What Importance Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Holds For Indians

The revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed on June 30, 2025, after a five-year interruption. This spiritual journey, considered among the most sacred pilgrimages by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Tibetan Bon faith, draws thousands of seekers who travel across challenging terrain to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Why the yatra matters deeply to Indians?

For countless Indian devotees, this pilgrimage is not just an expedition-it is a profound act of faith. Hindus consider Mount Kailash to be the eternal home of Lord Shiva, the supreme yogi, and Lake Mansarovar to be a divine creation of Lord Brahma, with waters believed to cleanse past sins. For Jains, the mountain is associated with the salvation of Tirthankara Rishabdeva, while Tibetan Buddhists revere it as Mount Meru, the mythical axis of the universe. Each year, the yatra symbolises spiritual renewal, national heritage, and India’s ancient ties with Tibet.

Sacred Sites: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

Rising to an altitude of approximately 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), the snow-capped Mount Kailash dominates the landscape of Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture. Nearby lies Lake Mansarovar, a pristine freshwater lake known locally as Mapam Yumtso, located at nearly 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) above sea level. Pilgrims perform the parikrama (circumambulation) of the mountain-a sacred ritual believed to bring liberation and spiritual merit.

The pilgrimage was suspended in 2020 after the global COVID-19 pandemic halted travel. Even as restrictions eased, tensions between India and China after the Galwan Valley standoff kept the yatra closed for several years. Only in December 2024 did both governments agree to reopen the route, reflecting cautious cooperation despite continuing differences.

What routes are involved to reach Mansarovar?

Indian pilgrims can choose between two main routes, each offering a unique experience and level of difficulty:

Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)

Located at the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China, the Lipulekh route remains the more traditional but strenuous path. From the pass, pilgrims must trek approximately 200 kilometers through rugged Himalayan terrain to reach the holy sites. The altitude, steep trails, and limited road access make this route physically demanding.

Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)

For pilgrims seeking a less arduous journey, the Nathu La Pass offers a partially motorable option. Situated at around 4,310 meters (14,140 feet), this route allows vehicles to cover most of the 1,500-kilometer distance to Lake Mansarovar. Devotees still undertake a trek of 35-40 kilometers, mainly to complete the parikrama of Mount Kailash.

What are the criteria's to go on this pilgrimage?

According to official guidelines, only Indian citizens between 18 and 70 years are permitted to join the yatra. Each participant must possess a valid Indian passport and be declared physically and mentally fit by medical authorities. The pilgrimage typically lasts about 20 days, including acclimatization stops and time for religious rituals.

Preparations and precautions

Due to the extreme altitude and unpredictable weather, pilgrims are strongly advised to undergo thorough medical check-ups and high-altitude training before departure. Essential preparations include carrying warm clothing, personal medicines, and high-calorie food.

For generations of Indians, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been a once-in-a-lifetime journey of faith, sacrifice, and devotion. Beyond its religious significance, it is a living bridge between ancient cultural ties and modern spiritual aspirations.

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