‘Kailash Darshan’ pilot project –a success as first batch pilgrims return satisfied
‘Kailash Darshan’ pilot project –a success as first batch pilgrims return satisfied
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Oct 5
‘Kailash Darshan’ from Indian territory, being run by Uttarakhand tourism department as a pilot project, was a success as the first batch of five pilgrims went satisfied with their experience. The first batch of five pilgrims completed their pilgrimage this week as part of the pilot project of Uttarakhand Tourism department following consent given by Government of India for the project in September this year to promote religious tourism on the Indo-China border.
“The pilgrimage is like that of Chardham region in Garhwal as it involves darshan of sacred Kailash peak situated in Tibet from Indian territory as well as visit to ‘Adi Kailash’ and ‘OM Parvat’, known as the abode of Hindu deity Lord Shiva,” said Amandeep Jindal, a pilgrim of first batch of ‘Kailash Darshan’ pilot project.
The first batch pilgrims reached Pithoragarh by helicopters after spending three nights in high altitude region of Gunji base camp. “The second batch of four pilgrims reached Gunji camp by helicopters from Pithoragarh today,” said a tourist department official.
“The pilgrims were highly enthusiastic after viewing sacred Kailash peak from Indian territory as they need to go through visa formalities to visit Tibet,” said K.C. Arya, District Tourist Officer, Pithoragarh who accompanied the first batch
The ‘Kailash Darshan yatra’ included the ‘Adi Kailash’ and ‘OM Parvat’ trip, can become a milestone package in tourist industry of Kumaon region as it has potential to create multiple jobs on way to Gunji camp and beyond. The crystal clear Himalayan peaks in yatra season of May-June and from September 15 to November 15, is attracting pilgrims from all over India.
Under the pilot project to view holi ‘Kailash’ peak from Indian territory, four batches of pilgrims have been sanctioned by the tourist department of state, two batches have gone on pilgrimage on Oct 2 and 4, while next two batches will go on Oct 7 and 10, 2024.
The ‘Kailash Mansarowar yatra’ from Lipulekh pass in Vyans valley of Pithoragarh district that resumed in the year 1981, was closed in 2020 after the Chinese government did not issued visa for Indian pilgrims for Kailash and Mansarowar following Corona epidemic.
