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Where is Lipulekh Pass, the sacred gateway to Kailash Mansarovar? Nestled in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district at 5,334 meters, this Himalayan pass is a spiritual and strategic marvel. Lipulekh is in the Dharchula area of Kumaon. It connects India to Tibet and is close to the India-Nepal-China border. This 2025 guide explains why Uttarakhand is important for pilgrims and border lovers. It also offers tips for your Kailash Yatra.
Lipulekh Pass: Located in Uttarakhand
Lipulekh Pass is in Uttarakhand, specifically Pithoragarh’s Dharchula sub-division. It’s the endpoint of a sacred route from Dharchula through Gunji and Nabhidhang, leading to Mount Kailash.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Pithoragarh
Nearest Border Point: Kalapani
Nearby Town: Dharchula
India controls the pass, but Nepal claims nearby Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, a debate heightened by India’s 2020 road. Read more: Lipulekh Pass
Why Is Uttarakhand’s Location Important?
Uttarakhand’s role as Lipulekh’s home is vital for:
Permit Jurisdiction
Only two organizations provide permits for the Kailash Yatra. They are India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). You need a passport and a Chinese visa to get these permits.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Pilgrims trek through Uttarakhand’s rugged routes, passing Om Parvat and Adi Kailash. My neighbor, a Kailash pilgrim, said, “Seeing Om Parvat’s snow-carved ‘Om’ in Uttarakhand felt like Shiva’s blessing.”
Strategic Infrastructure
Uttarakhand is home to India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and ITBP. They manage the Dharchula-Lipulekh road built in 2020. This road helps both pilgrims and troops, making India’s Himalayan border stronger.
Planning a 2025 Kailash Yatra Lipulekh Pass
Plan Your 2025 Kailash Yatra via Lipulekh
Mini-Itinerary (23 Days)
Day 1–2: Arrive in Delhi, train to Kathgodam (5–6 hours).
Day 3–4: Drive to Dharchula (290 km, 10 hours), acclimatize.
Day 5–7: Trek/drive to Gunji (3,200 m), visit Adi Kailash.
Day 8–10: Trek to Lipulekh via Nabhidhang, cross into Tibet.
Day 11–18: Trek Kailash Kora, visit Lake Mansarovar for rituals.
Day 19–23: Return to Delhi via Lipulekh.
Cost: INR 1.8–2.2 lakh (Uttar Pradesh residents may get INR 1 lakh subsidy).
Best Time: June–September (clear skies, avoid October–May snow).
Permits and Visas
Eligibility: Indian citizens only (MEA Yatra).
Permits: Inner Line Permit (KMVN), Tibet Travel Permit (MEA), Chinese visa.
Documents: Valid passport, medical fitness certificate, police verification.
Note: Unlike the visa-free Limi Lapcha Kailash Yatra, Lipulekh requires a Chinese visa. TravelPocket handles permits and visas. Check www.mea.gov.in.
Packing and Preparation
Clothing: Gore-Tex jacket, thermals, woollen socks, trekking boots.
Essentials: High-UV sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), torch, power bank.
Medical: Diamox, first aid, 10-day medicine reserve.
Spiritual Items: Puja kit (incense, diya) for Kailash rituals.
Training: Walk/jog 30 minutes daily, practice pranayama for 4–6 weeks.
The Nepal Border Dispute
Nepal claims Kalapani and Limpiyadhura near Lipulekh, citing historical maps, but India maintains control, supported by the 2020 road. The route remains safe for pilgrims under Indian jurisdiction, with ITBP ensuring security.
Uttarakhand’s Spiritual and Strategic Role
Uttarakhand has sacred sites like Om Parvat, Adi Kailash, and the Lipulekh route to Kailash. These places are important to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ by Lake Mansarovar for a transformative darshan. The state also strengthens India’s Himalayan defence grid.
Start your pilgrimage at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu for Shiva’s blessings before trekking Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh route.
TravelPocket’s Expertise
TravelPocket, pioneer of the Limi Lapcha route, offers tailored Lipulekh Yatra packages:
Expert guides with spiritual and local knowledge
Oxygen and medical support
Permit and visa assistance
Comfortable stays and vegetarian meals
Optional helicopter transfers to Gunji
Our 5-star reviews from 1,500+ pilgrims reflect our dedication.
A Sacred Himalayan Gateway
Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand is a sacred path to Kailash and a resilient border post. Whether you seek Shiva’s divine energy or are fascinated by India’s Himalayan frontier, Lipulekh inspires awe.
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