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As thousands of pilgrims make their way to Tibet for the holy Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra chanting Mahamrityunjay mantra and har har Mahadev, India Today's Gaurav Sawant brings his ground from an altitude of fifteen thousand one hundred feet in Darchen.
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00:15Chanting this Mahamritin Jai Mantra and also chants of Har Har Mahadev, thousands and thousands
00:23of pilgrims are making their way to Tibet for this holy Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra.
00:31India today gets you this special broadcast from an altitude of 15,100 feet in Darchan and we will
00:39over the course of the next half hour get you detailed interaction with devotees and pilgrims
00:44about what's good in this journey, what has been better and what can be made better. So let's
00:51embark on this holy journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar with the chant of Har Har Mahadev.
01:06I saw that one of the eyes of the water came out and I don't know why. What was your
01:11value?
01:12It was the whole team. It was a dreamer. It was like we were watching it.
01:43How was the experience?
01:48I don't know what to express. It's been awesome. I'm so grateful to God that He has given
01:53me a chance to come here and see the divinity of Riviera India.
02:04I have given him a chance to come here and see the other people who came here before.
02:06I have given him a chance to come here and see what he has given me.
02:10I have given him a chance to come here and see what he has given him, so why not.
02:10But that's the thing that your name is said and why not.
02:11So that will be the whole team of his life.
02:26Mount Kailash, located in the Tibet Autonomous Regions Gari Prefecture in China, is considered
02:36sacred in several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and bond religion.
02:45It rises over 21,778 feet above sea level, beginning from Darchan, which is situated at
02:55a height of 15,338 feet.
03:08We're currently at an altitude of about 15,100 feet.
03:14The lake that you see behind me is Rakshastal.
03:18This is barely a stone-throat distance from Lake Mansarovar, amongst the world's highest
03:26freshwater lakes.
03:27And the difference could be more stark, while at Lake Mansarovar, it is seen as a life-giving
03:35lake.
03:36Rakshastal, there is no life in this lake.
03:39It's a huge, huge lake that you see around me, but there are no fish in this.
03:44Yes.
03:45People come here.
03:46They do pray here.
03:48However, they do not do a parikrama.
03:52They just come, pray and then they leave.
03:56It is believed that Ravana, while praying to Lord Shiv, prayed at Rakshastal.
04:03And it's because of his sense of, he was so conceited that it did not bring the kind of glory
04:13that he sought.
04:14And even the water here turned salty.
04:21The number of pilgrims visiting the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet varies
04:28significantly, depending on the route chosen and the specific year.
04:33The Government of India operated tour datas.
04:37In pre-COVID period capped numbers strictly, averaging 1,000 to 1,350 pilgrims annually.
04:46After five-year suspension due to COVID-19 and diplomatic standoffs, the MEA route resumed
04:52in 2025.
04:54About 750 pilgrims were allowed.
04:58For the 2026 season, the Government expanded this slightly to 20 batches, confirming roughly
05:071,000 seats.
05:10Historically, private operators have brought anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000-plus pilgrims during a
05:19standard May to September window.
05:26For the devotees of the Sanatandharma, you come, you take the holy water, you bathe in
05:34this holy water, and it cleanses your past sins.
05:38But that is symbolism.
05:39Beyond the symbolism, being here, undertaking this very difficult journey, it inspires you.
05:47It inspires you to be a better human being, to be in the land of the gods, the land of
05:55Lord Shiv and Mahaparvati, and get rid of your vices.
06:00Anger, jealousy, hatred, strive to be intelligent, strive to be compassionate, strive to be helpful.
06:10This journey is all about rediscovering yourself.
06:18The entire circuit takes around two to three days for completion, with the highest point
06:24being the Dolmala Pass.
06:26It is situated at 18,471 feet.
06:31Both Indian and Chinese governments have been working hard to improve facilities throughout
06:36the route for a better pilgrimage experience.
06:42Here in China, how have the arrangements been?
06:45Arrangements were fantastic.
06:48We faced little hassle in the immigration.
06:52But overall, we were taken into buses, and the journey was very good.
06:59Like VIP treatment.
07:00Any scope for improvement that you may want to suggest?
07:04Not really.
07:05It was very nice.
07:07During all the days of Yatra, it was an enriching experience.
07:11I don't think, especially for MEA, it is very nice.
07:20Kailash months are over pilgrimage numbers experience massive spikes during specific astrological years.
07:292026 is a fire horsia in the Tibetan zodiac.
07:33It is a rare spiritual alignment that happens only once every 60 years.
