Second phase of ‘Adi Kailash yatra’ to commence from Sept 23

Second phase of ‘Adi Kailash yatra’ to commence from Sept 23

B.D.Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, Sept 20

The second phase of the “Adi Kailash yatra’ which was halted due to rainy season will restart from September 23 this year by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency appointed by tourism department of state.

“The first batch of 25 “Adi Kailash’ pilgrims, will reach Dharchula on 25th September, from where the batch will be sent to Gunji for 3 days stay in high Himalayan region to  have ‘darshan’ of ‘Adi Kailash’ and ‘OM Parvat’,” said Dhan Singh Bisht, incharge of base camp of yatra at Dharchula.

According to KMVN officials, during the first phase, that ran in the month of May and June this year, a total of 606 pilgrims took the yatra with KMVN.” We are expecting possibility of more than  600 pilgrims in the second phase,” hoped aNigam official.

According to administration sources a total of 20000 pilgrims took “Adi Kailash yatra” in its first phase, most of them were managed by private tour operators.

A total of eight batches are planned in the second phase of “Adi Kailash yatra’ that would run in the month of October and if more booking comes in, the yatra will be extended till November this year.”The batches will return via Chaukori tourist spot in Berinag from where they will leave for Bhimtal, to be seen off from there,” said the KMVN official.

The “Adi Kailash yatra’,  that got momentum after Prime Minister’s visit in October last year, is being run by private operators as well as KMVN. It witnessed 10 fold increase in the numbers of pilgrims from across the country.”It has given a good opportunity to local youths, as over 500 local youths are getting seasonal employment through vehicles, home stays and tour operators,” said Shalu Datal, a local resident of Dharchula.