Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/PITHORARAGH
In a bid to give filip to religious tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism, in collaboration with the ITBP and BRO, has launched the Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian soil. For the first time, devotees can now pay homage to the sacred Mount Kailash from within India, eliminating the need to travel to Tibet. The first batch of five pilgrims successfully completed their pilgrimage on October 3, 2024, viewing the revered mountain from Old Lipulekh Peak at an altitude of 18,000 feet.
The group, comprising pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab, commenced their journey on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2. They witnessed the majestic Mount Kailash and Om Parvat on the following day from a specially identified point at Old Lipulekh Peak, a discovery made just months ago by officials from Uttarakhand Tourism, the ITBP, and BRO.
This pilgrimage comes as a beacon of hope for Shiva devotees, who have been waiting for an alternative to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which ceased in 2020. The darshan from Indian soil is expected to offer a new spiritual experience to devotees, providing a significant religious boost to the region.
A Comprehensive Spiritual Journey
The new 4-night, 5-day pilgrimage package, priced at ₹80,000 (inclusive of GST), includes darshan of Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat. Pilgrims are also provided helicopter rides from Pithoragarh to Gunji, enhancing accessibility for travelers. On October 4, 2024, the pilgrims will visit Adi Kailash from Gunji before concluding their journey back to Pithoragarh. Accommodation options include stays at Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) guest houses or local homestays, offering a comfortable experience amidst the spiritual journey.
Neeraj and Mohini Chowksey, pilgrims from Bhopal, expressed their overwhelming joy at seeing Mount Kailash. “This is a dream come true for us. We are grateful to the government for opening this route, which will surely become a boon for Shiva devotees across the globe,” said Mr. Chowksey. Another pilgrim, Amandeep Kumar Jindal from Chandigarh, noted his good fortune in experiencing clear weather for a perfect view of the holy mountain.
Government’s Commitment to Boosting Religious Tourism
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his congratulations to all involved departments for making this historic moment possible. “This initiative reflects our commitment to providing Shiva devotees with a spiritual experience without the need to travel to Tibet. Now, pilgrims can pay their respects to Mount Kailash from Indian territory,” he said.
Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj also hailed the successful trip as a momentous occasion for religious tourism in Uttarakhand. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring pilgrims a unique and memorable experience, making this route a vital addition to India’s spiritual tourism offerings.
A New Era for Pilgrims
With the Mount Kailash Darshan now accessible from Indian soil, the state of Uttarakhand is set to become a major hub for religious tourism, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The successful execution of this first trip heralds a promising future for the initiative, offering spiritual solace to countless pilgrims from India and abroad.
Bookings for the pilgrimage can be made through the official KMVN website, marking the beginning of what many expect will be a pilgrimage in high demand.
