Riders ascend to a fixed height before gently descending, making it accessible even for beginners.

Objective & Benefits

The DDA initiative aims to:

• Elevate tourism at urban riverfronts
• Introduce sustainable recreational activities

How Agencies Can Participate

Interested operators must:

• Have aviation recreation or aero-sports experience
• Hold valid licenses and certifications under DGCA norms
• Submit bids—the agency with an optimal safety, experience, and compliance track record will be selected
• Deadline for applications: March 10, 2025

The chosen agency will manage:

• Balloon safety equipment and ground crew support
• Licensed pilots and team coordination
• Ticketing, marketing, and visitor service

Safety & Regulation

All operations must adhere to DGCA guidelines and environmental standards. Additionally, balloons must be tethered securely to ensure no free-flight risk remains.

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