Context: Nepal has officially objected to the India-China plan to conduct the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass, claiming the route violates its sovereignty.
About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
What it is?
- The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) is a high-altitude pilgrimage organized annually by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It involves a trek and travel to Mount Kailash, considered the abode of Lord Shiva, and the sacred Mansarovar Lake.
Located In:
- The destination—Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar—is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China. However, the journey involves crossing high-altitude mountain passes in India (Uttarakhand or Sikkim) to enter Tibet.
Routes:
The MEA traditionally organizes the yatra through two distinct routes:
- Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand): This route involves trekking through the Dharchula region. It is historically the oldest route but has been the center of the recent territorial dispute with Nepal.
- Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): Opened later to provide a motorable alternative, this route is more comfortable but involves a longer journey through the Himalayan terrain.
Aim:
- The yatra aims to facilitate a safe and organized pilgrimage for Indian citizens to one of the holiest sites in the world. It also serves as a point of cultural and diplomatic engagement between India and China.
Key Features:
- Duration: Typically conducted between June and August/September each year.
- Eligibility: Restricted to Indian citizens (18–70 years old) with a valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity). OCI cardholders and foreign nationals are not eligible.
- Medical Fitness: Due to the extreme altitude (over 15,000 ft), pilgrims must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less and pass rigorous medical tests.
- Organization: Conducted with the support of the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and the Border Security Force (BSF) or Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Significance:
- It is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus (abode of Shiva), Buddhists (associated with Demchok), Jains (site of Rishabhadeva’s liberation), and followers of Bon (ancient Tibetan religion).
- Represents the deep-rooted civilizational links between the people of the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau.
