Pithoragarh, 3 Oct 2024 – As good news for Shiva worshippers, The Government of Uttarakhand in association with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Indo–Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have introduced a new route map for Mount Kailash Darshan in replacement to the already famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This new initiative enabled devotees to have the first Darshan of Mount Kailash from Indian soil along with Adi Kailash and Om Parvat, which is a memorable moment in the spiritual journey.

Also read –  Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: All You Need to Know (2024) | For Indians

How to Reach Mount Kailash from India?

Thus, for the first time, the lovers of the deity Shiva can see Mount Kailash from the Indian territory, to be more precise – from the Old Lipulekh Peak of Uttarakhand. Guests will be picked from the nearest district of Pithoragarh by helicopter which forms a part of the pilgrimage package to reach the height of Gunji village. The pilgrimage proceeds to Old Lipulekh Peak which has been recently identified by the officials of Uttarakhand Tourism, BRO and ITBP where devotees get to behold the ‘wish-fulfilling’ Mount Kailash.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash

The Autumn season of September and October is one of the best times for Mount Kailash Darshan since the sky around the mountain was very clear at that time. The new darshan route which was initiated on Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) offers result result-oriented pilgrimage season.

Permits and Documentation

Pilgrims must have special permits to get into this region, as enabled by the Government of Uttarakhand. Other requirements also include valid identification documents and medical fitness certifications due to the high altitude and the extreme terrain. The pilgrims should ensure that they obtain an inner line permit from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department before the trip.

Tour Packages from India

To facilitate the devotees and tourists, the Government of Uttarakhand has announced a new 4-night and 5-day Mount Kailash Darshan helicopter package from Pithoragarh to Gunji followed by visits to Mount Kailash from Old Lipulekh Peak, Adi Kailash, Om Parvat. The cost of the package is Rs 80,000 per person, inclusive of GST, for which participants will be staying in Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) guest houses/stays in Kausani. Online reservations can be made on the official website of KMVN in the official site of www.kmvn.in.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Costs

The charge of the conventional Kailash Mansarovar Yatra differed based on the packages and perks for which one was willing to pay. The prices for Indian pilgrims which included transportation, food, accommodation, guide charges and permits for Nepal and Tibet for different plans ranged from ₹1,95,000/- to ₹2,80,000/-. The final cost depends on the decisions made regarding the accommodation and transport; the choices are expensive if a luxury option is selected.

Foreign guests have been charged between $2,250 to $ 3,200 per person depending on the number, size of the group, and the offers made. These packages included lodging, meals, guides, transportation and permission fees however; items such as clothing, other meals, tipping, travel insurance and other incidental expenses were extra costs.

So now, having been on hold since 2020, while the traditional Yatra is an intensive journey that demands time, money and energy, the New Darshan package from the Indian soil is much easier. The package costs ₹ 80000 which is relatively less when compared to them, it offers an easy and cheap way to experience the spiritual journey without crossing the international boundary.

Physical Fitness & Health Preparation

Due to the locations of shrines being at high altitudes, physical health plays an important role in the pilgrims. For safety reasons, Uttarakhand Tourism also insists that the participants should first go for checkups and confirm their fitness for extreme altitude treks. The helicopter from Pithoragarh to Gunji helps cut down the physical stress a little, but the Kailash trek is not very arduous but needs a fair amount of walking.

Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash

The Hindus believe that Mount Kailash is one of the residences of Lord Shiva, the supreme God and destroyer of the universe, hence the significance to the Hindus. The religious importance is not limited to Hindus, but Buddhists, Jains, and the followers of Bonpa consider it as the navel of the world. For all the Shiva enthusiasts who wish to embrace the service of the lord, the sight of Kailash Parbat is stated to be the most spiritually enthralling experience.

Trekking Routes and Pilgrimage Experience

While the new Mount Kailash Darshan route reduces the amount of trekking with the use of helicopters this centre around the Holy Himalayan environment. Darshan at Old Lipulekh Peak offers an excellent view of Mount Kailash, Om Parvat, Adi Kailash etc which makes the pilgrimage very very special.

Travel Tips and Safety Advice

Because most of the sites are situated in remote areas with high altitudes, the pilgrims are encouraged to make necessary preparations. Hiking gear such as; clothing, medical necessities, and any legal identification should also be taken. It is important to note that movements by helicopters are often restricted by weather factors hence flexibility during the trip is recommended.

Accommodation and Stay Options

Accommodation is arranged by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), which provides comfortable guesthouses and local homestays in Gunji and other stops along the route. The package includes all meals and stay arrangements for the 4 nights/5 days.

This new Mount Kailash Darshan tour package which has been launched by Uttarakhand Tourism is a new chapter in religious tourism. The people who have been eagerly waiting for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra now can at least offer their obeisance to Lord Shiva from our own land so that the physical link and energy of Mount Kailash are not severed.

For more details and booking, kindly log on to the official website of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam at www.kmvn.in.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra FAQ