After 5 Years, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes Through Sikkim’s Nathula Pass With 1st Batch Of Pilgrims

Good news! After a 5-year hiatus, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is all set to resume through Sikkim. It recommenced on Friday after the pilgrimage was flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Nathula. The first batch had 33 pilgrims, two nodal officers, and one doctor. Preparations are now underway for the second batch to begin the yatra soon. 

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After 5 Years

After a five-year gap, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has finally resumed through Sikkim. The pilgrimage was officially recommenced on Friday after it was flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Nathula. The first batch of pilgrims included 33 yatris, two nodal officers, and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), as per the report in Zee News. The recommencement of this spiritual journey is not just significant for the pilgrims, but also marks a moment of international cooperation and cultural continuity between India and China.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur said to Zee News was a moment of great pride for Sikkim that such a sacred and historic pilgrimage is once again progressing through their land. He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping to revive the yatra after five long years. Calling it a sign of restored heritage and international goodwill, the Governor said this spiritual journey holds deep significance for many devotees across the country. 

As per the report, he also praised the efforts of the Sikkim government, the ITBP, and the Indian Army for their support in making this sacred yatra possible. Before departure, he interacted with the pilgrims and wished them a safe journey.

Also Read: India & China Decide To Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra; Take A Look At Interesting Facts About The Mountain

Strict Health Checks For Pilgrims 

Sikkim Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia added that it’s a proud moment to see devotees from across India come together after five years. He said that COVID-19 halted the yatra, but now that the first batch has departed, they are preparing for the second one as well. He mentioned that the revival of the yatra would also give a boost to Sikkim’s tourism sector.

Before departing, all pilgrims underwent strict medical screening and completed a two-phase high-altitude acclimatisation process at the 18th Mile and Sherathang. These steps were essential to prepare the pilgrims for the extreme Himalayan weather at altitudes above 14,000 feet. The medical team declared all yatris fit to travel. Many pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the hospitality and medical care they received. They also praised the arrangements made by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).

As per the report, the group was expected to cross the Nathula border into the Chinese side by 9:15 am. Immigration formalities would be completed there before they continued their journey to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, STDC, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police are jointly facilitating this sacred yatra. 

Also Read: Suspended Since 2020, Will Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resume Soon? Here’s All About It

This is surely good news for many devotees. The pilgrims across India will now once again have the chance to undertake this sacred and life-changing journey. Devotees connect the Mansarovar Yatra to Lord Shiva and consider it quite spiritual. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Mount Kailash, Wikipedia/Jmhullot