Why in News?
China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, stated that the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra could inject new momentum into India-China ties. He also indicated China’s willingness to refine border management rules and improve ties post the four-year-long military standoff at the LAC.
Description:
Geographical Significance:
- Lake Mansarovar: A high-altitude freshwater lake (Mapam Yumtso) in Tibet Autonomous Region near Mount Kailash.
- Situated near the origins of major rivers:
- Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Karnali.
- Lies close to the India–Nepal–China trijunction, making it strategically important.
Yatra Routes:
1. Lipulekh Pass Route (Uttarakhand):
- Altitude: 5,115 m
- Managed by: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN)
- Most direct and ancient route (50 km to Mansarovar).
- New Lipulekh Link Road (2020) built by BRO reduces trek time.
2. Nathu La Pass Route (Sikkim):
- Altitude: 4,310 m
- Managed by: Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation
- Motorable; suitable for senior citizens
- Longer route (~1,500 km).
3. Via Nepal (Kerung Route):
- Entry: Kathmandu → Kerung → Kyirong → Saga → Mansarovar → Darchen
- Used mostly by private operators and Nepalese pilgrims.
Religious & Cultural Significance:
- Sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon religion:
- Hinduism: Abode of Lord Shiva, bathing in Mansarovar believed to cleanse sins.
- Buddhism: Home of Buddha’s Sambhogakaya form.
- Jainism: Ashtapada, moksha place of Rishabhdev, the 1st Tirthankara.
- Bon: Abode of the sky goddess Sipaimen.
- Parikrama of Mount Kailash and dip in Mansarovar are key rituals.
- Symbol of India-Tibet-Central Asia spiritual connection.
Strategic and Geopolitical Importance:
- India-China Relations:
- Reflects improving ties post Galwan 2020.
- Boosts bilateral diplomacy after Modi–Xi talks (Kazan, 2024) and WMCC meetings (2025).
- Border Infrastructure: Lipulekh Road by BRO improves military logistics and civilian access.
- Economic Angle: Enhances the local tourism economy and fosters bilateral trade links.
- Soft Power: Promotes people-to-people ties, counters China’s narrative in Tibet.
Challenges:
- High Altitude: Up to 5,630 m at Dolma La Pass, causing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Tough Terrain: 8–19 km daily trekking in harsh conditions.
- Logistics Issues: Permit delays, healthcare access, waste management.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
