Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2024
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is surreal which takes you beyond all form of human imagination to an elevation of 21,788 feet. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a divine spiritual journey and while taking a dip in the holy water of Lake Mansarovar and circumambulation (parikarma) around the Mt Kailash mountains can lead to the reincarnation and purification of souls.
Get 2024 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Travel Guidelines, Tips, Tours
Importance of Mount Kailash
The most sacred peak in the Himalayan range, Mount Kailash, is said to have been formed 30 million years ago during the early stages of the formation of the Himalayan ranges. For Hindus, it is considered as the residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
According to the Jains, at the dawn of history their first law giver, Rishabhdev attained Nirvana on Mount Kailash. It is home of Buddha Demchok according to Buddhists, the spiritual seat of power per Bon followers.
Mount Kailash is situated in Tibet where it is also known as ‘Kang Rampoche’ meaning ‘Precious Jewel’. People have been visiting Kailash – Mansarovar for centuries and almost all the major passes of Uttarakhand lead to Kailas-Mansarovar. Because of the Indo-Chinese border dispute, Indians were not allowed to visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake for nearly two decades. However, since 1981, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has been conducting trips to Kailas- Mansarovar through the Lipulekh pass.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Gets Closer from Uttarakhand
With the development of its first road connectivity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Uttarakhand, will offer a smooth ride for pilgrims going for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The road has been completed to the Lipulekh Pass (17000 ft), from here the holy Mount Kailash is 97 kms in Tibet.
Connectivity of the 80 km of Ghatiabgarh-Lipulekh was achieved by the Border Road Organisation (BRO) on April 17, some trials followed and on Friday morning Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened the road by video conferencing. Lipulekh pass close to the Tri-junction of India-China-Nepal, is the lowest point in this section of the high Himalayas. After Lipulekh, the 97 km road in Tibet to Mount Tibet already exists.
Earlier there was 3 days of trek (one side each) to reach Lipulekh, now with this newly constructed road the Kailash Mansarovar Journey will be reduced by 6 days.
Note: The road on the Indian side is just 5 km short of Lipulekh and it is expected to complete by end of the year.
KMVN Operates Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Uttarakhand
KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) works in collaboration with the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs, and the Chinese Government to conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kumaon Region.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes from India
There are two routes for this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India. However, at present one can go only through the route chosen by the two governments mutually decided.
Via Kumaon (Uttarakhand): The tour starts from Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar, mostly on vehicle.From Tanakpur or Kathgodam one can reach Kailash Mansarovar via Dharchula – Tawaghat – Lipulekh Darma and Johar valleys. The route through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves some trekking. The duration of the Yatra from Kumaon is 24 days. This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar etc.
Via Sikkim: This route passes through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and suitable for senior citizens unable to undertake arduous trekking. From Gangtok, the route passes through scenic places like Hangu lake and through the vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau. The duration of this tour is around 21 days.
Note: The other routes are from Nepal and China, by which one can visit Kailash Mansarovar.
Best Time To Visit Mansarovar
The best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar is during the summers and monsoon season generally from May to mid-October. It is the ideal time for outdoor activities, trekking, pilgrimage and also for visiting nearby tourist attractions. Saga Dawa Festival, a Tibetan Buddhist festival, is also conducted during this time.
Kailash Masarovar Yatra Faqs
Q. Is Passport or Visa Required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
A. Since Mount Kailash is located in China occupied Tibet, yes, Passport is Mandatory for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. China also supplies Visa and permits for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on Your Passport.
Q. Can I do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on my own?
A. China give group visa only, and never to any individual Indian citizen. Its either you can do with KMVN or Indian tour operator who has tie up with Nepal tour operator or Chinese tour operators. So, you cannot do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on your own.
Q. Which is the best Kailash Mansarovar tour operator?
A. Government of India organised Kailash mansarovar yatra (KMY) is the best that you can ever get from any operator. You can also trust KMVN as well for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Q. How difficult and dangerous is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekha pass?
A. The route is moderately difficult with extreme steep slopes and long distances to be covered everyday from one camp to the other (but with the newly constructed road, the journey has become easier). The Yatra as such is not difficult, but the long distances will make you tired. Everyday you have to cover almost 15 - 18 kms on average, but one day you have to cover 27kms. But the natural beauty on this route cannot be found anywhere in the world.
Indian Army Men will always be there with you throughout the Yatra.. They will always walk along with you and be there for your help 24 x 7 till the Yatra is over.
Check Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) FAQ on Kailash Mansaroar Yatra
