Know about Kailash Mansarovar Yatra new route

For the fifth consecutive year since 2020, both official routes for the holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remain closed to Indians. Nestled in the Western Himalayan ranges of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the 6,638-meter tall, diamond-shaped Mount Kailash (Kailāsa in Hinduism and Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan) and the freshwater Lake Mansarovar (Manas Sarovar in Hindi and Mapam Yumtso in Tibetan) are revered for their spiritual significance and offer profound energy and mental peace. These sacred sites hold deep importance in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Bon religions. Each year, from May to October, thousands of devotees and adventure seekers make the pilgrimage to these hallowed places.

In 2023, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told Parliament that pilgrims can travel directly to Kailash Mansarovar from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, without passing through Nepal or China. This will be possible through the completion of the Ghatbagad-Lipulekh strategic highway, which connects to the China border. The highway is expected to be fully paved within two years, benefiting pilgrims, local villagers and security personnel.

The Ghatbagad-Lipulekh strategic highway connecting the border with China will be paved in two years. Due to the widening and hot mix of this road, not only will local village people and security force personnel get better means of transportation but Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will also be easier.

New Route to Kailash Mansarovar from Uttarakhand

The new route consists of three main sections:

1. Pithoragarh to Tawaghat: A 107.6 km road.
2. Tawaghat to Ghatiabgarh: A 19.5 km single-lane road.
3. Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh Pass: An 80 km stretch that requires trekking on foot to reach the border with China.

The Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh section is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. This project was initially approved in 2005 at a cost of Rs 80.76 crore, later revised in 2018 to Rs 439.40 crore.

The Kailash Range, revered as one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, is estimated to be 30 million years old, formed during the early stages of the Himalayan mountain formation. Its highest peak, the 6,675-meter-high Mount Kailash, is believed to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This mountain holds significance in Jainism and Tibetan Buddhism, attracting pilgrims from various faiths for centuries.

Located in Tibet, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar can be accessed from India via routes in Uttarakhand, with the Lipulekh Pass in Kumaon as a key entry point. The pilgrimage is organized exclusively by government bodies like Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Pilgrims undertake a 53-kilometer journey to circumambulate Mount Kailash, revered as the center of the universe in Hindu Puranas, Buddhist texts, Astpaad in Jainism, and Yungdruk Gu Tseg (Nine-Storey Swastika Mountain) in the Bonpa tradition. The highest point on this route is the Dolma La Pass.

Lake Mansarovar, located approximately 30 kilometers from Mount Kailash, has a circumference of around 90 kilometers, freezing in winter and thawing in spring. Pilgrims can reach Kailash-Mansarovar from Tanakpur or Kathgodam via Dharchula, Tawaghat, Lipulekh, and the Darma and Johar valleys.

From Lipulekh Pass, Mount Kailash is about 100 kilometers away. The Dharchula-Lipulekh road is an extension of the Pithoragarh-Tawaghat-Ghatiabagarh road, with the altitude rising from 6,000 feet to 17,060 feet.

Best Time to Plan Your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The ideal time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road is from May to mid-September, during the summer and monsoon seasons. This period offers the best conditions for trekking, outdoor activities, and experiencing the Saga Dawa Festival, a significant Tibetan Buddhist celebration.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost and Package Details

For those planning their Yatra with Divine Kailash, the cost is set at INR 145,000. An initial advance of INR 35,000 plus 5% GST per person is required for visa and permit processing, followed by a second advance of INR 110,000 plus 5% GST per person a month before departure. Prices may vary, so it is advisable to check the current rates before booking.

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