Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Resume in June after 5 years
Kailash Manasarovar Lake Yatra
After a long interval of five years, the highly respected Kailash Manasarovar Yatra will resume again in June 2025, restoring a spiritual feeling among devotees worldwide.
Being one of the greatest pilgrimages in Hinduism, the Yatra is not only a source of deep faith for the followers of Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, but also the deeply symbolic trip of these pilgrims.
In addition to being a spiritual breakthrough, the revival signifies a change in the relations between India and China on a regional scale.
Why the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Was Suspended?
The Yatra was stopped in 2020 for two major reasons:
The Corona Pandemic, which not only resulted in the suspension of many religious pilgrimages across the globe but also created a disruption in international travel, and therefore, people could not go for a religious tour.
The dispute between India and China was an important reason, especially in Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, where the intensified tensions caused the religious tourism in Tibet via India to be completely put on hold.
India-China Relations: What Led to the Yatra’s Resumption in 2025
The gradual dissolution of bilateral relations set the stage for resuming the Yatra. Several diplomatic breakthroughs were instrumental:
October 2024: Troop disengagement in Depsang and Demchok eased military tensions.
SCO Summit in Russia: Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant sideline meeting, signaling a diplomatic reset.
January 2025: India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing, focusing on reopening cultural and religious exchange programs.
These developments culminated in the revival of the Kailash Yatra under the mutual understanding of fostering people-to-people contact and soft diplomacy.
(reference from https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/26/india-china-thaw-after-five-year-gap-kailash-manasarovar-yatra-to-begin-from-june)
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 Schedule and Routes
The Yatra will officially begin in June 2025 and conclude by August 2025, providing pilgrims with three months to undertake the spiritual journey.
Two main routes are available:
Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand)
A physically demanding, high-altitude trek across rough terrain.
Ideal for adventurers and traditionalists.Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim)
A motorable route suitable for the elderly or those unable to trek.
Offers scenic Himalayan landscapes with lesser physical exertion.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will release detailed information on the number of batches and pilgrims per batch, as well as the altitude and key points en route, including Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Gunji, and Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Registration Process for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025
Pilgrims can register online through the official MEA portal: kmy.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens aged 18 to 70 years
Medically fit with no chronic ailments
Valid passport and identity documents
Required Documents & Steps:
Medical certificate from a recognized institution
Passport-sized photos and ID proof
Online application with a nominal registration fee
Application deadlines and specific batch allocations will be announced shortly. Ensure to check the official portal regularly.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
Religious and Cultural Significance of Kailash Manasarovar
According to Hindu beliefs, Mount Kailash is the manifestation of Lord Shiva's home. Also, in Buddhism, Mount Kailash symbolizes Demchok (Chakrasamvara).
Kailash is believed to be the exact location where Rishabhdev achieved liberation in Jainism.
At the same time, Bon followers consider it to be the navel of the world for the center of the universe.
The process of parikrama around Mount Kailash and the bath in the Lake Manasarovar for purification and moksha, i.e., salvation, freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.
A few believers said that they brought their lives up to a completely new level of happiness after having had a trip filled with good vibes.
Read More: Spiritual and Religious Significance of Mount Kailash
Travel Tips and Precautions for Pilgrims
Here are some key tips to follow before going to Parikrama in Mount Kailash:
Fitness: Get started with cardio and regular workouts
Altitude sickness: Acclimatize slowly and carry prescribed medicines in case of emergency.
Weather: Be prepared for freezing nights and rapid weather changes en route.
Essentials to Carry: Trekking gear, warm clothing, energy snacks, sunscreen, water purifiers, and personal medicines.
Support: Insurance is highly recommended. On the way, medical help and emergency contacts should also be set up.
Impact of Yatra Resumption on India-China Relations
The Yatra reopening is not just a religious event but also a diplomatic sign. Cultural diplomacy is an important part of reducing the tensions of politics and of gaining trust among nations.
This step shows religious tourism as a powerful force that can bring people closer and further build the route for wider tourism, better trade connections, and even help diplomatic negotiations in the future.
Conclusion
For five consecutive years, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra was impossible to accomplish.
But when the passage was finally cleared after all these years, the pilgrims could eventually go there to refill their spiritual powers, and this would become the sign of a great improvement in relations between India and China.
It is advisable that devotees or travellers go for it and do what is said to be one of the most inspiring spiritual voyages in the world.
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