Nainital: Following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Adi Kailash yatra would start in Uttarakhand from May 31. On Monday, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency for tourism activities in the Kumaon region, announced that the first first pilgrim team would leave for Dharchula (Pithoragarh) from Bhimtal (Nainital). About 700 registrations have already been done for the yatra, it added.

The yatra comes in the wake of the construction of a highway near the Indo-Tibet border in Uttarakhand which is expected to be completed by next year-end.

According to KMVN, the yatra will boost local employment opportunities as those undertaking the yatra will be accommodated at homestays. AP Bajpayee, KMVN general manager, told TOI that all preparations for the yatra have been completed.

As per mythology, Adi Kailash, located near the Indo-Tibetan border in Pithoragarh district, was Shiva's first stop when he came to marry goddess Parvati. The mountain is often referred to as a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is believed that while Lord Shiva resides at Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash is his "second home". There is a lake nearby named after Parvati, Parvati Sarovar, which is considered the goddess's bathing spot. Surrounded by the borders of three countries, India, Nepal, and Tibet, the place has also been referred to in the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Brihat Purana.