AI SummaryFinancial Assistance to Permanent Residents of Uttarakhand for Religious Pilgrimages gives a cash grant of ₹50,000 to permanent residents who complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by the Government of India. The scheme is open to people of every caste and religion, and the amount goes directly to the pilgrim's bank account after the yatra is completed.
The Department of Culture and Endowments of Uttarakhand runs this scheme for the state's permanent residents. It helps pilgrims cover part of the heavy travel cost of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which involves permits, medical tests, high-altitude arrangements and long road travel.
For the 2026 season, the Ministry of External Affairs opened online registration for the yatra on 30 April 2026 and closed it on 19 May 2026. A total of 20 batches of 50 pilgrims each are travelling between June and August 2026 through two routes, Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim. Pilgrims from Uttarakhand who complete the journey through these official channels can claim the state grant after returning home.
Financial Assistance to Permanent Residents for Religious Pilgrimages - Introduction
This is a state-level cash reimbursement scheme for permanent residents of Uttarakhand. Any resident who completes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the official government process can claim ₹50,000 from the Department of Culture and Endowments. The payment is made once per pilgrim, after the travel completion certificate and supporting documents are verified.
The scheme removes religious and caste-based barriers, so every eligible pilgrim gets the same support. For example, if Ramesh, a resident of Dehradun, completes the yatra through the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), he can claim this amount to offset his travel costs.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Permanent Residents of Uttarakhand for Religious Pilgrimages |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Beneficiaries | Permanent residents of Uttarakhand |
| Benefit Amount | ₹50,000 |
| Benefit Type | Cash, paid once after the yatra is completed |
| Category | Travel and Tourism |
| Nodal Department | Department of Culture and Endowments, Uttarakhand |
| Application Mode | Online through Apuni Sarkar portal |
Benefits
After you complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by the Government of India, you become eligible for a cash grant of ₹50,000. This support helps ease your travel expenses and honors your spiritual journey.
The amount is transferred directly to your bank account through the online payment process after the Director's office approves the claim. There is no need to visit any office in person for the payment, since everything is done through the state's digital portal.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand with a valid domicile certificate.
- You should have successfully completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Your journey must have been conducted through the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) as part of the government-organized yatra.
Application Process
You should apply for this grant online once you complete your pilgrimage. Follow these steps to submit your request:
STEP 1 - Visit the Apuni Sarkar portal and open the scheme page for financial assistance to permanent residents for religious pilgrimages.
STEP 2 - Get the necessary recommendation letter from the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) after the yatra, along with your Travel Completion Certificate.
STEP 3 - Fill in the online form, upload your documents including identity proof, domicile certificate and bank details, then submit the application.
Once you submit the application, the Director's office will review your details. If your documents are verified, the ₹50,000 support amount will be credited directly to your bank account.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you start the application process:
- Permanent or domicile certificate of Uttarakhand
- Travel Completion Certificate issued by the Ministry of External Affairs
- Other travel documents provided during the yatra, including the recommendation letter from KMVN
- Photocopy of bank passbook showing the account number and IFSC code
- Photocopy of PAN card
- Photocopy of Aadhaar card
References
Apuni Sarkar portal - official Uttarakhand e-services website
Official Kailash Manasarovar Yatra portal of the Ministry of External Affairs
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 registration details on Economic Times
FAQ's
Who can benefit from this scheme?
Any permanent resident of Uttarakhand, regardless of caste or religion, who completes the government-organized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can benefit from this scheme.
What is the amount of financial support provided?
The state government provides a one-time grant of ₹50,000 to eligible pilgrims after the yatra is completed.
Which Yatra route is valid for this grant?
Pilgrims who complete their journey through the authorized Pithoragarh (Lipulekh Pass) route are eligible. The yatra is arranged by the Government of India, and journey coordination is handled by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
When does Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 run?
The 2026 yatra runs from June to August, with registration closed on 19 May 2026. Those selected in the draw of lots can apply for this state grant after completing the pilgrimage.
How should I apply for this reimbursement?
Apply online through the Apuni Sarkar portal after your return, along with the recommendation from the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and other supporting documents.
Is the Travel Completion Certificate mandatory?
Yes, you must submit the Travel Completion Certificate issued by the Ministry of External Affairs to prove your eligibility.
Who checks my application after I submit it?
The office of the Director performs a thorough check of your submitted documents to make sure everything is correct before approving the payment.