Mount Kailash is a revered pilgrimage site for Indians. According to ancient scriptures, it is considered one of the five abodes of Lord Shiva. Three of these sacred sites, Kinnaur Kailash, Mani Mahesh, and Shrikhand Mahadev, are nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Adi Kailash is located in the mystical terrain of Uttarakhand, while the majestic Mount Kailash stands tall in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This revered mountain is believed to be the divine abode of Mahadeva, the great God Shiva, and his consort, Parvati. Pilgrims embark on a sacred yatra to circumambulate the mountain, a spiritual practice known as "parikrama" in Hinduism.
However, the temporary suspension of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2020 left devotees yearning for an alternative way to experience the divine blessings of Mount Kailash. Now, through the collaborative efforts of the Government of Uttarakhand, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Border Roads Organisation, this cherished dream has become a reality, offering devotees a renewed opportunity to view the sacred mountain.
Uttarakhand Tourism has achieved a milestone by organising the first successful pilgrimage, offering a sacred darshan of Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat from Indian soil. This historic journey includes a visit to Mount Kailash from Old Lipulekh Peak, allowing pilgrims to pay homage to their deity from the heart of India. This remarkable expedition promises an enriching and spiritually fulfilling experience, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the divine aura of these sacred sites.
On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2024, the first group of pilgrims embarked on their journey and were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Kailash on October 3, 2024, from Old Lipulekh Peak, along with Om Parvat. A team of officials from Uttarakhand Tourism, BRO, and ITBP discovered the spot from where Mount Kailash is clearly visible. Subsequently, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department made necessary preparations to initiate a package tour that covered the darshan of Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat from Indian soil. The pilgrims are set to visit Adi Kailash from Gunji Pithoragarh on October 4, 2024, before returning to Pithoragarh. The State Tourism Minister, Satpal Maharaj, lauded the groundbreaking discovery and successful completion of the first trip as a historic milestone for Shiva devotees. He emphasised that the government of Uttarakhand is unwavering in its commitment to providing pilgrims with an unparalleled and unforgettable experience.
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, affirmed that enabling the darshan of Mount Kailash from Indian soil demonstrates the government's unwavering commitment to the people. He congratulated all departments involved in the project and emphasised that Shiva devotees no longer have to wait for their turn to visit the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. They can now pay their respects from Indian territory.
The recent development has had a significant impact on devotees. The first batch of pilgrims included people from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Neeraj Manohar Lal Chowksey and Mohini Neeraj Chowksey from Bhopal were part of the first batch of pilgrims. They expressed overwhelming emotions at the sight of their deity's abode. Neeraj Chowksey thanked the government for opening this route, highlighting its potential to benefit Shiva devotees worldwide. Amandeep Kumar Jindal from Chandigarh expressed thanks for the clear weather, which provided a clear view of Mount Kailash from Old Lipulekh.
The pilgrimage package offers helicopter tickets from Pithoragarh to Gunji and back. Guests can also enjoy comfortable accommodation at KMVN or homestays. The 4 nights/5 days package costs INR 80,000 per tourist, including GST, and bookings can be made on the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam website – kmvn.in