Introduction: Kailash Mansarovar – A Sacred Pilgrimage Resumes
On June 14, 2025, the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims was officially flagged off by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The resumption marks a significant moment after a four-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic challenges.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than a trek—it is a spiritual journey rooted in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon traditions, blending mystical history and natural beauty in the remote Himalayas of Tibet.
Historical & Mythological Significance of Kailash Mansarovar
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is regarded as the spiritual axis of the universe:
- In Hinduism, it is the abode of Lord Shiva, where he meditates with Goddess Parvati.
- For Buddhists, it is Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Tantric cosmology.
- Jains believe it to be the site where Rishabhdev attained liberation.
- In the Bon religion, it is the seat of all spiritual power.
Circumambulating Mount Kailash (called Kora) is said to cleanse one’s soul of past karmas.
Lake Mansarovar
Situated at 4,590 meters, Lake Mansarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes on Earth. The name derives from:
- “Manas” (mind) and “Sarovar” (lake) in Sanskrit.
- It represents purity, divine consciousness, and liberation.
Believers say that drinking or bathing in its waters can cleanse sins of a hundred lifetimes.
Milarepa and the Mystical Legacy of Kailash
Jetsun Milarepa, the legendary Tibetan yogi and poet (c. 1028–1111), has a profound spiritual link to Mount Kailash:
- He meditated in caves near Mansarovar and is said to have performed miracles.
- In a famous tale, he ascended Mount Kailash riding the sun’s rays, highlighting his enlightened state.
- His life and teachings continue to inspire Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims to visit the sacred site in reverence.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 Officially Flagged Off
Minister Pabitra Margherita attended the flag-off ceremony of the first batch, sharing on social media:
“Honoured to flag off the first batch of KMY 2025—a sacred journey that is a testament to India’s living civilizational connections across borders.”
He also praised the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ITBP, and other coordinating agencies for executing the event within a tight timeline. Importantly, he acknowledged the Chinese authorities’ cooperation in resuming the Yatra.
Resumption Timeline & Diplomatic Efforts
The Yatra had been suspended since 2020 due to COVID-19 and bilateral issues. However, significant diplomatic efforts helped reopen the route:
- November 2024: Talks during G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro
- February 2025: Discussions at G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg
- December 2024 & January 2025: High-level bilateral meetings in Beijing
The two countries finally agreed to resume the Yatra in the summer of 2025.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes in 2025
India organizes the Yatra via two official routes:
Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand)
- Operational since 1981
- Fully motorable with minimal trekking
- 5 batches of 50 yatris (250 total)
Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim)
- Added in 2015
- Also fully motorable
- 10 batches of 50 yatris (500 total)
- Total of 750 pilgrims selected through a fair computer-generated, gender-balanced process.
Eligibility & Application Details
To be eligible for the Yatra, an applicant must:
- Be an Indian citizen
- Hold a valid Indian passport
- Be between 18 and 70 years old as of January 1 of the Yatra year
Notifications of selection are sent via SMS and email.
In 2025, 5,561 applications were received:
- 4,024 male applicants
- 1,537 female applicants
Why Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is Spiritually Transformative
Whether for its mystical history, religious depth, or natural magnificence, this Yatra holds unmatched spiritual energy. It symbolizes:
- A journey within as much as across terrain
- A place where the mortal meets the divine
- A trek that brings peace, clarity, and karmic purification
Final Thoughts
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is not just a return to tradition—it is a reawakening of ancient spiritual pathways that unite civilizations across cultures and faiths. With renewed access, divine history, and the blessings of sages like Milarepa, now is the time to embark on this rare, life-changing Himalayan pilgrimage.