India-China Talks to Resume the Sacred Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra
After a gap of nearly four years, India and China have initiated discussions to resume the sacred Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, a spiritual pilgrimage highly revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. The journey was suspended due to the border tensions that escalated in 2020 and the global outbreak of COVID-19.
Now, both nations have reportedly agreed in principle to restart the pilgrimage in 2025, and official-level talks are ongoing to finalize the modalities. As part of this revival, infrastructure development such as air connectivity, accommodation, and medical facilities is being planned.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, located in Tibet, hold immense spiritual importance. For Hindus, Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, and a pilgrimage to this site is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual enlightenment. Similarly, Buddhists regard the region as the home of the Buddha Demchok, while Jains believe that their first Tirthankara attained liberation there.
Until 2019, thousands of Indian pilgrims undertook the annual yatra via two main routes – one through Uttarakhand (Lipulekh Pass) and the other via Sikkim (Nathu La Pass). However, post the border standoff between the two countries, these routes were shut down for pilgrims.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed optimism that a mutually agreeable solution will be reached soon. “We are hopeful that discussions will lead to the smooth resumption of the yatra,” said a senior official. Talks are also focused on the safety of pilgrims, improved facilities, and better access routes.
The revival of the yatra is not just about spirituality but also about strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. This move may also help thaw the strained bilateral relations that have existed since the Galwan clash in 2020.
Sources suggest that new flight services, better logistics, and streamlined permissions will be introduced. If all goes well, the yatra could resume as early as mid-2025. This is welcome news for the thousands of devotees who have long awaited the opportunity to undertake this life-changing spiritual journey.
Many view the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra as more than a physical trek — it is a journey of the soul, a path toward inner peace and enlightenment. Its resumption would fulfill the deep spiritual longing of many Indian pilgrims and restore an ancient tradition that spans generations.
