In a major breakthrough, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume in summer 2025, marking the end of a five-year-long suspension. The decision was taken during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to China, following a significant meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that both nations have agreed to facilitate the yatra and take necessary steps to ensure smooth travel for Indian pilgrims.
🌏 Diplomatic Significance: The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, and the revival of the pilgrimage is being seen as a gesture of goodwill and renewed engagement between the two countries.
Experts suggest that this development not only has religious importance but also signals a shift in the tone of India-China bilateral relations, which had hit a rough patch in recent years.
India-China Ties Thaw: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Resume After Five Years in 2025
😷 Why It Was Suspended: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was suspended in 2020, first due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later because of heightened tensions following the Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese troops.
Though China had proposed resuming the yatra unilaterally in 2023, the high cost and lack of logistical coordination made it difficult for Indian pilgrims to participate.
🛫 How Pilgrimage Will Resume: According to the MEA, pilgrims will be able to undertake the yatra through direct flights, making the journey quicker and more accessible. Both governments are working towards simplifying visa, travel, and accommodation processes.
The resumed yatra is expected to be better organized, safer, and less physically taxing compared to the older high-altitude trek routes.
🕉️ Link with Chardham Yatra: Interestingly, the timing of this announcement aligns with the start of the 2025 Char Dham Yatra in India. The updated dates include:
Kedarnath Yatra – May 2, 2025
Badrinath – May 4, 2025
Gangotri and Yamunotri – May 10, 2025
Pilgrims and spiritual travelers may now have a broader window to complete their sacred journeys in both India and Tibet.
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than just a religious event — it’s a symbol of renewed diplomacy, a nod to historical ties, and a ray of hope for spiritual seekers. As the preparations begin, both nations are expected to work closely to ensure a safe and successful yatra experience in 2025.
Leave a Reply