Kailash darshan from old Lipu Pass to begin on Sept 28

PITHORAGARH: The ‘Kailash darsha’n from old Lipu Pass is set to begin on Sept 28 and will conclude on Oct 20. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has been appointed as the nodal agency and has completed all required preparations for the initiative. It is a pilot project launched by the central govt and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which traditionally commenced from the Lipu Lekh Pass in 1981, was suspended by China in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has not resumed since then.However, pilgrims can now experience a view of the sacred Mount Kailash from old Lipu Lekh, located at an altitude of 18,500 feet in the Byas Valley of Dharchula area of Pithoragarh.
Vijay Nath Shukla, general manager (tourism) of KMVN, said, “This year, only 60 persons will be allowed to participate in the tour, divided into four groups of 15. Participants must be under 55 years and will undergo a medical examination before proceeding to the high Himalayas. The cost for each person is Rs 70,000.”
Visitors are required to reach Pithoragarh independently. On the first day, they will be flown by helicopter from Pithoragarh to Gunji. The second day includes a visit to Adi Kailash, while the third day involves travelling to Nabi Dang to view the Om Parvat and then proceeding to the old Lipu Lekh with the assistance of the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Kailash Darshan is scheduled to start before noon on Sept 28.
Visitors will be provided accommodation in homestays at Gunji and local villages.