The onward journey of the sacred and revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 kicks off as the first batch of pilgrims crossed into China on Saturday, June 20. They crossed into China through the India-China border at Nathu La Pass on Saturday. Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off the initial group of pilgrims. The event was witnessed by the officials of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia. Here’s everything you must know about this yatra.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Begins
On Saturday, Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off the first batch by offering his best wishes to all the participants. The yatra was suspended for five years but has resumed this year, marking its second year. All the pilgrims must cross China as Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash are located within the Tibet Autonomous region of China.
This journey is expected to last for approximately 10 days. The first batch of pilgrims comprises 44 pilgrims, including 32 men and 12 women. This number includes a Medical Officer and four Liaison Officers. The age of these pilgrims ranges between 30 and 70 years.
These pilgrims have participated from different parts of India, like Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. They are scheduled to return to the border on June 30th.
Way before the Yatra began, R. Telang, the Chief Secretary of Sikkim, had reviewed all the arrangements made for the pilgrims. This included logistics, hospitality, medical facility, road conditions, network connectivity, media coverage, power supply, water supply, traffic management, and customs clearance. This review was conducted to ensure the smooth and safe execution of the pilgrimage.
Also Read: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: What Is It, Opening, Routes & More
Great Religious And Cultural Value
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is annually hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs. It is organised from June to August, or September, via two routes. These routes are Nathu La Pass in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
The yatra is known for its religious significance and hence attracts hundreds of pilgrims every year. It is a pilgrimage with sacred importance for the Hindus as Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. It is also sacred to Buddhists and Jains.
The eligibility for this pilgrimage is:
- Must be an Indian citizen with a valid passport.
- Must be aged between 18 and 70 years.
- High level of medical and physical fitness
Also Read: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Dates Released; Online Registration Begins
Also Read: Ashtavinayak Yatra Guide: Route, Map, Temples, Darshan & Travel Tips
Summing Up
The well-known sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 has been flagged off from Sikkim on Saturday. The first batch of pilgrims has already crossed into China via Nathu La Pass. The yatra has been resumed this year after a hiatus of five years, making it extra special for the pilgrims and the Ministry hosting it.
