After 5-Year Hiatus, First Kailash‑ Mansarovar Pilgrims Arrive in Gangtok

After a five-year break, the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash‑Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route reached Gangtok, Sikkim, today, ahead of the official launch on June 20. The Sikkim government has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for the devotees.

According to officials, the inaugural group—comprising 35 pilgrims and accompanying government representatives—landed in Gangtok this morning. They are scheduled to spend the next four days at higher elevations—15th Mile and Sherathang—for vital acclimatisation. During this period, senior defence and state officials will brief the yatris on the journey ahead.

On June 20, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is set to flag off the Yatra from the historic Nathu La Pass, which sits at approximately 14,140 feet above sea level. Authorities have confirmed that medical teams, liaison officers, security personnel, and communication facilities are in place along the route to ensure pilgrims’ well-being.

The Yatra is resuming after being suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regional tensions. This year, 10 batches, each comprising 50 pilgrims, are expected to travel through the scenic and more accessible Nathu La route, which is considered safer and easier compared to the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand.

Pilgrims will travel via Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok, stay there for a day, and then proceed to mid-altitude camps for acclimatisation before crossing into Tibet on June 20. The Yatra typically spans 11–12 days per batch and is regarded as a sacred journey connecting devotees with the spiritual and natural beauty of the Himalayas.

The last time the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route in Sikkim was conducted was in 2019.

The Yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising India-China border tensions, particularly after the Galwan Valley clash. Since then, both the Nathu La (Sikkim) and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) routes remained closed for the pilgrimage.