Second phase of ‘Adi Kailash’, ‘Om Parvat Yatra’ postponed till September end due to prevailing weather conditions

Second phase of ‘Adi Kailash’, ‘Om Parvat Yatra’ postponed till September end due to prevailing weather conditions

B.D.Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, Sept 2

Due to adverse weather conditions in the higher Himalayan region, the Pithoragarh district administration has decided to postpone the issuance of inner line passes for pilgrimage to ‘Adi Kailash’ and ‘OM Parvat’ pilgrimage earlier proposed from September 1 for second phase of pilgrimage this year after the monsoon break.

“We will start issuing of inner line passes for pilgrims after the rains stop in this region and weather gets congenial for travel. The inner line passes will continue to be issued till last week of October month,” said Manjit Singh, Sub-Doivisional Magistrate (SDM), Dharchula.

Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the state government corporation and nodal agency assigned by tourism department to run the ‘Adi Kailash Yatra’ announced  they will begin taking pilgrims from September 29, after the rains are fully stopped  and weather conditions become conducive.

“The ‘Om Parvat’ is still not clearly visible due to less snowfall in that region and hopefully after September 20, the snowfall will be proper and weather will be friendly for pilgrims. In view of the safety of pilgrims, the Nigam will start booking for pilgrims by September end,” said Dhan Singh, incharge of base camp of ‘Yatra’ at Dharchula.

The first phase of ‘Adi Kailash Yatra’ had been closed on July 2, this year keeping in mind heavy rains in the region. ” We have received over 2000 bookings from pilgrims across the nation for second phase of the ‘Adi Kailash Yatra’,” said Punit Kutiyal, a tour operator in Dharchula.

According to administration sources in Dharchula, a total of over 21000 pilgrims visited ‘Adi Kailash’ and ‘Om Parvat’ during first phase of yatra this year that was opened on July first week.

According to tour operators, it is expected that almost 10000 pilgrims might visit  these sacred place during second phase from September or till November 15, as per weather condition.

The craze of “Adi Kailash Yatra’ increased 10 fold after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the area on October 12, last year.”Before that it was merely 2000 pilgrims used to visit ‘Adi Kailash’ and ‘OM Parvat’ annually as this yatra used to run parallel  to ‘Kailash Mansarowar yatra’ to Tibet that has not been resumed after 2019,” said Dhan Singh, incharge of ‘Adi Kailash Yatra’ base camp of KMVN,  at Dharchula.