Uttarakhand tourism has launched Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian soil, thus enabling tourists to forgo the need to go to Tibet.
The first batch of pilgrims had the darshan on October 3, from Old Lipulekh Peak at 18,000 feet. This is a Himalayan pass at the border between Kumaon, India and Tibet. It was used in ancient times by traders, holy men and pilgrims between India and Tibet.
According to information made available by the state’s tourism department, the first batch of five pilgrims came from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab.
The state’s tourism board offers a four-night and five-day package for Rs 80,000 per individual. This includes a darshan of Mount Kailash, Mount Adi Kailash and Vyas Valley, Om Parvat and other pilgrimage sites. The bookings can be customised with the maximum number of people in one batch restricted to 10. The pilgrims will fly on a chopper from Pithoragarh and be provided with basic medical facilities and homestays. The age bracket for tourists is 22-65 years. In October, five yatras are to be made- of which the first one is now underway.
This is a significant move given that Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was suspended in 2020 and has not resumed. One of the reasons is the unpleasant relations between India and China which controls Tibet.
"The point from where Mount Kailash is clearly visible was discovered a few months ago by a team of officials from Uttarakhand Tourism, BRO and ITBP; after which necessary preparations were made by the Uttarakhand Tourism department to start a package tour", said a spokesperson.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "…the opening of darshan of Mount Kailash from Indian soil reflects the commitment of the government…now Shiva devotees need not wait for their turn to visit the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and can pay their respects from Indian territory".
Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said, “Uttarakhand is committed to providing the pilgrims a unique and memorable experience".