Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 begins as first batch of pilgrims reache Gangtok

NAWDEEP SHARMA

GANGTOK,: The first batch of pilgrims for the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route arrived in Gangtok on Monday, marking the formal beginning of this year’s pilgrimage through Sikkim. The group consists of 44 pilgrims, including 32 men and 12 women, along with liaison officers, medical personnel and support staff.

STDC chairman Lukendra Rasaily informed that the pilgrims belong to various States across the country and will undergo acclimatisation before proceeding further on the journey. The yatris will stay overnight in Gangtok before heading to the acclimatisation centre at 18th Mile, where they are scheduled to spend two nights adapting to the high-altitude environment. They will later proceed to Hangu Lake and are expected to cross Nathu La Pass into the Tibet Autonomous Region on June 20.

Rasaily stated that a total of 10 batches comprising 50 pilgrims each are scheduled to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route this year, taking the total number of pilgrims to 500.

Delhi recorded the highest participation in the first batch with 11 pilgrims, followed by Maharashtra with six. Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh contributed four pilgrims each, while Punjab sent three pilgrims. Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha had two pilgrims each, while Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar were represented by one pilgrim each.

Pilgrims expressed happiness and spiritual excitement ahead of the sacred journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Retired Army officer Colonel P.P. Singh said visiting Sikkim again was a memorable experience as he had begun his military career in the Chola sector after being commissioned into the Indian Army in 1986. He also appreciated the development and tourism growth witnessed in the state over the years.

Anjali Virmani from Delhi described the pilgrimage as a deeply spiritual journey and said she was looking forward to strengthening her faith during the yatra. Another pilgrim, Ravindra Mahajan from Mumbai, said officials had provided detailed briefings on health precautions, safety measures and conduct during the pilgrimage.

Officials have also conducted orientation programmes in Delhi ahead of the yatra, focusing on health awareness, cultural sensitivity and adherence to regulations during travel through the Tibet Autonomous Region.