Pithoragarh: Following discussions between Indian and China, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has indicated that the revered Kailash Mansarovar yatra may resume in May after a suspension of last five years (since 2020).
According to Pithoragarh’s District Tourism Officer Kirti Chandra Arya, the Uttarakhand government and tourism department are all prepared for this. Road between Dharchula and Lipulekh is in excellent condition and KMVN has developed huts for pilgrims’ comfortable accommodation during the yatra.
Routes to reach Kailash Mansarovar, with the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand
There are several popular routes to reach Kailash Mansarovar, with the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim being two popular routes organized by the Government of India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India, in collaboration with Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), manages the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass. This particular route is also known as the KMVN Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Uttarakhand tourism department waits for green flag
The revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra may start soon. Indications of this have been received in the meeting held at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi. Kirti Chandra Arya, District tourism officer, Pithoragarh, said to news9live, “After the meeting in Delhi, we are hopeful about commencement of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra very soon. We are expecting final approval between 15-20 February. The yatra may commence in the month of May.” It’s important to note that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass is exclusively conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. No private agency is permitted to organize the Yatra through this route.
State government and tourism department is all prepared
District Tourism Officer Kirti Chandra mentioned that he attended a meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi regarding the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He confirmed that the Tourism Department, District Administration, and State Government are fully prepared for the Yatra. Speaking to News9live, he stated, “Everything is in place, be it road, accommodation, or other facilities. Since we commenced Kailash Darshan from Indian soil in October last year, the road to Lipulekh Pass from Dharchula is in excellent condition, and KMVN has already constructed huts at various places for accommodation for pilgrims. Additionally, facilities for the Adi Kailash Yatra in that region have been developed. We will complete the remaining preparations once we receive the green light from the government.”
The religious pilgrimage is closed since the Corona period
Kailash Mansarovar, located in China, is a center of faith for devotees from India and abroad. Until 2019, pilgrims from all over the world visited Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating relations with China, the pilgrimage was put on hold, leaving devotees disappointed. Recently, the central government has taken the initiative to restart the Kailash Yatra, and positive results have emerged. It is expected that the pilgrimage will resume soon, allowing devotees to reach Shiva Dham once again.
Indian traders’ goods have been stranded at Taklakot Mandi since pandemic
India-China trade was also affected. Along with the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, trade between India and China came to a halt after the pandemic, disappointing businessmen from both countries. Indian traders’ goods have been stranded at Taklakot Mandi since then, resulting in significant financial losses. Taklakot Mandi is a trade mart on the border of Uttarakhand, India and Tibet, China. It was a major trading center for the Bhotiyas, who traded wool, borax, sugar, and clothes between Tibet and the region. With the resumption of the Kailash Yatra, there is hope that trade between the two countries will also resume.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages for many religions
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bons, with Mount Kailash considered the celestial abode of Lord Shiva. Each year, this pilgrimage attracts millions of devotees from around the globe, drawn by its grandeur and sacred significance.
