Sikkim: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After Five-Year Hiatus; Sikkim Governor Flags Off First Batch
The pilgrimage, halted since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and India-China border tensions, marks a significant milestone in spiritual tourism and bilateral relations.
GANGTOK- In a historic moment, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed today after a five-year suspension, with Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagging off the first batch of 36 pilgrims at Nathula Pass. The pilgrimage, halted since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and India-China border tensions, marks a significant milestone in spiritual tourism and bilateral relations.
The first batch, comprising 33 pilgrims, two nodal officers, and an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) doctor, crossed into Tibet via the motorable Nathula Pass route to undertake the revered journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
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The yatra, organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, who consider Mount Kailash (6,638 meters) the abode of Lord Shiva and Lake Mansarovar a site of spiritual purification.
Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur hailed the resumption as a “symbol of international friendship and people-to-people ties between India and China.” He commended the coordinated efforts of the Sikkim government, MEA, ITBP, and Chinese authorities in ensuring a smooth journey. “This yatra fulfills the spiritual aspirations of millions and showcases Sikkim’s hospitality,” he added.
The Nathula route, opened in 2015, is shorter and less strenuous than the traditional Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand, making it ideal for elderly pilgrims. The 21-day journey began with medical screenings in Delhi, followed by acclimatization at Sikkim’s newly established centers at 18 Mile and Sherathang. Pilgrims will travel by bus to Lake Mansarovar and complete the 35–40 km circumambulation (parikrama) of Mount Kailash, staying in guesthouses in Tibet.
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The resumption follows high-level diplomatic talks, including a December 2024 meeting between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which paved the way for renewed cooperation. The MEA selected 750 pilgrims for 2025 via a computerized draw, with 500 assigned to the Nathula route. Each pilgrim pays approximately ₹2 lakh, covering logistics, visas, and amenities.
Sikkim’s Tourism Department and the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) have upgraded infrastructure, including roads, medical facilities, and accommodation, to support the yatra. STDC CEO Rajendra Chettri noted, “The resumption boosts Sikkim’s tourism and local economy, creating jobs and showcasing our state’s potential.”
Pilgrims expressed overwhelming joy. Shalanda Sharma, a 62-year-old from Delhi, said, “This is a dream fulfilled. The hospitality and medical support have been exceptional.” The ITBP is providing security and medical assistance, with rigorous health checks ensuring pilgrims are fit for altitudes up to 19,500 feet.
The yatra’s revival is expected to continue through September 2025, with multiple batches planned. The MEA thanked Chinese authorities for their cooperation, emphasizing the pilgrimage’s role in fostering cultural ties. As the first batch embarks on this sacred journey, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra signals hope, faith, and renewed goodwill between India and China.
