By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 26 Apr: The sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, organised under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is set to commence from June to August this year. This spiritually exalted pilgrimage to the divine Mount Kailash and the pristine Lake Mansarovar remains one of the most revered undertaking for Indian devotees.
This year, five batches, each comprising fifty pilgrims (Yatris), shall traverse through the traditional Uttarakhand route via the Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district, while ten batches of similar strength shall proceed through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. Applications are now being invited through the official portal http://kmy.gov.in, with selection being conducted through a transparent, computer-generated, and gender-balanced process.
The Uttarakhand route, replete with profound historical and spiritual significance, continues to serve as a major conduit for the Yatra. Pilgrims journeying through this path pass through sacred locales such as Dharchula, Gunji, and Kalapani before reaching the high-altitude Lipulekh Pass. Despite its challenging terrain and climatic rigours, the route offers unparalleled vistas and deep spiritual fulfilment, affirming Uttarakhand’s pivotal role as a gateway to sacred Himalayan pilgrimages.
Significant infrastructural enhancements have been effected along this route in recent years. The construction of the strategic road to Lipulekh, facilitated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has considerably eased the trek, reducing the physical hardships traditionally associated with the Yatra. It may be recalled that the inauguration of this road in 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, was hailed as a landmark development, further strengthening Uttarakhand’s stature in facilitating cross-border pilgrimage.
The local authorities of Uttarakhand are in close contact and in close coordination with Central agencies in order to ensure provision of robust logistical, security, and medical support to the Yatris, ensuring their safety and comfort during the arduous yet spiritually enriching journey.
