The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritual journey that attracts pilgrims from different religions to the sacred Mount Kailash and the mystical Mansarovar Lake. As 2025 approaches, preparations are set to begin for this holy pilgrimage, which promises devotees a wonderful experience combining spirituality, culture, and nature.

Resumption of the Yatra in 2025

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was stopped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing border tension. To rebuild ties and strengthen diplomatic relations between India and China, both countries have announced plans to resume the pilgrimage in 2025. Both sides have also decided to resume direct flights between the nations.

Importance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, towering at approximately 22,000 feet in the Trans-Himalaya of Tibet, is venerated across multiple religions

Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain that hides many mysteries within itself. It is also called the ‘center of the universe’ which connects heaven and earth. As claimed by NASA, they have captured satellite images of Mount Kailash showing the smiling face of Lord Shiva. Scientists are researching many mysteries related to Mount Kailash. There are many untold facts and mysteries surrounding this sacred mountain. It is also said that people who try to climb here start aging very quickly. Many people have experienced abnormal growth of nails and hair in just 12 hours after returning from Mount Kailash. There are many mysteries related to the pyramid-like shape of Mount Kailash, which shows its connection with ancient civilizations. Apart from this, Mount Kailash, which is less in height than Mount Everest, has still not been successfully climbed by anyone to date.

• Hinduism: Hindus believed it to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva along with Devi Parvati lives here.
• Buddhism: Buddhists believed it was the dwelling of Demchog, the tantric deity.
• Jainism: Jains believe that Lord Rishabhdev’s spiritual liberation occurred in Mount Kailash. It is called Mount Ashtapada
• Bon: Considered the axis mundi, or the center of the world.

Lake Mansarovar

Adjacent to this sacred peak lies Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes globally, standing at about 4,590 meters. Pilgrims take holy dip in this sacred lake for salvation.

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma first visualized the Manasarovar Lake in his mind, after which it appeared on Earth. The word Manasarovar is made up of two words, ‘Manasa (mind) and Sarovaram’ (lake). Manasarovar Lake is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Sati. According to our scriptures, the hands of Goddess Sati fell on the holy Manasarovar Lake.

Bathing in the holy Manasarovar Lake liberates one from all sins with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

New Developments in the 2025 Yatra

The 2025 Yatra introduces several enhancements to enrich the pilgrim experience:

• Shortened Duration: The journey is now reduced to a 10-day itinerary, avoiding the need for extensive trekking. This modification makes the pilgrimage more accessible, especially for the elderly and those with physical constraints.
• Diverse Routes: Pilgrims can now choose from alternative pathways, including road routes via Kathmandu and helicopter services from Lucknow.

Registration For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Prospective pilgrims are encouraged to initiate their preparations promptly:

• Online Registration: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has opened registrations for the 2025 Yatra. All the required information regarding eligibility, selection process, fees, and application procedures is available on the official MEA website.
• Physical Checkup: Due to high altitude and rough weather conditions, pilgrims are advised to get medical counseling before applying for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• Documentation: Before planning for yatra, you need to keep all the documents ready like passport, ID proof, etc.

How to reach Kailash Mansarovar From Dehradun

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Dehradun involves a journey of around 467 to 510 Kilometers to reach the Indian base camps. The exact distance may escalate depending on the route chosen by the pilgrims.

Route Options:

There are two routes from Dehradun to Kailash Mansarovar

1. Via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand):

• Dehradun to Dharchula: Travel by road to Dharchula, covering approximately 467 kilometers.
• Dharchula to Lipulekh Pass: Proceed through designated routes, which may involve trekking and road travel.
• Entry into Tibet (China): Cross the Lipulekh Pass to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region, continuing towards Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

2. Via Kathmandu (Nepal):

• Dehradun to Kathmandu: Fly from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
• Kathmandu to Tibet Border: You can travel by road to the Rasuwa-Galchhi border or take a flight to Lhasa, Tibet.
• Tibet Border to Mount Kailash: Continue overland to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Conclusion

Embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is more than a pilgrimage. With the resumption of the Yatra, devotees have the opportunity to visit the holy places of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati and get themselves blessed.