07:39In Tibetan and Hindu traditions, completing the 52-kilometre Parikrama or the circumvallation around Mount Kailash during a horsia is
07:51believed to multiply spiritual merit 13-fold.
07:55Therefore, the pilgrim numbers have surged drastically.
08:00In 2025, around 20,750 pilgrims visited across all routes after the borders fully reopened.
08:11In 2026, close to 24,000 pilgrims have already completed the pilgrimage midway through the season.
08:22What is equally remarkable about Lake Mansarover and several lakes that emerge from the glaciers like Kailash Parvat and other
08:34glaciers here is that this is the cradle.
08:39This provides water for the Indus River, the Satluj River, the Karnali River and the Brahmaputra River known as the
08:50Yarlung Sangpo here.
08:52It flows out from here, from Tibet into India.
08:57More water and more tributaries join in and then it becomes the mighty Brahmaputra.
09:03The Sindhu Saraswati Sabhita as we know it.
09:08It's waters from here that is the cradle of the oldest and the most flourishing civilization that continues and continues
09:19to grow.
09:25For Tibetan Buddhists, Mount Kailash known as Gang Rimpoche is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru, the spiritual center of
09:37the universe.
09:38They believe the great saint Milarepa resided here.
09:44Performing the arduous khora or circumvitation around its base purges a lifetime of sins, bringing practitioners closer to ultimate enlightenment.
09:59Many devotees believe, and very strongly, that gods live here.
10:05They believe there are many mysteries around Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar that they cannot fathom, they cannot even dream
10:14of solving those mysteries.
10:16There are those with blind faith who insist that they can see Lord Shiva, they can see Ma Parvati.
10:24There are many who say that this region, Mount Kailash, which is seen as magnetic fields and compasses failing in
10:37this area,
10:37they believe that this is the center of the entire universe.
10:44That is why it is the home of Lordship.
10:51Hindus collect the pristine water of Mansarovar in copper, brass or silver flasks.
10:58This water is believed to contain immense purifying properties.
11:02Yatris bring it home to share with family, sprinkle around their houses for purification, and preserve it for use in
11:11future sacred rituals.
11:14Especially for Abhishekam or ritual bathing of shivalingams.
11:22Sharma ji, how was your experience?
11:25It was fantastic.
11:26My whole team is so excited before the start of the journey, but after completion they feel like they have
11:33attained something, you know.
11:34It's a memorable journey for us.
11:36The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is seen as attaining salvation, attaining moksha.
11:42Right.
11:43Do you feel as if you are closer to the Almighty, to Lord Shiva, to Ma Parvati, you have been
11:49blessed by them?
11:50Absolutely, absolutely.
11:51We all feel like that, you know.
11:53We have a different feeling we can't describe in words.
11:58Those devotees who cannot walk, avail of the pony service to complete the circumvallation.
12:10So the Holy Mount Kailash Yatra begins from this point.
12:15Till here, vehicles are permitted.
12:18Devotees, they reach here in buses or in cars or as part of their tours.
12:24And from here, those who can walk, they walk to the Yamdwar and then begin the Parikrama.
12:31Those who cannot walk, they take potas and ponies.
12:35Yamdwar is seen as the beginning of the Yatra.
12:40In fact, it is seen as the doorway of exiting this realm and entering the realm of Mahadev, the realm
12:50of Lord Shiva.
12:52Let's begin the journey.
12:58As the turquoise water of Mansarovar shines behind them, with the Mount Kailash standing at a distance, pilgrims describe the
13:09experience as divine.
13:16How was your journey?
13:19It was our journey of Samarpit and our journey.
13:24Our journey was not the three.
13:26It was the journey of Mahadev.
13:29How was your journey of my mother?
13:31Yes sir.
13:33My mother came to me.
13:35I was very young.
13:37So, I can't understand that my mother's journey of spirituality and spirituality.
13:40So, my mother came to me.
13:42My mother's journey is complete.
13:44Yes.
13:45I just came here.
13:46There is no reason.
13:47I have no reason.
13:49You were one of those.
13:54I was looking too soon.
14:02But, as we saw the first time, God's love story of the Kailash gave us.
14:09And I saw the Buddha, the Krishna called Hraim, and the Buddha.
14:10and in Kaliyag, I and my son came.
14:14And when Mahadev saw it,
14:15I felt like my eyes were falling
14:16and falling and falling and falling.
14:19But now there is nothing.
14:21Everything is done.
14:22We got it.
14:23We got it.
14:24That's it.
14:24That's it.
14:25That's it.
14:27That's it.
