08 Nights / 09 Days
Package Price :₹0.00/-Per Person
Booking Price :₹ 135,000.00/- Per Person
Easy & Economical India New route to Kailash Mansarovar 2025
Apart from saving time, there will be several advantages of Kailash Mansarovar Darshan and Tour Via India. The new route is the shortest, only one-fifth of the distance of road travel as compared to other routes. The majority of the distance on new route will also be on Indian side which reduces the cost and give employment to more and more local residents.
The new route involves travelling by road to Pithoragarh (490 km from Delhi), thereafter 130 km of road travel and 79 km or five days of foot trek from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh Pass on boundary with China. Across the International Border, there is a further trek of 5 km on Chinese side followed by a road journey of 97 km and 38 km of foot parikrama or travel by Pony.
The new route to Kailash Mansarovar from Uttarakhand involves three stretches. The first stretch is a 107.6 km-long road from Pithoragarh to Tawaghat, the second is from Tawaghat to Ghatiabgarh on a 19.5-km single lane, and the third stretch is 80-km-long from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh Pass at the China border, which can only be traversed on foot. This stretch takes almost five days to cover and is a tough journey.
The single-lane Tawaghat to Ghatiabgarh has now been converted into a double lane road by Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had inaugurated this new road in May last year. This new road reduces a five day trek to two days of road travel thus saving six days of to and fro journey.
The road from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh is now under construction and is expected to be completed by 2025 .
The road via Pithoragarh Dharchula will ensure that most of the Kailash Yatra is within Indian territory, which is not the case right now.
Kailash Parbat is located in vicinity of Mansarovar Lake which is less than 100 km from Uttarakhand border. Mount Kailash is considered sacred in four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon.
For Hindus, Mt Kailash is traditionally recognised as abode of God Shiva and it is considered the holy centre of the planet and a manifestation of heaven. The holy water of Lake Mansarovar is said to have the power of washing away our sins thus it is believed that circumambulating Mount Kailash can expunge wrongdoings.
The Border Roads Organisation carried out Kailash Mansarovar Road construction activity even while country was under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. The BRO followed all protocol.
The new road alignment is along the Kali River which is the boundary between India and Nepal. The end point of the road is at Lipulekh Pass with China which is near the tri-junction of India, China and Nepal.
In this sector, Special Task Force (STF) Hirak of BRO is constructing and maintaining roads ahead of Pithoragarh which is 490 km from Delhi. The road from Pitharogarh to Tawaghat is a 107.6 km long existing double lane road is under maintenance by BRO.
Q: What is the significance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Ans: Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. For Buddhists, it's associated with spiritual journeys. Jainism sees it as the site where the first Jain Tirthankara attained Nirvana. Lake Mansarovar is also considered sacred for ritual bathing and religious purposes.
Q: What is the Lipulekh Pass, and why is it important?
Ans: The Lipulekh Pass is located in the Himalayas, at the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China. It serves as a border crossing between India and Tibet (China) and is one of the traditional routes used by Indian pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It offers a relatively shorter route for the pilgrimage compared to others.
Q: What is the route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass?
Ans: Pilgrims begin from Delhi, travel to Kumaon in Uttarakhand, and then to Dharchula. The trek continues to Gunji, Budhi, and Navidhang, reaching the Lipulekh Pass at the India-China border. From there, the pilgrimage proceeds to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Yatra?
Ans: Applicants must be Indian citizens between 18 and 70 years of age, in good physical health, and hold a valid passport. A medical examination and fitness test are mandatory for all applicants.
Q: What is the difficulty level of the Yatra via Lipulekh Pass?
Ans: The Yatra is physically demanding, requiring participants to trek at high altitudes, sometimes exceeding 17,000 feet. Proper acclimatization is essential due to the risks of altitude sickness. Pilgrims should prepare for trekking and difficult terrains.
Q: What are the travel arrangements for the Yatra via Lipulekh?
Ans: The Ministry of External Affairs of India organizes the pilgrimage in collaboration with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). Pilgrims are provided with guides, porters, medical staff, and other essential services during the journey.
Q: How much does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass cost?
Ans: The cost of the Yatra via Lipulekh Pass can vary but usually ranges from INR 1.6 lakhs to 2 lakhs per person. This covers transportation, accommodation, medical facilities, and some meals. Additional personal expenses like food, shopping, and gratuities may not be included.
Q: What are the best months to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh?
Ans: The Yatra is usually conducted between May and September, when the weather is more favorable. Monsoon season and extreme cold make other months less suitable for the pilgrimage.
Q: Are there any risks or challenges associated with the Yatra?
Ans: Yes, the primary risks are related to high-altitude trekking, cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather. Altitude sickness, dehydration, and physical exhaustion are common challenges. It is advised to consult a doctor before the Yatra and follow fitness guidelines.
Q: What medical precautions should be taken?
Ans: Pilgrims should undergo a medical examination, including a test for fitness at high altitudes. It's recommended to carry necessary medications for altitude sickness, cold, and general health. A first-aid kit is mandatory, and medical staff accompany the Yatra.
Q: How do I apply for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass?
Ans: Applications are usually invited by the Ministry of External Affairs (India) through an online portal. Applicants must fill out the form, submit the required documents (like passport), and pass the medical and physical fitness tests.
Q: What are the alternatives to the Lipulekh Pass route?
Ans: Apart from the Lipulekh Pass, the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim is another route for Indian pilgrims. The Nathu La route is less physically demanding since it offers a motorable road up to certain points, unlike the trek-heavy Lipulekh route.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can carry on the Yatra?
Ans: Yes, there are restrictions due to the nature of the trek and high-altitude conditions. Pilgrims are advised to carry only essential items like warm clothing, food supplies, personal medications, and necessary documents. Carrying too much weight can make the trek more difficult.
Q: What kind of accommodation is available during the Yatra?
Ans: Accommodation ranges from government guest houses, tents, to basic lodges in villages like Gunji and Budhi. Facilities are often basic, and pilgrims should expect limited amenities in remote areas.