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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 begins (Img-Internet)
Gangtok: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 commenced on Saturday with the first batch of pilgrims crossing into China through the strategically important Nathu La Pass in Sikkim, marking the beginning of their onward journey to the revered Kailash Mansarovar region.
The inaugural batch was flagged off by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur in the presence of Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia and officials of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).
A total of 44 pilgrims, including four Liaison Officers and one Medical Officer, are part of the first group. The batch comprises 32 men and 12 women from various states across the country, including Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
Ahead of the pilgrimage, Sikkim Chief Secretary R. Telang conducted a comprehensive review of preparations, covering hospitality, healthcare services, power and water supply, road connectivity, traffic management, communication networks, customs procedures and media coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra.
Telang confirmed that all pilgrims successfully cleared their final medical examinations before embarking on the journey.
“Our responsibilities include providing security cover, medical facilities and facilitating the border crossing,” he said, adding that the pilgrims belong to different parts of the country and fall within the age group of 30 to 70 years.
Governor Mathur wished pilgrims
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Mathur wished the pilgrims a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. He also expressed confidence that the visitors would carry fond memories of Sikkim’s hospitality back to their home states.
Pilgrims lauded the arrangements made by the authorities, with many expressing excitement about undertaking the sacred journey. One pilgrim described the experience so far as “wonderful” and thanked the agencies involved for ensuring a smooth and comfortable process.
Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia said the pilgrims were enthusiastic and full of energy as they embarked on the revered pilgrimage.
The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra annually between June and August/September through two designated routes - the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass route in Sikkim.
Considered one of the most significant spiritual pilgrimages in Asia, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense religious importance for Hindus, who regard Mount Kailash as the abode of Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage is also revered by followers of Jainism and Buddhism, attracting hundreds of devotees from across India every year.
