Introduction and Significance

  • The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) is a significant religious pilgrimage symbolising deep cultural ties between India and China.
  • The Yatra holds immense importance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion. 
  • Circumambulating Mount Kailash is believed to bring spiritual merit and bathing in Lake Mansarovar is thought to cleanse one's sins. 

 

Recent Development 

  • The KMY was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. 
  • April 26, 2025, marks a positive development as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the pilgrimage's resumption. 
  • The Yatra will be conducted between June and August 2025, with a total of 750 pilgrims split into batches travelling via Uttarakhand and Sikkim. 

 

About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

  • The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a government-organised pilgrimage for Indian citizens to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
  • Hindus regard Mount Kailash as the residence of Lord Shiva, Buddhists as the dwelling of Buddha Demchok, and Jains as the liberation site of their first Tirthankara. 

 

The Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 

  • The pilgrimage promotes cultural exchange and religious pilgrimage between India and China. 
  • It reinforces spiritual traditions and carries strategic value, enhancing border infrastructure and connectivity. 

 

Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenges persist, such as security risks, harsh terrain, high-altitude health risks, diplomatic sensitivity, and environmental concerns. 
  • Solutions proposed include enhancing safety measures, maintaining diplomatic dialogue with China, eco-friendly infrastructure development, strict waste management, and training for the pilgrims. 

 

Pilgrimage Details

  • There are two official routes for the pilgrimage, via the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and the Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). 
  • Selection is computerised ensuring fairness with a gender-balanced approach. 
  • The Yatra is coordinated by multiple agencies including the MEA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). 

 

Impact of Resumption

  • The pilgrimage's resumption has several implications in religious, cultural, diplomatic, and economic sectors. 
  • It provides a potential boost to tourism on local levels, generating employment in hospitality, transport, and logistics sectors.