The Manasarover-Kailash Yatra is one of the most sacred and the toughest pilgrimage for the Hindus to the abode of Lord Shiva at the great Himalayas. Devout Hindus believe that Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and sorrow, resides at the summit of Kailash, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his consort Goddess Parvati
Every year the Yatra is normally undertaken only during the months of June to September, in order to avoid the chilly climate and cold winds and the frozen water in the cold season. Since the Yatra involves mountaineering at thousands of feet above the sea level, a strong physique and will power, coupled with a healthy body free from any complaints like sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are the essential pre-requisites to those who wish to undertake the Manasarover-Kailashra Yatra which involves a strenuous journey. The Indian Government is conducting a screening test for the aspirants of the Yatra and only those persons who qualify the physical test alone are permitted to undertake the Yatra.
Since the Manasarover-Kailash Yatra involves a journey traveling through the territories of Nepal, Tibet etc, consequent to the annexation of Tibet by China in the year 1959, the pilgrims had to obtain visas from China, since Tibet became the Chinese territory. However, after the Sino-Indian war of 1962, China stopped issuing visas. Only in the year 1980, China resumed the issuing of visas to the pilgrims who undertook Manasarover-Kailash Yatra.
China was anxious when the Olympic Torch was passed through India on April, 17 th amid tight security. However, China.facing the problem of Tibetan strife, has so far not started issuing visas.
Normally, the Manasarover-Kailash Yatra begins by May 15 th and the pilgrims after completing all formalities involving visa etc, undertake their journey by June-September.Every year around 12,000 pilgrims from India undertake the Manasarover-Kailash Yatra.The visas are issued in the first week of April and the pilgrimage takes place during June-September.But this year so far visas have not been issued. till date. The Chinese envoy in India is also tightlipped about the issue of issuing visas to the pilgrims who undertake Manasarover- Kailash Yatra
The Manasarover-Kailash Yatra is the oldest pilgrimage in the world. After the annexation of Tibet by the Chinese, pilgrims from India had to be at the mercy of the Chinese authorities in order to perform the rituals.
Those who had already arranged for tours in batches in India may have to face the wrath of the pilgrims and China though very well aware of all these things, so far keeping mum perhaps with an idea of stalling the pilgrimage to Manasarover-Kailash.