Uttarakhand launches “Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil” pilgrimage

The tourism department of Uttarakhand unveiled a significant new pilgrimage initiative titled “Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil.” This unique opportunity allows pilgrims to witness the majestic Mount Kailash, along with the sacred Om Parvat, from the Old Lipulekh Peak in the Pithoragarh district. The first group of pilgrims embarked on their journey on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, and were treated to breathtaking views of Mount Kailash the following day.

Background of the pilgrimage

The new pilgrimage option was made possible after a recent discovery by a team of officials from Uttarakhand Tourism, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This team identified a vantage point from which Mount Kailash is visible, prompting the Uttarakhand tourism department to create a comprehensive tour package that includes not only Mount Kailash but also Adi Kailash and Om Parvat all from Indian soil.

The inaugural batch of pilgrims will visit Adi Kailash starting from Gunji, Pithoragarh, before returning to their base in Pithoragarh. The tourism package includes helicopter tickets for travel between Pithoragarh and Gunji, as well as accommodation options at Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) facilities or local homestays.

 Government support and vision

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of this pilgrimage, highlighting it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to enhancing spiritual tourism in the region. He congratulated all departments involved in bringing this project to fruition, noting its potential to benefit numerous Shiva devotees.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the new darshan option eliminates the need for devotees to wait for their turn to participate in the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, allowing them to pay their respects to Lord Shiva directly from Indian territory.

This initiative is expected to boost local tourism and provide spiritual seekers with easier access to sacred sites. By facilitating darshan from Indian soil, the Uttarakhand government aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience while promoting the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

As the first group of pilgrims embarks on this historic journey, the “Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil” pilgrimage is set to become a cherished experience for devotees, symbolizing both accessibility and reverence for one of the most important sites in Hindu spirituality.

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