Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Range, revered as one of the holiest sites by Hindus, is estimated to be 30 million years old, originating during the early formation of the Himalayan mountains. Its tallest peak, the 6,675-meter-high Mount Kailash, is believed to be the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This iconic mountain holds profound significance not only in Hinduism but also in Jainism and Tibetan traditions, drawing pilgrims from diverse faiths for centuries. Located in Tibet, Mount Kailash and the sacred Mansarovar Lake are accessible from India via routes through Uttarakhand. For Indian pilgrims, the best way to reach Mount Kailash is through the Lipulekh Pass in Kumaon. The pilgrimage can be organized only by government agencies, including the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

A journey of around 53 kilometers around the circumambulation of Mount Kailash, is regarded as a spiritually transformative experience. Known as the "center of the universe" in Hindu Puranas and Buddhist scriptures, it is also referred to as Astapad in Jain texts and Yungdrung Gutseg (the nine-story Swastika Mountain) in Bon tradition. Here Its highest point is the Dolma La Pass. Approximately 30 kilometers from Mount Kailash lies the sacred Mansarovar Lake, which spans a circumference of about 90 kilometers. The lake freezes during winter and thaws in spring, enhancing its mystical charm.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra History

The story of Mount Kailash is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is featured in various ancient texts, including the Puranas and the Vedas. In Hinduism, Kailash Mansarovar is believed to be the divine residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, surrounded by Devas, Ganas, Yakshas, Yogis, Siddhas, and Gandharvas.

Mount Kailash is considered a gateway to Moksha, or salvation, according to popular belief. It is said that Lord Shiva, the deity of destruc2tion and regeneration, meditates atop this sacred peak. Pilgrims who visit Kailash feel the presence of Lord Shiva in the surroundings. The Skanda Purana describes Kailash Parvat as a supreme mountain and the celestial home of Lord Shiva, which is why it is often referred to as Shiva's Mount Kailash.

This majestic peak is not only known for its unique shape and immense size but is also revered as the 'spiritual center of the Earth.' Kailash Parvat stands at an impressive average height of 21,778 feet. Pilgrims take part in the 'Kailash Kora' or 'Kailash Parikrama,' a sacred ritual that involves circumambulating Lake Mansarovar. The journey typically takes 2.5 to 3 days to complete, with many believing that walking around the mountain brings prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual renewal. Climbing the mountain, however, is strictly forbidden due to its sacred nature across multiple religions.

According to the Puranas, Kailash Parvat is described as the 'pillar of the world,' situated at the center of six mountain ranges that form a lotus shape. Another fascinating aspect of Kailash is that it is the source of four major rivers—the Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Karnali, and Indus .each of which divides the world into four parts. Additionally, the famous Ellora rock-cut temples in Maharashtra are named after Kailash.Many of the sculptures in these temples illustrate the divine stories of Shiva and Parvati, such as the tale of Ravana's attempt to lift Mount Kailash.. In the Shiv Purana, it is said that Ravana sang the Shiv Tandav Stotram at Kailash in an effort to please Lord Shiva.

The history of Mount Kailash is a powerful blend of faith, divinity, and sacredness, making it a revered destination for millions of devotees.

 

What is the Route of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Overview

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes pilgrims on a spiritual journey to Tibet, an autonomous region of China, where the sacred Kailash Mansarovar is located in Burang County, within the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet.

Nepal Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map

Private tour operators offer two primary options to reach Kailash Mansarovar: the Helicopter Package and the Overland Package.

Helicopter Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map

The Helicopter Yatra to Kailash Mansarovar can begin from either Lucknow or Kathmandu. The standard package lasts for 10 nights and 11 days, though shorter options of 9 or even 5 days are available.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route by Helicopter from Lucknow:

  • Lucknow (1 Night)

  • Nepalganj (1 Night)

  • Simikot (1 Night)

  • Hilsa

  • Purang (Burang County/Taklakot) (1 Night)

  • Lake Mansarovar (1 Night)

  • Darchen (1 Night)

  • Mount Kailash Parikrama (2 Nights)

  • Darchen

  • Purang (1 Night)

  • Hilsa

  • Simikot

  • Nepalganj

  • Lucknow (1 Night)

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route by Helicopter from Kathmandu:

  • Kathmandu (1 Night)

  • Nepalganj (1 Night)

  • Simikot (1 Night)

  • Hilsa

  • Purang (Burang County/Taklakot) (1 Night)

  • Lake Mansarovar (1 Night)

  • Darchen (1 Night)

  • Mount Kailash Parikrama (2 Nights)

  • Darchen

  • Purang (1 Night)

  • Hilsa

  • Simikot

  • Nepalganj

  • Kathmandu (1 Night)

Overland Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map

The Overland Yatra to Kailash Mansarovar begins from Kathmandu and spans 13 nights and 14 days.

Route Map for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Bus from Kathmandu:

  • Kathmandu (2 Nights)

  • Syabrubesi (1 Night)

  • Kyirong County (2 Nights)

  • Dongba/Saga (1 Night)

  • Lake Mansarovar (1 Night)

  • Darchen (1 Night)

  • Mount Kailash Parikrama (2 Nights)

  • Darchen

  • Dongba/Saga (1 Night)

  • Kyirong County (1 Night)

  • Kathmandu (1 Night)

For a more detailed understanding, refer to the image of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map.

 

Government Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map

The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, offers two distinct routes for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: one via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and the other through NathuLa Pass in Sikkim.

Lipulekh Pass Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map

Traditionally a trek of 24-25 days, the Lipulekh Pass route has been shortened to 19-20 days due to the construction of a new road. The journey starts from Delhi, where pilgrims must arrive 3-4 days before departure for a medical check-up.

Route Map for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Lipulekh Pass from Uttarakhand:

  • Delhi (4 Nights)

  • Almora (1 Night)

  • Dharchula (1 Night)

  • Budhi (1 Night)

  • Gunji (1 Night)

  • Nabi (1 Night)

  • Gunji (1 Night)

  • Kalapani (1 Night)

  • Nabidhang (1 Night)

  • Lipulekh Pass

  • Taklakot (2 Nights)

  • Darchen (1 Night)

  • Mount Kailash (Yam Dwar & Parikrama) (2 Nights)

  • Mansarovar Lake (Qugu) (2 Nights)

  • Taklakot (1 Night)

  • Lipulekh Pass

  • Gunji (1 Night)

  • Budhi (1 Night)

  • Dharchula (1 Night)

  • Jageshwar (1 Night)

  • Delhi

NathuLa Pass Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Map

The NathuLa Pass route is a bus journey lasting 22-23 days. Pilgrims must report to Delhi for a medical check-up 3-4 days before departure.

Route Map for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by NathuLa Pass from Sikkim:

  • Delhi (4 Nights)

  • Gangtok (1 Night)

  • 15th Mile (2 Nights)

  • Sherathang (2 Nights)

  • Kangma (1 Night)

  • Lazi (1 Night)

  • Zhongba (1 Night)

  • Darchen (1 Night)

  • Mount Kailash (Yam Dwar & Parikrama) (2 Nights)

  • Mansarovar Lake (Qugu) (1 Night)

  • Zhongba (1 Night)

  • Lazi (1 Night)

  • Kangma (1 Night)

  • Gangtok (1 Night)

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