Sacred Revival: Over 20,000 Indian Pilgrims Set to Embark on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Tour operators in Nepal are abuzz with anticipation, expecting a record surge in bookings by Indians for the holy Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet. After five long years, this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage is all set to make a grand return, with over 20,000 Indian devotees expected to sign up for the journey.

A New Dawn for the Pilgrimage

After a high-level meeting on December 18, 2024, in Beijing between India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, and China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, fresh commitments were made towards the relaunch of the historic pilgrimage. These breakthrough discussions have set a platform for the revival of yatra as early as June, for which preparations have begun.

“Indian operators have already started taking bookings,” says Basu Adhikari, Managing Director of Touch Kailash Travel and Treks. Nepali tour operators, however, remain cautious till the Department of Foreign Affairs, China, decides upon the line agency that is entrusted with handling the tour in Lhasa. A meeting mid-February regarding fees and opening dates would eventually give the pilgrims an approval to go forth on third-country travellers this April.

Kailash Manasarovar Attractions

Referred to as the ‘Roof of the World,’ Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is one of the most arduous yet spiritually invigorating journeys in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Pilgrims brave high altitude, rugged terrains, and unpredictable weather conditions to circumnavigate Mount Kailash—the sacred abode of Lord Shiva—and to visit the pristine Manasarovar Lake. While direct dipping in the lake was banned starting in 2018, a bucket can still be filled to collect water for a ritual bath, thus allowing pilgrims to continue an essential part of their tradition.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The revival of the yatra is not only a spiritual renaissance but also a big boost for Nepal’s tourism industry. Nearly 15,000 Indian pilgrims journey through Nepal’s Hilsa border every year, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption is expected to rejuvenate local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to airlines, guides, and porters.

The increase has seen a corresponding rise in the tourism infrastructure over the years in Nepal. Of the various entry points, Nepalgunj has emerged as the prime entry point for Indian pilgrims. The Nepalgunj-Simikot-Hilsa-Manasarovar route is claimed to be the shortest, cheapest, and easiest for travellers, blending adventure and spirituality without glitches.

Routes and New Developments

There are various routes via which pilgrims can approach Manasarovar:

Tatopani, Rasuwagadhi, Hilsa, and Kathmandu-Lhasa Flight Routes: Each offers a unique experience through the majestic landscapes of Nepal and Tibet.
The Nepalgunj-Simikot-Hilsa Route: This is the most popular choice, where travellers fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot, take a helicopter to Hilsa, and then continue overland into Tibet. Here, they acclimatise in Purang (Taklakot) before venturing to Lake Manasarovar at an elevation of 4,556 meters.
Recent developments include Beijing’s institution of a quota system that allows 18 groups of 50 Indian government officials to enter Tibet via the Lipulekh Pass—a route once the primary passage for pilgrims, now gradually being reintroduced amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

A Promising Future for the Yatra

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is one of the most awaited journeys. With fresh diplomatic overtures, improved infrastructure, and a better tourism ecosystem in Nepal, this pilgrimage season, starting from April to October, is going to be a turning point for spiritual seekers and the regional economy.

The holy journey is set to return for millions of pilgrims and professionals in the tourism business.

revival in spirituality, cultures, and the economy has now begun. Continuous coverage shall update on booking details, travel schedules, and all news relating to this eternal trek that continues to inspire hearts globally.

General Information:

• Location: Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Elevation: 6,638 meters (21,778 feet)
• Mountain Range: Trans-Himalaya

Religious Significance:

• Considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
• Hindus believe it is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati.
• Buddhists associate it with Mount Meru, a mythical center of the universe.
• Jains believe it is where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained moksha (liberation).
• Bon religion considers it the spiritual center of the world.

Pilgrimage and Trekking:

• Pilgrims perform a 52-kilometer circumambulation (Kora/Parikrama) around the mountain.
• Completing the Kora on foot takes 3 days, while some perform it in a single day.
• Some Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims complete the Kora prostrating at every step, which can take weeks.

Lakes Near Kailash:

1. Lake Manasarovar – Sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, believed to cleanse sins.
2. Lake Rakshastal – Known as the “Demon’s Lake” in Hinduism, associated with Ravana.

Interesting Facts:

• Climbing Mount Kailash is prohibited for religious reasons.
• It is often called the “Stairway to Heaven” due to its symmetrical shape.
• The mountain remains unclimbed despite numerous attempts.
• Some believe it is a pyramid built by ancient civilizations.

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