First Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Pilgrims Reaches Tibet via Lipulekh Pass

After a multi-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed. The first batch of pilgrims for 2025 successfully crossed into Tibet via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, marking a momentous occasion for devotees and reinforcing India-China cooperation on pilgrimage access. 

Key Highlights of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Item	Detail
Number of Pilgrims in First Batch	45 pilgrims entered Tibet via Lipulekh Pass.
Route & Pass	Lipulekh Pass, Uttarakhand. Altitude ~17,000 ft at border.
Acclimatization	The group stayed at Nabhidang (above Gunji) to acclimatize.
Places to Visit in Tibet	Taklakot, Darchen, Dera Phuk, Junghui Poo, and Kugu. Circumambulation of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar included.
Return Journey	The first batch planned return via Lipulekh Pass on July 18, 2025.
Total Pilgrims for 2025 Yatra via Lipulekh	About 250 pilgrims in 5 batches. First batch (45), second (48), others in queue.

Significance & Background

• Resumption after 5 years: The pilgrimage had been suspended since 2019 owing to the pandemic and related border constraints.

• Spiritual importance: Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. A pilgrimage here is considered deeply transformative for many devotees.

• Route via Lipulekh Pass: This route holds geographical and spiritual importance, connecting the Uttarakhand border through high-altitude terrain, and requires thorough preparation and acclimatization.

Experience of the Pilgrims

Pilgrims in the first batch underwent medical check-ups at Gunji to ensure fitness for the high-altitude journey. The tour included rest at intermediate camps, acclimatization periods, prayers, darshan (viewing) of Mount Kailash, rituals at Lake Manasarovar, and the opportunity for Parikrama (circumambulation) around Kailash.

Challenges & Preparations

• High altitude and terrain: Passes like Lipulekh are at elevations exceeding 17,000 ft. Acclimatization is vital.

• Weather & road conditions: Landslides or rains can disrupt the route. Authorities continuously monitor and maintain access routes.

• Health & safety: Medical teams accompany the pilgrims; prior health screening is mandatory.

• Permissions & logistics: Permits (Tibet travel permit, Kailash Yatra permit), visa formalities, route clearances, etc., are organized via official bodies like Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and state/base-camp authorities.

Travel Itinerary (First Batch)

Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary for the first batch that entered Tibet in 2025:

1. Depart from base camp in Dharchula / Delhi, travel by road to border-region camps.

2. Stay in Gunji → Nabhidang (for acclimatization).

3. Cross the Lipulekh Pass into Tibet.

4. Halt at Taklakot, Darchen, Dera Phuk, Junghui Poo, and Kugu. Visit and perform rituals at Lake Manasarovar; view Mount Kailash.

5. Return journey starts July 18 via Lipulekh back to India. 

Significance Beyond Pilgrimage

• Symbolic of improved access and cooperation on sacred tourism between India and China.

• Revival helps many devotees who had been waiting for this journey to resume.

• Boost for local economies along yatra routes (accommodation, food, transport).

• Strengthens cultural and religious bonds, fostering peace and understanding.

Tips for Prospective Pilgrims

• Get a comprehensive health check before the journey.

• Wear proper gear for cold, high-altitude weather.

• Stay hydrated and follow acclimatization schedules seriously.

• Ensure all permit and visa formalities are completed well in advance.

• Pack minimally but include essentials: medicines, warm clothing, trekking shoes, sun protection.

• Travel via reliable agencies or pilgrim nodal bodies for safety and guidance.

FAQ & PAA

Q. When did the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resume?
It resumed in 2025 after a gap of about five years.

Q. How many pilgrims are allowed via Lipulekh Pass this year?
About 250 pilgrims are scheduled to use the Lipulekh route in five batches.

Q. What are the major stops after entering Tibet?
Taklakot, Darchen, Dera Phuk, Junghui Poo, and Kugu are some key stops. Darshan of Mount Kailash and bath in Lake Manasarovar are central rituals.

Q. What is the altitude of Lipulekh Pass?
Approximately 17,000–17,500 feet, and requires acclimatization.

Conclusion

The successful entry of the first group of pilgrims into Tibet via Lipulekh Pass for the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra marks a deeply spiritual and historic moment. It is a testament to perseverance, the sacred connection devotees share with Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, and the care taken by authorities to revive this ancient pilgrimage safely after years of interruption. For many, this journey represents not just faith, but hope — a promise that sacred paths, however rugged, will once again welcome seekers from every corner.