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Sikkim: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Begins From Nathula After 5-Year Hiatus, First Batch Flagged Off
In Sikkim, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra started from Nathula on June 20. A total of 36-member group kick-started the pious journey, which was flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur. A total of ten batches will visit Kailash Mansarovar from Nathula this year. Each batch will take 11 to 12 days to complete the pious journey. Doctor and government officials will accompany them throughout the journey. They will go by bus mostly, but on some occasions, the pilgrims also have to walk. They will do Kailash parikrama first at nearly 17 thousand feet altitude and then Mansarovar parikrama at 15 thousand feet altitude.#kailashmansarovar #mansarovaryatra #nathulapass #sikkimpilgrimage #mountkailash #lakemansarovar #hindupilgrimage #spiritualjourney #kailashparikrama #mansarovarparikrama #omprakashmathur #sikkimtourism #ministryofexternalaffairs #bordercrossing #tibet #toi #toibharat
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First Post
14 hours ago
- First Post
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes after 5-year gap: Why this pilgrimage matters to Indians
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will commence through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh on Monday. As many as 250 pilgrims will take this route to reach Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The yatra to the holy sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is resuming after five years. Here's why the holy journey is significant read more The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is resuming after a gap of five years. File Photo/ANI The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is resuming through the Lipulekh Pass on Monday (June 30), after a gap of five years. The pilgrimage to the 18,000-feet-high Mount Kailash near Lake Mansarovar will see hundreds of devotees making the arduous journey. Both the lake and the mountain are revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Tibetan Bon religion. As the wait for Indians to visit these holy sites ends, we take a look at the spiritual yatra. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's all you need to know. Kailash Mansarovar Lake Mansarovar is a freshwater lake near Mount Kailash in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Locally known as Mapam Yumtso, the lake is at a height of 4,600 metres. Hindus believe Lord Brahma created the lake, which has purifying powers. Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. The 6,638-metre high peak is revered by Buddhists, who refer to it as 'Mount Meru', as the primary source of spiritual energy. For Jains, their Tirthankara Rishabdeva is said to have attained salvation at what they say is Mount 'Ashtapada'. The routes to reach Kailash Mansarovar The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it was not resumed even post-pandemic, owing to tensions between India and China, especially the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020. The talks to resume the yatra began formally in December last year amid a thaw in frosty relations between the two countries. As the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra finally begins, devotees can take two routes to make it to Lake Mansarovar from India. They can either go via Nathu La pass in Sikkim or Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. At an altitude of 4,310 metres, the Nathu La pass is on the border between Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region. The route, fully accessible by vehicles, to Mansarovar lake from this pass is nearly 1,500 km. Devotees would only need to trek 35-40 km for Parikramas (circling the mountain and lake). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Lipulekh pass from Uttarakhand is close to the trijunction of India, Nepal and China. While the lake is nearly 50 km from the border between the Indian state and TAR, the terrain makes the journey tough. The route involves 200 km of hard trekking. Only those between the ages of 18-70 are allowed to undertake the yatra, which typically takes over 20 days. The pilgrims must be physically and medically fit and have a valid Indian passport. How many will undertake Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? India has allowed 750 nationals to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this year. The yatra is being held from June to August. The pilgrims will travel in 15 groups, travelling through Nathu La pass in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass to reach the holy site in Tibet. The first batch of 36 Indian pilgrims has already visited Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar lake through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim. The yatra through the Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district is commencing on Monday. As many as 250 pilgrims in five batches, comprising 50 pilgrims each, are set to visit Kailash Mansarovar from this route this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pilgrims will depart from Delhi for the journey after a medical check. After spending a night in Tanakpur, they will reach Dharchula Base Camp on July 5 and leave for the Gunji Camp the following day, Pithoragarh District Magistrate Vinod Goswami said, as per PTI. The pilgrims will undergo a medical examination at the high altitude of Gunji, where they will stay for two days for acclimatisation. Their medical screening will again be done at Nabhidhang before they enter Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is spiritually awakening for the pilgrims. However, it is a challenging trek. 