Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently shared an update on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route, stating the government was attempting to bypass it from both China and Nepal. According to Gadkari, temperatures in the region drop to as low as -4 to -6 degrees Celsius, making it a challenging task. To overcome these difficulties, Australian tunnelling machines were brought in via helicopters to facilitate the construction process.
Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made on the project, with 85-90% of the work already completed, which will provide a direct commute from Pithoragarh to Mansarovar, he said. However, the remaining 10% poses considerable difficulties due to the harsh environment. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) is working tirelessly to complete this demanding task, he added.
“It is very difficult as the temperature drops to minus 8 degrees Celsius, and we can only continue work for 3-4 months a year,” he said. Gadkari has also stated that despite the challenges, the project will be completed shortly. He expressed optimism about completing the project by April 2026.
He plans to visit the site personally and is determined to make the route accessible for pilgrims. Gadkari shared that his wife had initially planned to undertake the yatra from Nepal, but he asked her to wait, as they would soon be able to travel from India.
The new route will offer a direct commute from Pithoragarh to
Mansarovar, bypassing current routes through Nepal and Sikkim. He mentioned that 16-17 km of China’s road network will still be required for access.
When did the first batch of pilgrims take off from India?
On June 13, 2025, the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 began their journey from New Delhi. The ceremony was presided over by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan.
About Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China. It is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage locations for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Yungdrung Bon followers. Lake Mansarovar, around 20 km from Mount Kailash, is also widely revered. It is believed to be the source of several major rivers, including the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali.
Significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The yatra currently takes place via Nathula Pass in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
