Mumbai: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to make a comeback this summer, following discussions between India and China. This announcement came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited China from 26 to 27 January. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the Yatra will resume in 2025, with arrangements and modalities to be worked out under the existing agreements.
Organised by the Government of India, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is a sacred pilgrimage that offers devotees the opportunity to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. However, only Indian citizens aged between 18 and 70 years as of 1 January 2025, and possessing a valid Indian passport, are eligible to undertake the Yatra for religious purposes.
In October 2024, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and Uttarakhand Tourism launched the “Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil” initiative. This offered devotees the chance to view the majestic Mount Kailash from the Old Lipulekh Peak, as well as the breathtaking sights of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat—all from Indian territory in the Pithoragarh district. Devotees who did not possess a passport were still able to witness the Kailash Mansarovar Peak.
News9 Live spoke to Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd Public Relations Officer Mr Vinod Negi to ask whether KMVN and Uttarakhand Tourism plan to offer the Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian soil this year as well. Here’s what he said:
“Since the main Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to begin this summer, we are not sure whether the Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian soil will take place this year. If it does, it may start in May. However, Nabidhang is a sensitive military area, so the likelihood of the Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian soil resuming this year is relatively low. This initiative was introduced because the main Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had been suspended for the past five years (since 2020) due to strained relations between India and China.”
About Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil
Mount Kailash holds profound spiritual importance as a divine site for pilgrims. Revered as one of the five holy abodes of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism, it is celebrated in ancient Hindu scriptures. Thousands of devotees undertake the journey to connect with this sacred mountain and seek spiritual fulfilment.
The Mount Kailash Darshan from the Indian Soil initiative enabled devotees to witness the majestic Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat—all from Indian territory.
This alternative pilgrimage allowed devotees to connect with Mount Kailash without crossing international borders. Uttarakhand Tourism introduced this initiative to provide an exceptional spiritual experience for those unable to participate in the traditional Kailash Mansarovar Yatra due to passport or visa constraints. Unlike the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which requires crossing into Tibet, this journey enabled devotees to connect with Lord Shiva’s sacred abode while remaining within India.
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