Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off the first batch of 44 pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 through Nathu La Pass. After acclimatisation in Sikkim, the group entered Tibet and began its journey towards the sacred pilgrimage sites
Published Date – 20 June 2026, 06:03 PM
Gangtok: Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Saturday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 through the Nathu La Pass.
The contingent of 44 pilgrims, including four liaison officers and a medical officer, entered Tibet after completing a four-day acclimatisation programme in Sikkim. The group, comprising 32 men and 12 women from states across India, proceeded towards Gyangze in the Tibet Autonomous Region, a key halt on the route to the revered Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
The pilgrims were flagged off from Nathu La by Mathur in the presence of state Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, senior state government officials, personnel of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.
Describing the occasion as deeply emotional, Mathur said he was “overwhelmed” to send off the first batch of devotees undertaking the sacred pilgrimage through the Himalayan pass. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating the yatra and lauded the efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Sikkim and the ITBP for ensuring its smooth conduct.
The governor recalled that the pilgrimage had resumed through Nathu La during his tenure last year and said he felt privileged to once again flag off the first batch of yatris. He also thanked the Chinese authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the pilgrimage, noting the importance of Kailash Mansarovar for millions of Hindu devotees.
“I am extremely happy that the holy pilgrimage continues through Nathu La. It is a matter of pride and spiritual significance for the nation,” he said, while wishing the pilgrims a safe and successful journey.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La remains one of India’s most significant spiritual journeys, with the Sikkim route offering pilgrims a comparatively accessible passage to the sacred Himalayan abode revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon faith.
As chants of devotion echoed across the windswept mountain pass, the first batch of yatris embarked on a journey of faith, endurance and spiritual fulfilment towards the legendary Kailash Mansarovar.
