RASUWA:- An annual pilgrimage to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash in China has commenced, with travellers passing through the Rasuwagadhi transit point along the Nepal–China border.

According to the Immigration Office at Timure, around 300 pilgrims have departed for Mansarovar so far this season. Office Acting Chief Meghnath Sharma said the pilgrims include visitors from India, Russia and the UK. In comparison, a total of 11,381 pilgrims travelled to Mansarovar and Kailash via this route last year.

The rise in pilgrim numbers has also contributed to increased revenue collection. In the first nine months of the current fiscal year, revenue reached Rs 3 million, compared to Rs 1.12 million collected during the entire previous year.

As per religious beliefs and scriptures, the Mansarovar holds immense spiritual significance for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bon religion. In Hindu tradition, Mount Kailash is regarded as the residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is considered a spiritual centre of the universe. In Buddhism, it is revered as a place for meditation and spiritual enlightenment.

In the Bon tradition, Kailash is believed to be the sacred dwelling of the Sky Goddess, while in Jainism, it is associated with the attainment of knowledge by the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva. The Rasuwagadhi–Kerung route is considered the shortest land route from Nepal to Mansarovar.

The journey involves around 135 kilometres from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi, 25 kms from Rasuwagadhi to Kerung, and an additional 750–800 km from Kerung to Saga and Mansarovar. From Kerung, it takes three to four days to reach Mansarovar, passing through high hills.

The entire tour, including the Kailash–Mansarovar circuit, usually takes 10 to 14 days, according to a recent pilgrim. Additionally, border identity cards are issued for the Rasuwagadhi people to facilitate movement between Rasuwagadhi and Kerung.

In the first nine months of the current fiscal year, 596 new cards were distributed, bringing the total number of issued and renewed cards to 6,295, according to Acting Chief Sharma. RSS