Mount Kailash Can Now Be Seen From Indian Territory, First Batch Of Hindu Pilgrims Have Emotionally Overwhelming Experience

For the first time, Hindu pilgrims on Thursday (3 October), were able to witness the sacred Kailash peak, considered the abode of Lord Shiva, from the Indian territory unlike from Tibet earlier.

This viewpoint is at the Old Lipulekh Pass. Situated in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, the Old Lipulekh Pass holds significant religious importance, The Hindu reported.

Previously, pilgrims had to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region for a glimpse of the peak. This marks the first group of pilgrims to view the Kailash peak from within India.

Kriti Chandra Arya, the District Tourist Officer of Pithoragarh, said, "The first group of five pilgrims experienced an emotionally overwhelming moment when they saw the peak from the Old Lipulekh Pass."

The group reached Gunji camp on 2 October and trekked 2.5 km to the Old Lipulekh Pass. Arya, who accompanied the group, noted that the pilgrims were deeply moved, with many in tears upon seeing the sacred peak.

The group consisted of Neeraj and Mohini from Bhopal, Amandeep Kumar Jindal from Chandigarh, and Kewal Krishan and Narendra Kumar from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the efforts of the departments that made viewing Mount Kailash from Indian soil possible, emphasising the state government’s dedication.

He remarked that Shiva devotees no longer need to wait for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra to pay their respects to Lord Shiva from Indian territory.

Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj celebrated the successful completion of the trip, calling it a historic moment for devotees. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to offering pilgrims a unique and memorable experience.

This trip was organised by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department as part of a pilot project, with the traditional Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Tibet suspended for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A few months earlier, a team from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) discovered a spot where Mount Kailash is clearly visible.

Preparations were made to launch a package tour that includes views of Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat. The package costs Rs 80,000 per person.

It includes helicopter transport from Pithoragarh to Gunji and back, with accommodations provided by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) or local homestays. Bookings are available on the KMVN website (kmvn.in).