Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume after five years: 5 things devotees should know

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most revered and difficult religious sojourns undertaken by Hindu pilgrims. But because of several factors, the yatra was stopped for almost five years. However, the good news is that the revered yatra is all set to resume on June 30, 2025, after a long break, much to the joy of thousands of spiritual seekers.

This pilgrimage was last conducted in 2019 and was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s everything devotees need to know before undertaking this sacred journey.

Start Date

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will begin from Delhi on June 30, with pilgrims travelling through the Lipulekh Pass, set at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. This traditional route offers not just spiritual value but also stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.

Group Details

This year, only 250 devotees will be allowed to go on the journey. The devotees will be divided into five groups of 50 members each. The first group will cross into China via the Lipulekh Pass on July 10, while the last group is expected to return to India on August 22.

Itinerary

The journey will span 22 days. After departing from Delhi, pilgrims will spend:

One night in Tanakpur (Champawat district)
One night in Dharchula (Pithoragarh district)
Two nights in Gunji
Two nights in Nabhidang

From there, the group will enter Taklakot (China). Following the sacred visits to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, the return journey includes:

One night in Bundi (Pithoragarh district)
One night in Chaukori
One night in Almora

The journey concludes in Delhi.

Mandatory Health Check-Ups

All participants must undergo mandatory health screenings—first in Delhi, and again in Gunji. Due to the high altitude and physically demanding conditions, only those meeting health criteria will be allowed to proceed.

Spiritual importance of Kailash

Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and Lake Manasarovar is said to purify the soul. Circumambulating the mountain (a ritual known as parikrama) and bathing in the lake are believed to cleanse sins and lead to moksha (salvation).

Organisers

The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has been entrusted with organizing the Yatra, under the guidance of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Uttarakhand Government.

Devotees planning to join this year's Yatra are encouraged to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.