Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Just 10 days and no trekking – check full route!

Mumbai: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume this summer following discussions between India and China, marking a significant milestone in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This decision was finalised after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited China from January 26 to 27.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the Yatra will take place in 2025, with mechanisms in place to finalise its modalities under existing agreements. Organised by the Government of India, this sacred pilgrimage offers devotees the opportunity to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

Mount Kailash, revered as the divine abode of Lord Shiva, and Lake Mansarovar, a symbol of spiritual purity, make this journey a transformative experience of faith and devotion.

In a historic shift, the 2025 Yatra will be significantly easier for pilgrims, eliminating the need for trekking. Previously known as one of the most challenging foot journeys in the world, the pilgrimage will now be fully vehicle-assisted, allowing travellers to complete the journey comfortably by car. With the construction of a road up to the Lipulekh border, the pilgrimage has become more accessible, safer, and faster.

For centuries, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been a physically demanding journey, deterring many potential devotees. However, with this new road infrastructure, more people, especially elderly pilgrims, will now have the opportunity to undertake this sacred expedition without enduring strenuous trekking.

This transformation marks a new era for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, ensuring that the spiritual essence of the journey remains intact while making it more inclusive and convenient for devotees.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Shorter duration and new route

Earlier, the pilgrimage used to take 24 days, but now it will be completed in just 10 days. For the first time, the journey will follow the traditional route via Tanakpur and Pithoragarh. Unlike previous treks, which required about eight halts, this time, pilgrims will stay only at Gunji for two days.

The new travel plan involves:

• Delhi to Tanakpur – Pilgrims will travel to Tanakpur from Delhi and stay overnight.
• Tanakpur to Dharchula via Pithoragarh – The next day, they will reach Dharchula.
• Dharchula to Gunji in one day – Previously, this leg of the journey took multiple days.
• Gunji to Lipulekh Pass by vehicle – Pilgrims will continue their journey to the border in vehicles.

Once they cross the Lipulekh Pass, they will enter Tibet, where China has already developed a well-established road network, making the final stretch of the journey more accessible.

Increased cost expected

Due to the changes and improved facilities, the cost of the yatra is likely to be higher this time. Until 2019, the estimated cost per pilgrim was around Rs 2.5 lakh. The final expenses for the upcoming journey will be determined once all arrangements are finalised.

The 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra marks the beginning of a new era in spiritual travel. With modern road networks enabling a smooth journey, devotees can now focus entirely on their religious experience without the strain of trekking. This historic shift is expected to increase participation, allowing more pilgrims to seek divine blessings at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

With registrations set to open soon, prospective pilgrims are encouraged to stay updated on official announcements from the Government of India. As the Yatra becomes more accessible, this is the perfect opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience without the physical hardships of the past.