'The magnitude of such places brings into focus the minuteness of self. I am reminded that my bones, my breath, the vicissitudes of my everyday life are mere flickers in an infinite universe,' Kavitha Yaga Buggana, who undertook the pilgrimage in 2011, told Outlook Traveller. 'The most challenging part of the trek is the 52-km-long Kailash Kora or parikrama that takes you to the highest altitude of 5,630 m (18,471 feet) at the Dolma Pass. The inner Kora is much more strenuous than the outer one,' Buggana added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For those undertaking the holy pilgrimage, they should ensure to carry thermal clothing, such as jackets. They can carry medicines prescribed by their doctors for high-altitude sickness. Carrying snacks, lights and hiking sticks will also help. Instead of sneakers, wear trekking boots and warm socks. With inputs from agencies
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First Post
17 hours ago
- First Post
FirstUp: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes and other big news of the day
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra starts again today after a five-year pause. The pilgrimage, held between June and September each year, is run by the Ministry of External Affairs. It lasts about 23 to 25 days and includes a demanding 45-km walk. In sports, Wimbledon begins today, with players moving from the clay surfaces of Paris to the iconic grass courts in London. The tournament will continue through to the middle of July read more The Kailash Mansarovar is seen from the flight. PTI Many big events are lined up for today. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to restart after being paused for five years. When people think of tennis, Wimbledon is often the first name that comes up. The tournament begins today. President Droupadi Murmu will be in Gorakhpur today for the first convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Gorakhpur. RJD leader Lalu Prasad's son, Tej Pratap Yadav, will start his 'Janata Darbar'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today is also the final day for tech company Meta to pay the $220 million fine issued by Nigeria's consumer protection authority. Here is a look at the events: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begins The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes today after being suspended for five years. A total of 750 people were picked from over 5,500 applicants through a computer-based draw. Held every year from June to September, the yatra is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs. It takes place along two approved routes: the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. CNN-News18 Ground Report: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes after 5 years as India-China relations thaw, first batch of Indian pilgrims reach Tibet @siddhantvm explains the significance of holy yatra as he undertakes the journey himself!@Sonal_MK @toyasingh |… — News18 (@CNNnews18) June 27, 2025 The journey takes around 23 to 25 days and includes a tough 45-km stretch on foot. For Indian passport holders, the cost is close to Rs. 2,25,000 each, while foreign pilgrims pay roughly US$3,275. Group numbers vary between 25 and 108 people per batch. Ties between India and China had remained frozen for over four years following the standoff in Eastern Ladakh. However, relations resumed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wimbledon kicks off Wimbledon kicks off today as players shift from the clay courts of Paris to London's iconic grass courts. In the men's draw, Carlos Alcaraz is hoping to build on his recent French Open success. Ranked world No. 2, Alcaraz had beaten Jannik Sinner to take the title in Paris. Sinner comes into Wimbledon as the top-ranked male player. Matches will run until mid-July. Reuters On the women's side, Barbora Krejcikova returns to defend her title after beating some strong contenders last year. Several higher-ranked players, who did not perform well at Wimbledon in 2024, will be eager to make a stronger showing this time. Matches will run until mid-July. The women's final is set for Saturday, July 12, followed by the men's final on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu in Gorakhpur President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Gorakhpur today to take part in the first convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the city. This will be her fourth trip to Gorakhpur in seven years, following an invitation from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The President is also expected to open the state's first AYUSH University in Pipri, on July 1, during her two-day tour. She will also visit the Gorakhnath Temple and pray at the shrine of Mahayogi Gorakhnath. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last day for Meta to pay $220 million fine in Nigeria Today is the final date for tech firm Meta Platforms Inc., which owns Facebook and WhatsApp, to pay a $220 million fine set by Nigeria's consumer watchdog. The fine was issued in 2023 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) after it found repeated breaches of data rules, as uncovered in a joint review with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. Meta has said it does not accept the ruling. Reuters/File Photo As reported by Barron's, Meta has said it does not accept the ruling and disagrees with both the findings and the fine. Despite raising objections, Meta has been told to comply with the decision and settle the amount by the end of today, according to reports in local media. Tej Pratap Yadav to start 'Janata Darbar' With the Bihar Assembly Elections ahead, RJD leader Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav will launch 'Janata Darbar' today. It aims to offer people a direct chance to raise concerns and seek help. 