The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed in June 2025 after a six-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the India-China military standoff. It is the first restored people-to-people contact initiative between the two countries post-Galwan clashes.
Mount Kailash:
- Height: ~6,638 m (21,778 ft).
- Located in the Trans-Himalayan range in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
- Considered the source of four major rivers:
- Indus (via Sengge Zangbo)
- Sutlej (a tributary of Indus)
- Brahmaputra (as Yarlung Tsangpo)
- Karnali/Ghaghara (a tributary of the Ganga)
- The mountain remains unclimbed due to religious beliefs.
Lake Mansarovar
- A high-altitude freshwater lake near Mount Kailash.
- Located at 4,590 m above sea level.
- Known as one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
- Believed to be the source of purity and spiritual energy.
Cultural and Religious Significance
- For Hindus: Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims perform the “parikrama” (circumambulation) around the peak.
- For Buddhists: It is considered the dwelling of Buddha Demchok, a symbol of supreme bliss.
- For Jains: Mount Kailash is where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, attained liberation.
- For Bon religion: It is a sacred mountain where the founder, Tonpa Shenrab, descended from the heavens.
