Sacred Kailash Peak Revealed: Indian Pilgrims' Historic First View

For the first time, pilgrims viewed the sacred Kailash peak from India's Old Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand, avoiding travel to Tibet. Five initial pilgrims had an emotional response, organized via a local tourism pilot due to the pause in the traditional route from COVID-19 impacts.

In a historic moment for devotees, the sacred Kailash peak, known as the abode of Lord Shiva, was visible from the Indian side for the first time on Thursday. This landmark view was available from the Old Lipulekh pass located in the Vyas valley of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, a site of immense religious significance.

Previously, pilgrims had to traverse to the Tibet Autonomous Region to catch sight of the revered peak. This development marks a significant milestone as the first batch of pilgrims, including individuals like Neeraj and Mohini from Bhopal, and others from different parts of India, witnessed the peak from within national territory.

The experience, described as emotionally overwhelming by Pithoragarh's District Tourist Officer, Kriti Chandra Arya, saw pilgrims trekking 2.5 km to reach the Lipulekh pass. This initiative, organized by the Uttarakhand tourism department, observes a pause in the traditional Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Tibet since the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies.)