14:28Beyond the green cover,
14:34in these tracks of mountain desert,
14:36pilgrims go through spiritual experience
14:40that truly challenges physical limitations.
14:45As we climb from the road head to the Yamdwar
14:48for our journey to the Holy Kailash Mountain,
14:51we cross this very pious land of the Buddhists.
14:56Now, Kailash Parvat is very auspicious,
14:59not just for Hindus,
15:01but also for the followers of Buddhism.
15:03Now, it is said, this pole right behind me,
15:07the victory pole,
15:08was established by the fifth Dalai Lama
15:11in honor of those who made the supreme sacrifice
15:14of their lives,
15:15uniting Tibet under one flag.
15:19And every year, in the month of April,
15:21these flags are changed.
15:23That victory is celebrated.
15:31At the Yamdwar in Darchan,
15:34considered to be the doorway of the God of Death,
15:38Hindu and Buddhist devotees offer their prayers
15:41before starting the Parikrama.
15:43They tie a sacred cloth,
15:46strike a gong,
15:48burn incense sticks,
15:49and keep offerings in the memory of the family members
15:52who have passed away.
15:57This is the Yamdwar,
15:59the entrance or the entry to the Kailash Parvat,
16:03for the Yatra.
16:04The significance is,
16:07this is where you leave your worldly possessions behind
16:11and then enter into the realm of Lord Shiv.
16:15The belief is,
16:16you want to emerge a better human being.
16:19So let's now enter,
16:21the Parikrama is done thrice,
16:24and once the Parikrama is done,
16:25then you enter the Yamdwar,
16:29and just look around.
16:30There is a sea of devotees from across the country.
16:34The Yamdwar is extremely significant,
16:37because the Yamdwar signifies
16:40all the sins in the past have been left behind,
16:44and now you hope to emerge a better person.
16:51Just look at that beautiful mountain behind me there.
16:56Look at that magnificent mountain,
16:58nestled in the clouds right now.
17:02That is the abode of Lord Shiv and the Yatra.
17:07Extremely difficult,
17:08but it is the road to salvation.
17:12The Yatra begins.
17:16When Hindu devotees cross over
17:18from one side of the small temple of Yamdwar
17:22to another,
17:23chanting,
17:25Om Namah Shivai,
17:27they believe they have crossed over
17:29from the Bhulok,
17:31or earth,
17:32to Kailash,
17:34or the abode of Lord Shiva.
17:38And after crossing the Yamdwar,
17:41we begin a part of this journey.
17:45While this journey is over 50 kilometers,
17:48and takes three days,
17:50we are covering a part of this
17:53to be able to show you
17:55how there are certain facilities
17:58that have been improved over the years.
18:00In fact, even compared to last year,
18:02certain facilities have been improved.
18:05Tracks have been improved here.
18:07The Chinese authorities were just telling us
18:09that this track has been made entirely motorable
18:13in an emergency,
18:14should there be a requirement
18:16to rescue any pilgrim
18:18who may require emergency help.
18:20So this track is now motorable for Jeeps
18:23that is kitted up with like an ambulance
18:27and has doctors on board.
18:29As you see behind me,
18:32buses carrying pilgrims.
18:34There you see a bus.
18:34I am sure you can see that bus there.
18:38Let me try and show it to you.
18:39So that bus can come up to an area,
18:42but beyond that,
18:42they are not making it into a metal road.
18:45Beyond that,
18:46it will remain a track
18:47because they say,
18:49while comfort of pilgrims is very important,
18:53so is the environment.
18:58The Chinese government recommends
19:00that the Yatra should be undertaken
19:01by devotees who are aged less than 60 years.
19:05But that does not stop several Indian Yatris
19:08from bringing devotion at the feet of Mount Kailash.
19:13Each year,
19:14things better a little compared to last.
19:17Yet there remains a lot to improve.
19:25Sanam,
19:25a lot of changes have been made,
19:27especially in the last couple of years.
19:29What are the changes that have been made
19:30to make this journey more comfortable
19:31for devotees and pilgrims?
19:33So the pilgrims in the front
19:35is compared to the past few years.
19:37So every year is changing a lot.
19:39For example,
19:40the main thing is for the accommodation for Yatri.
19:43Lots of tea shops are with a better condition.
19:46As much as every year is getting better.
19:49And the second one is the main thing.
19:51You see the road conditions,
19:53except only that the secondary pass.
19:56So from both ways,
19:57the government pushed a lot of effort
20:00to make every year make this road better conditions.
20:07And as we move forward on this journey,
20:10this is a very tough journey, no doubt.
20:13It's difficult to breathe.
