Final Kailash Mansarovar yatra batch returns to India via Lipulekh
Aug 23, 2026, 10.20 PM IST
Pithoragarh: The 10th and final batch of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, organised by the ministry of external affairs through the Lipulekh Pass route in Pithoragarh district, has returned to India. The 44-member batch, including 16 women, reached Dharchula and will halt for a while there before continuing its journey homewards.
The yatra through the Lipulekh Pass began in 1981 but was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It resumed last year after a five-year hiatus, with only five batches undertaking the pilgrimage. This year, 10 batches travelled through the Lipulekh route.
The Border Roads Organisation completed the Tawaghat-Lipulekh road in 2020, enabling pilgrims to travel by vehicle up to Lipulekh. The route also includes visits to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) manages the pilgrimage on the Indian side.
“The 10th batch began its journey on Aug 5 after assembling for visa formalities and medical checks. The pilgrims were also briefed by the ministry in Delhi before their departure. The batch reached Tanakpur on Aug 9,” said D S Bisht, manager of the KMVN guest house in Dharchula.
According to Bisht, the pilgrims crossed the Lipulekh Pass and entered China on Aug 15. After completing the pilgrimage, they returned to India and reached Dharchula. The batch will travel through Chaukori, Gangolihat and Jageshwar before reaching Delhi on Aug 26, marking the completion of this year’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh route.
The 48-member ninth batch completed its pilgrimage and reached Delhi on Friday, Bisht said.
The yatra through the Lipulekh Pass began in 1981 but was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It resumed last year after a five-year hiatus, with only five batches undertaking the pilgrimage. This year, 10 batches travelled through the Lipulekh route.
The Border Roads Organisation completed the Tawaghat-Lipulekh road in 2020, enabling pilgrims to travel by vehicle up to Lipulekh. The route also includes visits to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) manages the pilgrimage on the Indian side.
“The 10th batch began its journey on Aug 5 after assembling for visa formalities and medical checks. The pilgrims were also briefed by the ministry in Delhi before their departure. The batch reached Tanakpur on Aug 9,” said D S Bisht, manager of the KMVN guest house in Dharchula.
According to Bisht, the pilgrims crossed the Lipulekh Pass and entered China on Aug 15. After completing the pilgrimage, they returned to India and reached Dharchula. The batch will travel through Chaukori, Gangolihat and Jageshwar before reaching Delhi on Aug 26, marking the completion of this year’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh route.
The 48-member ninth batch completed its pilgrimage and reached Delhi on Friday, Bisht said.