Gangtok

The first group of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 crossed into China through the Nathu La Pass on Saturday, beginning the international leg of the revered pilgrimage.

The contingent was flagged off by Om Prakash Mathur in the presence of Tshering Thendup Bhutia and officials of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.

The inaugural batch comprises 44 pilgrims, including four liaison officers and a medical officer. Among them are 32 men and 12 women from various states, including Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.

Ahead of the pilgrimage, R Telang reviewed arrangements related to accommodation, healthcare, power and water supply, road connectivity, traffic management, communication networks, customs procedures and media coordination to ensure a seamless journey.

Telang confirmed that all pilgrims had successfully cleared the mandatory medical examinations before departure. He said the state administration’s responsibilities included providing security, healthcare support and facilitating smooth border crossing procedures. The pilgrims in the first batch range in age from 30 to 70 years.

Governor Mathur extended his best wishes to the travellers and expressed hope that they would carry fond memories of Sikkim’s hospitality back to their home states.

Several pilgrims praised the arrangements made by government agencies. One participant described the experience as smooth and well-organised and said they were eagerly looking forward to offering prayers at the sacred abode of Lord Shiva.

Tourism Minister Bhutia said the pilgrims departed with enthusiasm and spiritual fervour, reflecting the significance of the journey.

The Ministry of External Affairs conducts the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra annually between June and August/September through two routes — the Lipulekh Pass route and the Nathu La route in Sikkim.

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The pilgrimage holds immense religious and cultural importance. Revered by Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it is also considered sacred by followers of Jainism and Buddhism. Every year, hundreds of Indian citizens undertake the yatra to visit the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.