20:14You are at an altitude of over 15,000 feet.
20:18And breathing becomes very difficult here.
20:21But it's the devotion that carries you through.
20:25Devotion in Lord Shiva.
20:30Buddhist devotees keep the skeletal remains of a york's horns and head
20:36as a means of gratitude after their wish is believed to be fulfilled.
20:43Hindu pilgrims actively look for and collect smooth natural stones or pebbles
20:49from the banks of Lake Mansarovar
20:52or along the arduous 52-kilometer Parikrama route around Mount Kailash.
20:59The southern face of Mount Kailash is viewed by Hindus as a massive natural cosmic shivalingam.
21:07Because of this, the rocks and pebbles found in its immediate vicinity are not viewed as mere stones,
21:16but as fragments radiating the residual yogic energy of Lord Shiva.
21:24These stones, often referred to as Kailash Shilas, are carried back to be placed permanently in home altars.
21:32They are treated as self-manifested idols or swayambhu and are worshipped daily.
21:41For centuries, devotees have been facing hardships, taking this very, very difficult pilgrimage.
21:49And it is an extremely difficult pilgrimage in the good old days.
21:54When people left for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, they were almost written off,
21:59that it was a blessing if they returned.
22:07Unlike the arduous past single route, today there are three primary routes for this Yatra.
22:14The oldest of these three is through Lippu Lake Pass in Uttarakhand.
22:18Starting from Delhi via Almora, pilgrims reach Dharchula.
22:23From there they travel to Gunji.
22:25Cross Lippu Lake Pass to reach Taklakot in Tibet border.
22:31And then Lake Mansarovar.
22:33And finally, Mount Kailash.
22:37This route takes approximately 22 to 25 days and is a physically demanding journey
22:44that involves extensive high-altitude trekking.
22:48Second is the Nathula Pass in Sikkim.
22:51Starting from Gangtok, crossing through Nathula Pass, pilgrims reach Lhasa or Shigatse.
22:59Then Taklakot first to Lake Mansarovar and then finally Mount Kailash.
23:06This route takes approximately 21 to 23 days.
23:10It requires minimal trekking on the way to the base camp.
23:14As the vast majority of the journey is covered by motorable roads and scenic drives through Sikkim and the Tibetan
23:22Plateau.
23:23And then there is the Kathmandu route and is the most popular, flexible and frequently used route.
23:31Entirely run by private tour operators.
23:34There are two main travel options.
23:37In the overland option, pilgrims drive from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kirong and then travel across the
23:47Tibetan Plateau by road to Mansarovar.
23:52It takes around 13 to 14 days.
23:55Second is the helicopter option which is a much faster alternative where pilgrims fly from Kathmandu to Simi court and
24:04then take a brief helicopter ride to the Hilsa border and then drive to Taklakot.
24:10This option takes about 9 to 11 days.
24:16A sea of devotees on the roof of the world here in Tibet.
24:21A very large number of pilgrims and tourists are arriving in droves for the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
24:30Yatra.
24:31If you just look at the numbers last year when the Yatra started once again after COVID-19 and the
24:392020 Galwan standoff, you had about 20,000 plus pilgrims in the entire Yatra season.
24:45But this year, the season has just started and you already have 1,000 pilgrims who are on the government
24:52quota and 24,000 pilgrims who have already arrived through private tour operators.
24:58And the season is expected to last till September.
25:03And the Chinese authorities we've spoken to tell us that this is part of the people-to-people engagement effort
25:11that was started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the
25:19BRICS summit at Kazan in Russia.
25:22Now the effort is to bring even more pilgrims for the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar pilgrimage.
25:30The effort is to find new routes.
25:33Yes, you have the Lipu Lake route.
25:35Of course, there are some problems with the Lipu Lake route now with Nepal.
25:40However, the traditional route, the Nathula route, the government is bringing pilgrims to the Nathula Sikkim route into Tibet and
25:50then for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
25:52And of course, private tour operators, they heli lift pilgrims, bring them over to Tibet and they come here where
26:00we are standing right now in Darchan, the holy Mount Kailash in one direction and Lake Mansarovar just a little
26:06distance away.
26:07They say, this is of course, 15,100 feet altitude and you require tremendous acclimatization.
26:14But for the pilgrims who carry out not just the Yatra but also the Parikrama of Lake Mansarovar and the
26:22holy Mount Kailash,
26:23they say it's divine blessings of Lord Shiv that they've been able to do it and they'll encourage others to
26:32do so.
26:32Kaurav Savant in Darchan, Tibet for India Today Global.