Geostrategic Passes Connecting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
India announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) after a 5-year pause, halted by China in 2020 due to Covid-19 and Line of Actual Control (LAC) tensions. KMY has been operational since 1981.
- KMY is a pilgrimage organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (India) to Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar (4,600 m) in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China.
- Official Operational Routes (as of 2025):
- Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand): It is the shortest route to Mansarovar (50 km from the border), but rough terrain extends the trek to 200 km.
- It was the first Indian border post opened for trade with China in 1992, followed by Shipki La (1994) and Nathu La (2006).
- Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): This 1,500 km fully motorable route (it is one of the world’s highest motorable roads) opened in 2015; easier for pilgrims, no trekking needed.
- Nathu La connects Sikkim with China’s TAR and is part of the ancient Silk Road.
