Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
During the G-20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Topics like resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and start of direct flights between India and China were discussed in this conversation. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been closed for the last five years, is expected to reopen its doors.
Following talks at the G-20 summit, the chances of resuming travel between India and China have increased. However, due to strict travel conditions imposed by China and political tension between the two countries, the situation is still not entirely clear. If the yatra starts, it will be a relief for Indian pilgrims.
What is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is an important pilgrimage for the Hindu religion. This trip heads towards Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. Mount Kailash is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Lake Manasarovar is the creation of Lord Brahma. This lake is located on the Tibet Plateau and its altitude is about 4,590 meters. Situated at an altitude of 17,000 feet above sea level, this journey is difficult and challenging. During the journey, pilgrims circumambulate Mount Kailash and bathe in Lake Manasarovar.
The journey takes three paths
Devotees use three routes for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The first route is the Lipulekh Pass route in which devotees enter Tibet through Uttarakhand. The second route is the Nathu La Pass in which devotees go to Tibet via Sikkim and the third route is the Shigatse route. Using this route, pilgrims go from Tibet to Mansarovar. from Uttarakhand to Tibet
Kailash Mansarovar Chinese Connection
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is located in the Tibet region, which is under the administrative control of China. Pilgrims must obtain visas and permission from the Chinese government to travel. It is mandatory to follow the terms and conditions set by China, which decide the number of passengers, duration of the trip and the route.
Travel difficulties have increased due to China’s political and administrative control in Tibet. In addition to this, for environmental and safety reasons, China has implemented strict travel rules.
Why was the trip stopped?
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is closed due to India-China violence in Galwan Valley and Corona epidemic. China had refused to issue new permits for Indian pilgrims. Due to tension at the border, several attempts were made to stop the Indian pilgrims. China had opened some borders to pilgrims from Nepal, but restrictions for Indians continued.
China’s strict travel conditions
Since 2020, both official routes of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are closed for Indians. China not only increased difficulties in obtaining travel permits, but also increased travel expenses. In addition to this, many conditions were imposed for the trip, in which the rules were made stricter with the requirement for a medical certificate, insurance and other documents.
