13 June:After a delay of 13 days, the first batch of pilgrims for Kailash Mansarovar began their journey from New Delhi.Amid blowing of conches and recitation of vedic hymns, the batch comprising of 37 members left for Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand for its onward journey to Tibet where the Mansarovar lake is situated.
Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Prakash Pant flagged off the Yatra.The first batch would complete its journey in 26 days covering arduous treks between Gala, Bundi, Gunji, Kalapani and Nabhidhang.
The total number of batches has already been reduced from 16 to 10 for the Yatra following a plea by China.The annual pilgrimage, which was scheduled to begin from 1st June, was delayed by 13 days after China expressed its inability to receive the pilgrims apparently due to unrest in Tibet.
The Yatra will also remain suspended during the Olympics in Beijing starting from 8th August.Courtsey : DD NEWS