Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After 5 Years

Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After Five Years

Why in the News?

After a five-year pause due to COVID-19 and Indo-China tensions, the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra resumed in 2025. India is sending pilgrims via Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim) routes, reviving a historically and spiritually significant pilgrimage.

Current Developments and Routes:

  • The yatra resumed in 2025 after a break since 2019.
  • 750 pilgrims will undertake the journey in 15 batches:

○ 5 batches (250 pilgrims) via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)

○ 10 batches (500 pilgrims) via Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)

  • First batches are already on their way.
  • Lipulekh route includes acclimatisation stops at Dharchula, Gunji, and Navidhang.
  • Nathu La route involves a smoother 1,500 km drive to Kailash.

Religious and Cultural Significance

  • Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are sacred to Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bon followers.
  • Hindus see it as Lord Shiva’s abode; Jains revere it as the site of first Tirthankara’s enlightenment.
  • Located in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, near India-Tibet-Nepal tri-junction.
  • Four major rivers—Brahmaputra, Indus, Sutlej, and Ghaghara—originate here.
  • Trek includes circumambulation of Mansarovar (90 km) and Mount Kailash (52 km).

Historical Background and Accessibility of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra:
● Pilgrimage gained popularity after British official Charles Sherring’s inspection in 1905.
● Closed in 1959 after Chinese occupation of Tibet, reopened in 1981 after Subramanian Swamy’s efforts.
● In 1930, only 790 Indians had visited.
● Road upgrades have reduced the trekking stretch on the Lipulekh route from 27 km (2019) to just 1 km (2025).
● Swami Vivekananda’s vision of global spiritual leadership also aligns with the spiritual essence of this pilgrimage.

The resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra not only holds immense spiritual significance but also promotes cultural exchange and diplomatic relations between India and China. As the pilgrimage continues to attract devotees from various faiths, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of spiritual traditions in fostering cross-border connections and mutual understanding.