Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Resumption After Five Years
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY), a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is set to resume in 2025 after a five-year suspension due to COVID-19 and border tensions.
Announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on April 26, 2025, the yatra will take place from June to August 2025, allowing 750 pilgrims via the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).
Registration is computerized through kmy.gov.in, ensuring fair and gender-balanced selection, coordinated by multiple agencies like MEA, Home Ministry, ITBP, and state governments.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is an annual government-organized pilgrimage for Indian citizens to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It has deep religious significance:
- Hindus consider Mount Kailash as the abode of Lord Shiva.
- Buddhists regard it as the dwelling of Buddha Demchok.
- Jains believe it is where their first Tirthankara attained liberation.
- Bon religion followers worship it as a sacred mountain.
The main objective of the yatra is to promote religious pilgrimage and cultural exchange between India and China.