New Delhi: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will begin soon. The yatra is a surreal journey that elevates the spirit to a height of over 21,000 and transcends the human imagination. The divine pilgrimage offers devotees a chance to immerse themselves in the holy waters of Lake Mansarovar and perform ‘parikrama’ around Mount Kailash.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, specifically in the Ngari Prefecture. This pilgrimage site features Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Mount Kailash is revered as the earthly manifestation of Lord Shiva, while Lake Mansarovar is seen as a source of purity and divine energy.
But did you know that you can pass through passes while travelling to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? Let’s look at which passes lead to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: The Passes that lead you to the journey
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes you to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the Indo-China border near Uttarakhand and Ladakh—thousands of pilgrims and adventure seekers from all over the world travel to Kailash Mansarovar.
Two Kailash Mansarovar routes are the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and the Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). These routes are conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs, India. It takes 23-25 days to complete the whole yatra through these two routes.
Journey through Lipulekh Pass
The journey through Lipulekh, which leads to Kailash Mansarovar, requires trekking about 90 kilometres at high altitudes, reaching up to 19,500 feet. This trek is difficult due to extreme weather and rough terrain.
However, a new route through Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand will make it easier for pilgrims. It will reduce the travel time from 3-4 weeks to just one week.
This new route has three sections. The first section covers 107.6 kilometres and goes from Pithoragarh to Tawaghat. The second section is a 19.5-kilometre single lane from Tawaghat to Ghatiabgarh. The last section goes from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh Pass at the China border. This third section is 80 kilometres long and can only be walked.
The Darchula–Lipulekh road is an extension of the Pithoragarh-Tawaghat-Ghatiabagarh road. It starts at Ghatiabgarh and ends at Lipulekh Pass. On this 80-kilometer road, the altitude rises from 6,000 to 17,060 feet.
While the Lipulekh route involves a nearly 100-kilometre trek through high-altitude terrain, the new route will allow devotees to travel this dangerous stretch by vehicle.
About Lipulekh Pass
The Lipulekh Pass is a mountain pass located on the border of Uttarakhand, India, and the Tibet region of China, close to where it meets Nepal. This pass is near the trading town of Taklakot (also known as Purang) in Tibet. People have used this pass for centuries, including traders, religious mendicants, and pilgrims travelling between India and Tibet. It is also a route for pilgrims heading to Kailash and Mansarovar.
Journey through Nathu La Pass
The road through Nathu La is suitable for senior citizens and those who cannot do difficult trekking. From Gangtok, the road goes by Hangu Lake and the wide landscape of the Tibetan plateau.
About Nathu La Pass
Nathu La is one of the highest roads you can drive on in the world. It is a mountain pass in the Himalayas that connects Sikkim, India, and China. Located on the Indo-Tibetan border at 1,4450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is an important pass in India. It lies on the Old Silk Route and links Sikkim to Tibet, China. As one of the three open trading posts between India and China, Nathu La is crucial for trade between the two countries. It has also made travel easier between important Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, helping the economy and improving relations with China.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, is accessible via two main passes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim). A new, easier route via Pithoragarh significantly reduces travel time to Lipulekh. While Lipulekh involves challenging high-altitude trekking, Nathu La offers a more accessible journey for senior citizens. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge