The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one pilgrimage most Hindus want to make at least once in their lifetimes. The sheer mystical quality, beauty and religious significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is such that it is considered as one of the most sacred places in the world. A person who is able to do the ‘parikrama’ of Mount Kailash considers himself to be truly blessed because all the sins of his past lifetimes are washed away. Mount Kailash is the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides with his divine wife, Devi Parvati. Lord Shiva is the eternal yogi, the true ascetic, who denies himself all pleasures and instead chooses meditation. He is the protector of the Vedas, the ancient scripture of Hinduism. If going on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is your heart’s desire, then you must go. Here are all the things you need to know about it.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not for the faint-hearted, it is a challenging expedition to go on. There are basically two options available to those who want to go:
Following are what you should know about both these options.
The best thing about going by the route suggested by MEA is that then you have the government’s seal of approval for the expedition. The route is set by a bi-lateral agreement between India and China. All pilgrims get required medical facilities, security and diplomatic protection if they go by this route. You will also get to enjoy the view of the Om Parvat, which may not be possible on other routes. Another advantage of going with the MEA recommendations is that it can be done at an inexpensive cost. In fact, you may even be able to get a subsidy from the government if you do so. However, there are some serious concerns about this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route because of the long time taken to complete it and the relatively tough trekking that one has to do to reach Mount Kailash. Not all people may find the route a stress-free one. This brings up the Yatra conducted by private operators.
Since Mount Kailash is located in Tibet, which is under the authority of China, Indian pilgrims are going to need their passport and Visa to go on the Yatra. It is best to do this as soon as you are sure you are going to make the expedition. If you go through the MEA route, it is important that you have the permission of the government and for that, it is best to go by the recommendations in the MEA website. If you choose a reliable private operator, then everything including your Visa will be taken care of by them so that you can relax.One will need a passport and Visa to travel there. This is a staple visa issued only for pilgrims. With the help of this visa pilgrims can visit kailash region and nowhere else in Tibet. Chinese visa is not effective here. To get VISA 1st permit is issued from Nepal Government then VISA is applied at ambassy. Nepal puts stamp on passport at its border but China doesn’t do.
Not many people can ultimately go on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra even if that is what their hearts want so if you do get a chance to go, make sure that you don’t miss it.
*Only agents are permitted for VISA process individuals cannot get VISA.
Most Hindus wish to go on the Yatra at least once in their lifetimes considering how highly revered it is. Here are few things to know about it-
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost: There are 2 routes for Kailash Yatra from India. The Lipulekh Pass route which has trekking of approx. 200 KMs & costs approx. 1.65 Lakhs. And the Nathu la Pass route which has only 40 KMs trekking and rest is by bus. Costs approx. 2 Lakhs. Selection of pilgrims is on Lucky draw basis & medical checkup. The Yatra rates keep changing every year. The Nepal route however is one that is a lot more convenient for pilgrims. There is a Helicopter route that starts from Lucknow and takes between 5 and 11 days. The Overland route from Kathmandu will take around 14 days. If time and convenience is the top-most priority, then the Nepal route is the best choice. Yatra from Nepal is from Hilsa and Kyirong border. This route has comfortable and hygienic stays. Nepal route is cost effective too. No Lucky draw system. Since there is less trekking, lenient medical procedure is followed.
Best time to go: The best time to go on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is between the months of May and September.
Age restrictions: This is not a pilgrimage for small children. If the Nepal route is considered, people between the ages of 10 and 70 only are allowed to go while the Government Of India route only takes travelers between the ages of 18 and 70 years considering the hazardousness of destination.
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