'Janata Darbar, direct solution to public problems. Let's create a new chapter of Bihar together. Always with you, always with Bihar. From Monday, June 30, Janata Darbar will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at my residence, 26 M Strand Road,' Tej Pratap wrote. Last month, Tej Pratap was removed from the party for six years following controversy over a social media post that was later taken down. The post, shared on Facebook, went viral and claimed that Tej Pratap had been in a long-term relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
First batch of pilgrims visit Mansarovar, appeal for more yatra slots to be opened
As the first batch of Indian pilgrims since 2020 visited the Mansarovar Lake, preparing to begin their return journey on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, they expressed the hope that India and China could agree to allow more yatris to make the trek in future years. Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar Lake lie in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This first batch of pilgrims left Delhi on June 15 and arrived this week at Darchen to begin the Parikrama or circular route around Mount Kailash. They will head back on Saturday (June 28, 2025), and cross over into India on July 1, completing a route by road of about 2,000 km, trekking an uphill and rugged terrain of about 52 km on foot. As they touched the pristine blue waters of Mansarovar Lake, the world's highest freshwater lake at 4,588 metres, they burst into meditational chants. The pilgrimage marks the first resumption of a people-to-people mechanism between India and China after the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control began in 2020. 'Widen the experience' 'This yatra happens for only three months, and this year, only 750 people were allowed to come for it. As a yatri, and given the experience that we have got here, we would want that both the governments should allow more and more people so they can get to experience this as well,' said Vineet Gupta, a 43-year-old software professional from Mumbai. Mr. Gupta, one of the 36 pilgrims who completed the arduous trek around Mount Kailash on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) and the Parikrama around Mansarovar Lake on Friday (June 27, 2025), said he felt blessed and energised rather than fatigued. 'In all our scriptures, it is said that the gods come to bathe here every day. So when we take the waters, we believe our sins are absolved and that we achieve salvation,' he said, when asked about the significance of the Mansarovar Lake's water. Rising tourist nunbers According to the Ministry of External Affairs' response to a query in Parliament, the number of pilgrims allowed to join the yatra each year — which is negotiated between the Foreign Ministries of India and China — has fluctuated every year since the route was first reopened in 1981. In 2015, the Nathu La Pass route via Sikkim was also added to the existing route through Lipulekh pass via Uttarakhand, and 999 pilgrims made the pilgrimage. By 2019, the number had increased to 1,364. With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the yatra, however, and tensions on the LAC since 2020 casting a shadow, this year's cohort is far smaller. The yatris noted that many whose names were picked by a computerised lottery from about 5,000 applicants did not pass the medical tests. Thus, while each batch is meant to include 50 pilgrims, the first batch only had 36. In recent years, the Chinese government has also restricted visitors to the lake from bathing in the lake, citing 'environmental protection purposes', a Chinese embassy official in Delhi said. 'Educate pilgrims' Retired manager Devi Prasad Ketkar, 61, who has travelled here from Mumbai along with his wife, said that the yatra had been 'beyond his dreams', as he had been disheartened by its suspension for the past six years. Asked whether more pilgrims being allowed to join the yatra could affect the holy sites, Mr. Ketkar said that it was more important to educate visitors than cut their numbers. 'I think restricting the number of pilgrims should not matter as much as the need to educate them about eco-friendly travel and how we must behave towards the environment. That education is much more important for all than restricting travel,' Mr. Ketkar said, in response a question from The Hindu. The first batch of pilgrims includes men and women between the ages of 20 to 69, all of whom have been able to complete the journey thus far without any medical issues, especially given the altitude, the group said. The oldest among them is 69 year old Pradnya Devi. The silver-haired lady beamed with joy as she prayed to Mount Kailash clearly visible from the banks of Mansarovar, and sprinkled water from the lake over her head, as is the custom. Ms. Devi has taken a vow of silence for the term of the yatra and responded to questions only with head shakes. When asked if she would like to stay longer, however, she nodded vigorously and smiled broadly .
