Haldwani, Using a computer-draw system some fifteen hundred pilgrims have been shortlisted from three thousand seven hundred and thirty four applicants for the ardous world famous Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage this year.
The first batch of pilgrims were flagged off by Union minister of state for External Affairs VK Singh from New Delhi yesterday who counselled pilgrims to, “remain physically fit and establish communion with nature.”
The first batch of pilgrims includes 59 pilgrims out which 42 are men and 17 women pilgrims who belong to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab. The batch arrived in Haldwani today i.e 12th June and will carry on from here to Almora and then reach Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet via Lipulekh. The duration of the Yatra via Lipulekh is 24 days for each batch including three days in Delhi for preparatory work.
The yatra route through Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand requires some trekking, and costs around Rs 1.6 lakh per person.The team was welcomed in Haldwani with the traditional choliya dance and served traditional Kumaoni delicacies including Rhododendron juice.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will end on 8th of September and as many as 18 batches of 60 pilgrims will undertake the pilgrimage this year.
