For the first time, pilgrims glimpsed the revered Kailash peak, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, from the Old Lipulekh pass within Indian territory on Thursday.
This historic moment marks a significant development for devotees who have previously needed to travel to Tibet to see the sacred mountain.
Located in the Vyas valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, the Old Lipulekh pass carries immense religious significance.
A batch of five pilgrims embarked on this journey, reaching the Gunji camp on Wednesday before trekking 2.5 km to the pass for their first view of the peak.
"The first batch of five pilgrims had a view of the peak from the Old Lipulekh pass. It was an emotionally overwhelming experience for them," said Pithoragarh’s District Tourist Officer, Kriti Chandra Arya, who accompanied the group.
The pilgrims, including Neeraj and Mohini from Bhopal, Amandeep Kumar Jindal from Chandigarh, and Kewal Krishan and Narendra Kumar from Sri Ganganagar, were reportedly moved to tears upon witnessing the sacred mountain.
This trip, organised by the Uttarakhand tourism department, is part of a pilot project, particularly important as the traditional Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Tibet has been suspended for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Follow us
