Mount Kailash is a sacred peak that rises to 6,638 meters and is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world embark on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Till day, this journey continues to be a unique and life-changing experience for many pilgrims.
All About The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The journey to Mount Kailash is physically demanding, as the mountain is located at a high altitude and requires a steep ascent. However, the breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape make the effort well worth it. The journey to Kailash Mansarovar begins in either Kathmandu or Lucknow, depending on the route chosen.
From there, the pilgrims travel to the border town of Hilsa in Nepal and then cross the border into Tibet. The journey then continues by bus or jeep through the rugged terrain of the Tibetan plateau, with stops at various holy sites along the way.
One of the most important stops on the journey is Lake Mansarovar, where pilgrims perform a ritualistic dip in the holy waters. The lake is also surrounded by several monasteries, which are popular sites for prayer and meditation.
If you take the route through the Lipuekh Pass which lies in Uttarakhand, trekking is involved here and costs nearly ₹1.6 lakh per person. While the route that goes through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim costs approximately ₹2 lakh per person. This route is appropriate for the elderly who are unable to undertake trekking since it is motorable.
One can go only through the government-chosen route and join the pilgrimage conducted by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (Indian Territory) and Tourist Co. of Ali (in Tibet), from June to September, after completing all formalities. However, the Yatra has remained closed due to the pandemic.
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Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Open Now?
Applications have started for the 2023 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. A passport is mandatory for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as Mount Kailash is located in China-occupied Tibet. China also supplies visas and permits for the yatra. Moreover, China has started issuing visas for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra now with very strict rules and travel fares almost doubled. Now Indian citizens may have to spend at least ₹1.85 lakhs for the journey.
According to The Kathmandu Post, tough rules have been made to limit the entry of foreign pilgrims. Pilgrims will have to be physically present to collect the visa. The online application will not be accepted.
Route: First- Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), Second- Nathu Pass (Sikkim) and Third- Kathmandu
When: From June to September
Cost: ₹1.85 lakhs for each (approx.)
For more information, please check here
Will you be joining Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Cover image credits: Canva
First Published: May 13, 2023 12:59 PM