Bhaktdarshan Pandey | Pithoragarh48 minutes ago
Chinese security agency checking the documents of the devotees of the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at Lipulekh Pass.
The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra crossed the Lipulekh Pass into Tibet (China) on Friday, marking a major milestone in the pilgrimage’s resumption after nearly five years.
The 52-member group crossed the border at around 9 am. After Chinese security agencies verified the pilgrims’ travel documents, the pilgrims’ group was granted entry and proceeded to the next stage of the pilgrimage under the supervision of Chinese authorities.
The first batch had departed from Nabidhang for Lipulekh Pass at 7 am. It comprised 48 pilgrims, one medical staff member, and three kitchen staff. Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) escorted the group up to the international border.
Pilgrims of the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra reached Lipulekh Pass under ITBP’s supervision.
Second batch reaches Gunji after road reopens
The second batch of pilgrims, travelling from Dharchula to Gunji, experienced a delay after a landslide temporarily blocked the Tawaghat–Gunji road.
The group was stranded for nearly 90 minutes before the route was cleared. All pilgrims later reached Gunji safely by the afternoon.
Officials from the administration and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) ensured arrangements for food, accommodation, healthcare and security along the route.
According to the authorities, pilgrims’ health and safety are being monitored continuously, considering the challenging weather conditions.
Devotees dancing with folk artists during the cultural evening on Saturday, July 4, in Tanakpur.
Journey flagged off by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
The pilgrimage resumed this year through the Tanakpur–Lipulekh route after a gap of nearly five years.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the first batch from Tanakpur on July 5. This year, 500 pilgrims will undertake the pilgrimage through the Lipulekh route in 10 batches.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami flagging off the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Tanakpur on July 5.
Pilgrimage now easier than before
The total distance of this year’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is 1,738 kilometres.
- Approximately 1,690 kilometres will be covered by road.
- Only 38 kilometres require trekking on foot.
Before 2019, pilgrims had to trek more than 60 kilometres from Dharchula to Lipulekh Pass, navigating difficult terrain and low-oxygen conditions.
With roads now constructed on both the Indian and Chinese sides of the border, vehicles can reach much closer to the frontier, making the pilgrimage significantly more accessible, especially for elderly devotees and first-time pilgrims.
Mount Kailash located in Tibet; the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered the most sacred in Hinduism.
Pilgrimage resumes after five-year suspension
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had remained suspended since 2020, initially because of the COVID-19 pandemic and later due to the military standoff between India and China following the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh.
Following an understanding between the two countries, the pilgrimage has resumed this year.
Pilgrims travelling through Uttarakhand will follow the route from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Gunji, and then cross into Tibet via Lipulekh Pass.
This year’s pilgrimage is being conducted through two approved routes:
- Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
- Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)
Why this year’s pilgrimage is considered special
The 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also considered spiritually significant because it coincides with the rare Agni Ashwa year, an event that occurs once every 60 years.
According to religious belief in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, the Agni Ashwa year is considered especially auspicious for attaining spiritual merit and liberation.
Tibetan astrologer Daulat Raipa says the year marks a special point in the 60-year astrological cycle. Tradition holds that completing one circumambulation (Parikrama) of Mount Kailash during this year is believed to carry the spiritual merit of 12 Parikramas performed in ordinary years.
Authorities expect the rare alignment to draw devotees not only from across India but from around the world.
