New Delhi, August 11: The 12th batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims completed their yatra on Sunday and returned to India via the Lipulekh Pass on the India-China border. According to the schedule this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathu La route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise not more than 50 people. Earlier this week, China had granted travel visas to Indian pilgrims undertaking the Yatra, the country's Embassy in New Delhi informed. "Travel visa for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been granted to Indian Yatris as usual. There has not been any problem with it," a statement by the Embassy read.  Mansarovar Yatra 2019: China Grants Visas to Indian Pilgrims Day After Objecting to Union Territory Status Given to Ladakh.

Kailash Mansarovar is a 21,778 feet high peak in the Kailash mountain range in Tibet. Hindus regard it as the abode of Lord Shiva. According to reports, the Chinese government had built reception centres for the pilgrims to provide them with basic amenities including beds, quilts, charging points, a common kitchen, and clean washrooms. These reception centres have come as a relief for Yatris who have had to battle harsh weather conditions earlier during the pilgrimage.  China Protests Change in Ladakh's Status Quo Day After Narendra Modi Government Diluted Article 370 in Jammu And Kashmir.

Every year, thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses the territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China. The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathu La route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the yatra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2019 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).