Unlocking the potential of Urai pass
In the middle of the stunning trans-Himalayan terrain, in the Urai pass, there is a less-known but potentially vibrant route that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between Nepal, China and India. The U-shaped edge in the northwestern corner visible in the map of Nepal, precisely in Bajhang district, above the 4,000 meters, is not so widely known and thus has become a neglected route. This ancient route near Kailash Mansarovar is rightly positioned to connect the holy sites in China and India. Its importance can be gauged by the fact that Urai pass is strategically placed to connect and rejuvenate religious-cultural significance, much deeper than the often talked-about economic integration in the region that is fragile and geopolitically sensitive.
In his book Spy on the Roof of the World, Sydney Wignall has elaborated deeply on the use of Urai pass for a very long time by explorers, pilgrims and traders. He has also described Urai pass as a geostrategic location, given the prospect of connectivity it possesses. Even today, for those seeking spiritual visits to holy sites like Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, it is considered a potential gateway that could alter how regional trade and religious tourism operate. A similar understanding has been shared by Hanna Rauber in her work Life and Trade of the Bhote Khampa in Far West Nepal, who has particularly stressed the business and livelihood aspect.
If revisited and reopened, the Urai pass could soon provide millions of people access to spiritual, cultural and financial possibilities. It will link the Tibetan highlands and beyond with the largely populated plains of northern India, home to tens of millions of Hindus, Buddhists and Bon followers.
Shiva Raj Malla Shrestha, in his academic article Ancient Nepal (2001), published by the Department of Archaeology, has stated that ancient works, such as Skanda Puran, also clearly depict the importance of Urai Pass, then known as Uru Parvat. It is believed that the Urus and other pre-Vedic clans took this route to facilitate interaction between humans, ideas and commodities in the Himalayas. It was formerly employed by pilgrims as well as merchants; hence, it was crucial in connecting Tibet with northern India and Western Nepal. Urai pass therefore occupies a strategic position in the Himalayas and has potential for trans-Himalayan linkages and promoting religious-cultural, and economic interactions.
Moreover, the business prospect can be gauged from the fact that Fürer-Haimendorf, in his work Himalayan Traders: Life in Highland Nepal (1975), has portrayed Urai pass as a critical corridor in the trans-Himalayan trade network, linking the remote Bajhang district with Tibet. It facilitated the exchange of goods such as salt, wool, grains and spices between Tibet and Nepal.
Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake have been religiously and spiritually significant for many years, especially for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers. People have long endured rugged terrains and severe weather since they feel the gods reside in these holy sites. Moreover, it is widely believed that not just the destination but also the path taken by holy spirits is known to be divine and pure, thus further amplifying the value of this route. Hence, mapping this route in itself holds a greater significance. For this, all the major points in this route should be studied and the route needs to be made adventurous yet safe for pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.
Thought to be the earthly forms of Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist views, many religious people visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.
The Urai pass might provide Indian pilgrims—especially those from the states of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh—with a fresh approach to reach these holy sites. Long ago, visits to Kailash and Mansarovar were connected with the dull and time-consuming paths through Nepal and Uttarakhand. Utilizing the Urai pass and other infrastructure enhancements, the distance could be shortened, and pilgrim access to these holy sites would be safer and more accessible.
The populous northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, home to more than 200m people, can reap benefits with the opening of this pass. The state is near the Urai Pass, which might result in a direct trade route between Tibet and the northern plains opening itself. This could lead to more business and religious travels. The turnaround of people on a large scale during Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh shows the unlimited possibility Urai pass might unlock for Nepal, China and India.
For an extended period, remote Himalayan villages have been cut off from the economic centers of India and its northern neighbors. Using this pass could have more than one motive. Opening this path would mark the beginning of a fresh era of pilgrimage, and reaching their spiritual goals would be simpler and safer for people.
Opening this pass would open more opportunities for people in South Asia and beyond to collaborate and connect.
For this, Nepal needs to take diplomatic steps to bring China and India together, excavate the route from anthropological and historical perspective, and work toward developing it as a top cultural-religious tourist destination.
