First batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris to reach Sikkim on June 15, cross into Tibet on June 20

PANKAJ DHUNGEL

GANGTOK,: Preparations for the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route are underway, with the first batch of pilgrims expected to arrive in Sikkim on June 15 before crossing into the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China on June 20.

Speaking to the media, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) chairman Lukendra Rasaily said the first batch of pilgrims reported in New Delhi on June 11 and is currently undergoing mandatory medical examinations, fitness assessments, visa processing and other formalities coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“The first batch has already started its journey. Pilgrims have reported in Delhi and are undergoing rigorous medical tests and documentation procedures. They are expected to arrive in Gangtok on June 15 and will cross over into the Tibet Autonomous Region through Nathula on June 20,” Rasaily said.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula Pass was introduced in 2015 by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Government of Sikkim. STDC, a State government undertaking, has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for conducting and managing the pilgrimage on the Indian side.

This year, 10 batches comprising 50 pilgrims each have been allotted for the Nathula route, taking the total number of yatris to 500. The final batch is expected to commence its journey in August.

According to Rasaily, around 1,500 applicants from across India had applied for the pilgrimage through Nathula this year, but only 500 were selected through a computerized lottery conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs.

After arriving in Gangtok, pilgrims will spend several days acclimatizing before entering Tibet. The itinerary includes a two-night stay at the First Acclimatization Centre at 18th Mile, located at an altitude of approximately 10,500 feet. They will then move to the Second Acclimatization Centre at Hangu Lake, situated at about 13,000 feet, for another two-night stay.

During this period, pilgrims will undergo local acclimatization exercises, visit Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, and undergo a final medical examination by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) medical team.

Following customs, immigration and security formalities at Nathula Pass, which stands at an altitude of 14,140 feet, the pilgrims will enter Tibet. Their journey through the Tibetan plateau will take them through Kangma (Kangmar), Lazi (Lhatse), Zhongba (Drongpa) and Darchen, the gateway town to Mount Kailash. From Darchen, they will proceed to Deraphuk (Dirapuk) and Zunzhui Pu (Zuthulpuk), important halts during the sacred Kailash Parikrama or Kora. After completing the pilgrimage, they will return through Qugu, Zhongba, Lazi and Kangma before re-entering India through Nathula.

The entire pilgrimage from Delhi to Delhi spans 22 days. Pilgrims spend four days in Delhi completing documentation and medical procedures, several days in Sikkim for acclimatization, and approximately 12 days on the Tibetan plateau. Much of the journey in Tibet takes place at elevations ranging between 12,000 and 14,000 feet.

Rasaily said the State government has upgraded facilities at the acclimatization centres following lessons learned during last year's resumption of the pilgrimage. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had remained suspended for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions before resuming in 2025.

"Last year we were effectively starting from the beginning after a long gap. This year we are more experienced and better prepared. The Hon'ble Chief Minister has directed that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra be conducted to the highest standards," he said.

He added that accommodation and infrastructure at the acclimatization centres have been strengthened, while internet and telephone connectivity have also been improved. Medical teams will remain stationed at the camps to monitor pilgrims' health and assist those experiencing altitude-related ailments.

Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, ITBP, the Ministry of Ayush and various departments of the Government of Sikkim will be involved in supporting the pilgrimage.

Under the logistical arrangements managed by STDC, pilgrims travel by air between Delhi and Bagdogra before being transported by SNT buses to Gangtok, the acclimatization centres and Nathula Pass. Dedicated vehicles are used for transporting luggage, while each batch is accompanied by two liaison officers and a medical doctor. After crossing Nathula, pilgrims are transported by air-conditioned buses provided on the Chinese side for onward travel to Mansarovar and other designated destinations.

The cost of undertaking the pilgrimage through the Nathu Lla route is approximately Rs 65,000 on the Indian side, which includes a registration fee of Rs 5,000, airfare between Delhi and Bagdogra costing Rs 21,000 and STDC charges of Rs 39,000 covering accommodation, transportation, catering and logistical support. On the Chinese side, pilgrims are required to pay US$2,700 towards immigration, accommodation and transportation expenses, along with RMB 3,360 for porters and ponies.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon faith. Besides its spiritual significance, the pilgrimage is also viewed as an important confidence-building and people-to-people exchange initiative between India and China, with the Nathu La route serving as a key gateway through Sikkim.