Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Reopens After Five Years

After five long years of silence, the Himalayan winds are once again set to carry the chants of pilgrims. The sacred Mansarovar Yatra has resumed in 2025, bringing back not only a spiritual journey but a reconnection with centuries-old traditions, beliefs and emotions.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimages in Asia, attracting devotees from multiple faiths. Hindus believe Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, where he sits in eternal meditation. Buddhists revere it as Mount Meru, the centre of the universe. For Jains, it marks the place where the first Tirthankara attained moksha, and for the Bon followers of Tibet, it is a symbol of their spiritual cosmos.

Lake Mansarovar, situated near Mount Kailash, is believed to be a celestial creation. Bathing in its icy waters is thought to purify one’s soul and cleanse all sins, while the demanding parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash is believed to liberate a person from the cycle of rebirth.

The Awaited Resumption

After being suspended due to the pandemic and border tensions, the Yatra has officially reopened in 2025. The first batch of pilgrims began their journey in June 2025, with a total of 750 devotees selected through a computerised draw from over 5,000 applications.

This year’s Yatra is being conducted through the traditional Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, a high-altitude route that demands both physical endurance and mental resilience. The full journey spans 23 to 25 days and includes a three-day preparatory halt in Delhi for health screenings, documentation, and orientation.

A Journey Through Beauty

The route begins in Tanakpur, weaving through scenic and challenging terrains such as Dharchula, Gunji, Kalapani, and Nabidhang, before reaching the Lipulekh Pass at over 5,300 metres. Once across into Tibet, pilgrims trek around Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, covering more than 50 kilometres of sacred ground.

Despite the hardship, pilgrims describe the experience as profoundly humbling and transformative. The natural beauty, stark silence, and spiritual energy of the landscape combine to create a pilgrimage unlike any other.

The Modern Infrastructure

To support the revival of the Yatra, the government and local authorities have introduced significant infrastructure upgrades. Medical camps have been set up at key points, communication systems enhanced, and new resting facilities built. Emergency arrangements, including dedicated buses and landslide-clearance teams, are also in place to ensure safety.

Special emphasis has been given to Adi Kailash, a peak in Uttarakhand that closely resembles Mount Kailash and holds deep cultural significance, particularly among the Rung community. Its inclusion in this year’s Yatra adds an important local and historical dimension.

A Spiritual Call

The return of the Mansarovar Yatra has been met with overwhelming emotional response. Pilgrims have shared stories of long-awaited dreams coming true, of tears shed in devotion, and of a deep sense of fulfilment. Many who were unable to secure a slot have appealed for the expansion of the programme in the years ahead.

In its revival, the Yatra has reawakened not only personal faith but also a collective cultural spirit. As pilgrims continue their journey to the sacred lake and majestic mountain, the Mansarovar Yatra once again stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual resilience, devotion, and timeless connection with the divine.