Kailash Mansarovar yatra to begin by June 8

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Kailash Mansarovar yatra to begin by June 8. Around  300 applicants have opted for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Uttarakhand so far. It hosts the traditional route for one of the most expensive inter-country pilgrimages linked to Hindu religion.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is conducted in Uttarakhand by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). The yatra undertaken via Uttarakhand route through Lipulekh Pass.

A few years ago, the yatra was opened through Sikkim, which has a motorable road. But a large number of pilgrims prefer Lipulekh Pass route, which, though involves a long arduous trek, passes through all important sites like Narayan Ashram and Patal Bhuvaneshwar. On this route, pilgrims also witness Chialekh Valley and the ‘Om Parvat’ which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of Om on the mountain.

From Uttarakhand, the yatra is slated to begin from June 8. The pilgrims will undertake the yatra in as many as 18 batches. Permission is a pre-requisite for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that falls in Chinese territory. Therefore, the Union Ministry of External Affairs has a key role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the yatra. The yatris enter China from border Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

The yatra is officially flagged off in New Delhi and makes its first halt at Kathgodam. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam in assistance with Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force makes all arrangements for the yatra on the Indian side.

Its cost comes around Rs 1.6 lakh per person, through KMVN provides subsides to the residents of Uttarakhand, who want to undertake this yatra.