For the first time, Hindu pilgrims on Thursday (3 October), were able to witness the sacred Kailash peak, considered the abode of Lord Shiva, from the Indian territory unlike from Tibet earlier.

A few pilgrims in India were the first to experience a momentous occasion when they got to witness the revered Kailash Mansarovar, believed to be the home of Lord Shiva, from the Old Lipulekh pass from India for the first time.

For the first time on Thursday, pilgrims gazed at the sacred Mount Kailash peak in Tibet from the Indian soil. This was made possible by the joint efforts of Uttarakhand Tourism, Border Roads Organisation,

In an historic first, Pilgrims got sacred Kailash peak, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, from the Old Lipulekh pass inside the Indian territory

Pilgrims viewed the sacred Kailash peak from the Old Lipulekh pass inside India for the first time. Five pilgrims trekked 2.5 km and were emotionally overwhelmed at this historic sight. The trip was part of a pilot project by the Uttarakhand tourism department since the pilgrimage through Tibet has been suspended due to COVID-19.

The first batch of pilgrims had the darshan on October 3, from Old Lipulekh Peak at 18,000 feet. This is a Himalayan pass at the border between Kumaon, India and Tibet. It was used in ancient times by traders, holy men and pilgrims between India and Tibet.

Uttarakhand Tourism has launched 'Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil' pilgrimage under which the pilgrims can now witness Mount Kailash from the Old Lipulekh Peak along with Om Parvat in the Pittoragarh district of the state.