Pithoragarh: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will commence on June 30 via the Lipulekh Pass, with 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each undertaking the journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar this year, officials announced. The pilgrimage, organized by the Union Ministry of External Affairs with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) as the nodal agency, has been expanded from five batches last year to 10.
Officials confirmed the schedule following a meeting in Delhi on Monday, attended by representatives from various departments, including Dharchula Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ashish Joshi. “This year, 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each will undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass at an altitude of 17,000 feet,” said Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Batgai.
KMVN Manager Vijay Nath Shukla stated that the pilgrimage will span 22 days and conclude in Delhi on August 26. “Pilgrims will spend four days in Delhi for visa processing, fee collection, medical examinations, and ministry briefings before moving to Gunji for acclimatization. The groups will then spend nine days in Tibet, where they will visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar,” he added.
The pilgrimage, revered across Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon traditions, resumed last year after a five-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s expansion reflects growing demand and improved logistical arrangements, ensuring a smoother experience for devotees. The route via Lipulekh Pass, one of the traditional paths, offers a challenging yet spiritually rewarding journey through the Himalayan terrain.
Key Details of the Yatra
- Start Date: June 30
- Route: Lipulekh Pass (altitude 17,000 feet)
- Number of Batches: 10, each with 50 pilgrims
- Duration: 22 days, concluding in Delhi on August 26
- Preparatory Stay: Four days in Delhi for formalities, then Gunji for acclimatization
- Tibet Stay: Nine days visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
Significance of the Pilgrimage
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar hold profound spiritual significance in multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the indigenous Bon tradition. The yatra is considered a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many devotees, offering an opportunity for spiritual purification and enlightenment. The reopening of the route last year marked a significant milestone after the pandemic-induced suspension, and the doubling of batches this year underscores the enduring appeal of this sacred trek.
