Context:
India and China agreed to the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, trans-border river cooperation, and Nathula border trade.
Lake Mansarovar:
- Location: Near the foot of Mount Kailash in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
- Type: Freshwater lake, despite the Tibetan Plateau having larger saline lakes.
- Source: Replenished by the Kailash Glaciers.
- Ecological Significance:
- The Brahmaputra River originates from Chemayungdung glacier near Lake Mansarovar.
- The Indus River system also begins near Lake Mansarovar from the Bokhar Chu glacier in the Kailash mountain range.
- Religious Significance: Revered pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains
- Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva.
Routes to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
- Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand):
- Located at the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet).
- Known as the ‘Gateway to Mount Kailash and Om Parvat’.
- Nathula Pass (Sikkim):
- More accessible and shorter route. Suitable for older pilgrims due to fewer trekking requirements.
- Part of the ancient Silk Road and one of the 3 border trading posts between India and China.
- Via Nepal:
- Alternative route through Kathmandu and the Nepal-China border.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarkantak
3. Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)