New Delhi: The much-anticipated Kailash Parvat Yatra kicks off today, offering devotees a unique opportunity to visit the sacred Kailash Parvat. Pilgrims can now reach Gunji directly from Pithoragarh via helicopter. However, soon they will also have the option to travel by road, thanks to a significant infrastructure project by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Major Road Project to Enhance Connectivity
The Ministry is set to construct a 58 km long, two-lane national highway from Dharchula to Gunji at a cost of ₹348 crores. The project has already been awarded, and ground-level work is expected to commence by March next year, with a fixed deadline for completion.
Benefits for Devotees and Local Communities
Currently, there is no motorable road from Dharchula to Gunji, requiring devotees to trek. The new highway will allow direct road access, significantly easing the journey. This development will not only facilitate the Kailash Parvat Yatra but also enhance connectivity to the China border, promoting social and economic growth in the region.
Stopping Migration and Boosting Local Economy
The construction of the highway is expected to curb seasonal migration. Residents of Gunji and nearby villages typically leave their homes by October due to harsh winters and return in April. With improved transportation, local employment opportunities will increase, encouraging people to stay in their villages year-round.
Affordable Pilgrimage Package
The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has launched the Kailash Yatra, a four-day pilgrimage priced at ₹80,000 per person. This package includes helicopter and jeep fares from Pithoragarh to Gunji, accommodation, and food expenses. Devotees will have the chance to view Mount Kailash from the Old Lipulekh Pass viewpoint in Pithoragarh district.
