Why in News? 

 Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar resumes after six years, marking the first India-China people-to-people exchange post-COVID and LAC standoff. 

About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) is organized between June and September via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). 
• For Hindus, it is the abode of Lord Shiva; for Jains, it is Ashtapada, where Rishabhanatha attained enlightenment. 

Sanctity of Mt. Kailash 

• Mount Kailash (6,638 m), located in Tibet, is a sacred peak for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. 
• Tibetan Buddhists regard it as Mount Meru, the cosmic axis. 
• Lake Mansarovar, at the base of the mountain, is also sacred. 
• Major rivers like the Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Indus and Karnali originate near it. 
• Despite being lower than Mount Everest, climbing Mount Kailash is prohibited due to its religious importance. 

Map highlighting route of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra