Prep for Kailash Mansarovar yatra underway with ramped up infra

Pithoragarh: The
– a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar – is set to resume from June 30 after a five-year hiatus prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency for the yatra, has begun preparations for the pilgrimage.
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Vijay Nath Shukla, general manager (tourist) of KMVN, said, "The foreign ministry has selected 250 pilgrims divided into five batches of 50 members each. This year, the total cost for the yatra is Rs 1.65 lakh per person. Of this, 1100 USD (approximately Rs 90,000 will be paid to China – an increase from 900 USD charged previously. KMVN will get Rs 55,000 and Rs 10,400 has been allocated for visa fee, medical, and eco tests.
"
The yatra will begin from Delhi and pilgrims will undertake the journey primarily by vehicle and will be required to trek a 7-km stretch from Nabhidhang to Lipulekh Pass. "Tenders have been invited for ponies and porters for the trek, while the capacity of guest houses at Nabhidhang and Gunji has also been increased from 50 to 100 beds," Shukla said.
He added that a team of KMVN personnel has surveyed the route to prepare reports.
"Repair and construction is in progress and will be completed in two weeks. This year, the pilgrimage will begin from Tanakpur in the Kumaon region."
Girish Bhatt, junior engineer of KMVN, said, "The facilities of guesthouses at four camps — including Nabhidhang, Dharchula, Gunji, and Bundi — are being increased and pilgrims will have more facilities in the huts. Pilgrims will stay at Bundi on their return."

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