Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Kailash Kund Yatra Begins in Doda Amid Safety Measures
The Kailash Kund Yatra is a religious journey in Jammu and Kashmir.
It began at an old temple in Bhaderwah.
Pilgrims carry a sacred mace toward a high mountain lake.
They are scheduled to reach the lake on September 9 and return on September 10.
Many devotees believe the lake and Lord Vasuki Nag can help fulfill prayers.
Some also believe that bathing in the icy water can cure illnesses.
The journey is difficult because the lake is very high and the paths are dangerous.
Officials have placed police, rescuers and medical teams along the route.
They have also told pilgrims to carry warm clothing, medicines and other supplies and to follow safety and environmental rules.
The three-day Kailash Kund Yatra began from the Vasuki Nag Temple in Bhaderwah on September 8.
Devotees will halt at Hayan, reach Kailash Kund on September 9, and begin returning on September 10.
The pilgrimage honors Lord Vasuki Nag and includes a ritual dip in the lake at 14,700 feet.
Pilgrims from Doda, Udhampur and adjoining districts joined the annual procession carrying the sacred mace.
Authorities deployed security, rescue and medical teams while issuing extensive guidance for high-altitude safety and environmental protection.
- Who
- Thousands of devotees, including pilgrims from Doda, Udhampur and adjoining districts, are participating; authorities and emergency teams are managing the route.
- What
- The annual three-day Kailash Kund Yatra began with the sacred Charri Mubarak departing from the Vasuki Nag Temple.
- When
- The yatra commenced on September 8; pilgrims are scheduled to reach Kailash Kund on September 9 and return on September 10.
- Where
- The pilgrimage runs from the Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha in Bhaderwah Valley, Doda district, to Kailash Kund in the high-altitude Himalayas.
- Why
- Devotees are continuing a centuries-old religious tradition dedicated to Lord Vasuki Nag and seeking blessings.
Religious Tradition and Pilgrimage
Safety and Regulation
Importance of the journey
Religious Tradition and Pilgrimage
Devotees and local representatives describe the yatra as a centuries-old tradition rooted in faith in Lord Vasuki Nag and say it supports pilgrimage tourism.
Safety and Regulation
Authorities emphasize that the route has difficult terrain, high-altitude conditions and potential weather risks requiring preparation and caution.
Access to the route
Religious Tradition and Pilgrimage
Thousands of devotees, including pilgrims from adjoining districts, joined the procession to participate in the ritual at Kailash Kund.
Safety and Regulation
Officials advised some groups, including people over 70, children under 14, pregnant women and people with serious illnesses, not to travel beyond specified points.
Conduct during the pilgrimage
Religious Tradition and Pilgrimage
Pilgrims are encouraged to continue the religious tradition and follow the designated route to reach the sacred lake.
Safety and Regulation
The administration prohibited intoxicants and single-use plastics, required pilgrims to avoid shortcuts and pollution, and instructed those with altitude-illness symptoms to descend and seek medical help.
- Yatra duration
- Three days, from September 8 to September 10
- Starting point
- Ancient Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha, Bhaderwah
- Destination elevation
- Kailash Kund is situated at 14,700 feet above sea level
- Route schedule
- The yatra halts at Hayan (Nalthi), reaches Kailash Kund on September 9, and begins returning on September 10
- Religious significance
- The pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Vasuki Nag, regarded as the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley
- Safety deployment
- Quick Reaction Teams, State Disaster Response Force, Mountain Rescue Teams and medical teams were positioned at strategic locations
- Previous restriction
- Participation was limited the previous year after a cloudburst in adjoining Kishtwar district killed 63 people and left 30 missing