Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.^[1] Considered a spiritual journey of immense importance, it holds significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The yatra involves traversing harsh terrains, high altitudes, and extreme weather, making it one of the most challenging pilgrimages in the world.^[2]

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा ཀཱའི་ལ་ཤ་མན་ས་རོ་ཝར་ཡ་ཏྲ།
Glacier at Chandanwadi, the first point to Kailash Mansarovar yatra
Status	Active
Genre	Religious pilgrimage
Frequency	Annually
Location(s)	Tibet
Country	China

The yatra is organized annually by the Ministry of External Affairs of India in collaboration with the Government of China and attracts thousands of devotees despite the arduous journey. The pilgrimage is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and offer liberation (moksha) to those who complete it.^[3]

Geography & Location

Mount Kailash is a majestic peak rising to an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) in the Himalayas. Its distinctive pyramid-shaped peak remains perpetually snow-clad, adding to its mystical allure. Lake Mansarovar, located at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,060 feet), is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and lies adjacent to the saline Lake Rakshastal.^[4]

Religious Significance

Hinduism

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that Lord Shiva resides at the summit of Kailash in a state of perpetual meditation, making it the spiritual center of the universe. Lake Mansarovar is said to have been created by Lord Brahma and is believed to purify the sins of those who bathe in its holy waters.^[5]

Buddhism

For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is known as Kang Rinpoche or "Precious Jewel of Snow." It is considered the dwelling place of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a deity representing supreme bliss. Buddhists believe that circumambulating the mountain purifies negative karma and leads to enlightenment. Lake Manasarovar is associated with Anavatapta, a dragon lake mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts.^[6]

Jainism

Jains regard Mount Kailash as Ashtapada, the site where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained nirvana (liberation). Jain scriptures mention that Rishabhadeva delivered his final sermon at this sacred site, making it a pilgrimage of immense spiritual importance for Jains.^[7]

Bon Religion

The indigenous Bon religion of Tibet considers Mount Kailash as the spiritual center where their founder, Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, descended from heaven. Bon followers circumambulate Mount Kailash counterclockwise, unlike followers of other religions.^[8]

Pilgrimage Route and Circumambulation

Circumambulation (Kora/Parikrama)

The most significant aspect of the yatra is the circumambulation, known as Kora in Tibetan and Parikrama in Hindu tradition. Pilgrims undertake a 52-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash, which is completed in three days under normal conditions.^[9]

• Dirapuk Monastery – The first stop after a 22-kilometer trek from Darchen.
• Dolma La Pass – The highest point of the trek, standing at 5,645 meters (18,520 feet).
• Zuthulphuk Monastery – The final leg of the circumambulation before returning to Darchen.

Lake Mansarovar Circumambulation

Devotees also perform a circumambulation of Lake Mansarovar, covering a distance of approximately 90 kilometers. Taking a holy dip in the lake and consuming its water is believed to absolve pilgrims of all sins.^[9]

Routes & Accessibility

Indian Routes

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is conducted through two primary routes from India:

1. Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand)^[10]
   • Starting from Dharchula in Uttarakhand, this route passes through Gunji, Kalapani, and Navidhang, eventually crossing the Lipulekh Pass into Tibet.
   • This route involves a trek of approximately 200 kilometers and is physically demanding.
2. Nathu La Route (Sikkim)^[11]
   • Pilgrims travel by road from Gangtok to Nathu La Pass, which allows easier access for elderly pilgrims as it minimizes trekking.
   • This route is more comfortable but is limited to fewer batches each year due to geopolitical sensitivities.

Alternative Routes

• Kathmandu Route (Nepal): Pilgrims travel by air or road from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border at Kodari or Rasuwa, followed by a road journey to Mount Kailash.^[12]
• Lhasa Route (Tibet): Pilgrims can enter Tibet via Lhasa and travel to Mount Kailash by road.^[13]

Diplomatic Sensitivities

The yatra has often been subject to diplomatic negotiations between India and China due to the sensitive border regions involved. Geopolitical tensions, such as the Doklam standoff in 2017, have led to temporary suspensions of the yatra, highlighting the delicate balance of international relations in the region.^[14] The yatra is set to resume in June 2025 after a gap of five years.^[15]