As per the government press release, the process of filing application is fully online and applicants between the age of 18 to 70 as on 1 January 2016 can apply. First time applicants, senior citizens and medical doctors will be given priority.
The route via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves extensive trekking of about 200 kilometers, is estimated to cost about Rs.1.6 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each. The route through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and is estimated to cost about Rs. 2 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 7 batches of 50 pilgrims each. IVRS helpline No: 011-24300655 is dedicated to provide information to applicants.