After a hiatus of five years, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has finally resumed, with the first batch of Indian pilgrims arriving at Manasarovar Lake in Tibet. The pilgrimage had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent border tensions between India and China. The resumption of the Yatra is being seen as a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two countries.
On Friday, June 21, 2025, a group of 39 Indian pilgrims crossed into Tibet through the Nathu La Pass, marking the official commencement of the pilgrimage. This first group will embark on a 12-day spiritual journey to Mount Gang Rinpoche (Mount Kailash) and Lake Mapam YumTso (Lake Mansarovar) in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture. A second group of Indian pilgrims is scheduled to enter China via the Nathu La Pass on June 25, indicating the systematic restoration of the pilgrimage program.
Mount Kailash, standing tall at 6,638 meters in western Tibet, is a site of immense religious importance for various faiths. Hindu devotees consider it the abode of Lord Shiva, while Buddhists regard it as the dwelling place of Buddha Demchok. Similarly, Lake Mansarovar, situated at an elevation of 4,590 meters, holds immense significance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, considered the most sacred lake.
The annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The pilgrimage typically involves a challenging trek through high-altitude terrain to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Before the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, the pilgrimage route was relatively accessible for Indian pilgrims. However, the Sino-Indian war in 1962 led to the closure of borders, disrupting the pilgrimage. The Yatra resumed after 1981, with pilgrims entering Tibet through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. In 2015, the Nathu La route was opened, offering a shorter and easier path for pilgrims.
This year, 750 pilgrims were selected for the Yatra through a computerized lottery, out of 5,561 applicants. The pilgrims will travel in batches through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has coordinated with the Chinese government to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, including arrangements for Indian cooks and medical assistance. The Sikkim government has also been actively involved in improving infrastructure along the Nathu La route, including the establishment of acclimatization centers to help pilgrims adjust to the high-altitude environment.
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is expected to foster people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual understanding between India and China. It is also anticipated to boost local economies in Sikkim and other regions, creating new economic opportunities for local communities. Despite concerns about restrictions placed on pilgrims by the Chinese government, many view the Yatra as a manageable cultural exchange that can contribute to improved relations between the two countries.
As the pilgrims embark on this sacred journey, they carry with them the hopes of a renewed sense of cultural pride and community, as well as the potential for strengthened ties between India and China.
