In a significant development for spiritual tourism in India, the revered Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathula Pass in Sikkim resumed on June 20, 2025, after a six-year hiatus. The pilgrimage, which holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and followers of the Bon tradition, was flagged off in a ceremonial event at the Sino-Indian frontier in East Sikkim.
The first batch of 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two liaison officers—one each from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)—set out on the sacred journey on June 20. The flag-off ceremony was presided over by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, and the event was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the State Government of Sikkim.
This year, a total of 750 Indian pilgrims have been selected for the yatra. 500 pilgrims will undertake the journey in 10 groups via Nathula Pass in Sikkim. 250 pilgrims will travel via the traditional Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
The Nathula route, which provides a more motorable path and reduces the strain of trekking compared to the Lipulekh route, is especially popular among elderly pilgrims and those seeking a slightly more comfortable experience.
The Sikkim Government, in coordination with central departments and paramilitary forces like the ITBP, has made comprehensive arrangements for:
Safety and health of the pilgrims,
Comfortable transit facilities,
Smooth coordination between border agencies and local authorities.
Pilgrims have also been advised to acclimatise to high-altitude conditions, ensuring a safer journey through the Himalayan terrain.
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, are considered sacred by multiple faiths. The journey is a test of physical endurance and a spiritual quest. Devotees believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash washes away sins and brings salvation.
With the Yatra route via Nathula now open after several years, more batches of pilgrims are expected to follow in the coming weeks. This revival is a hopeful sign for cross-border pilgrimage, spiritual tourism, and Indo-China cultural exchanges.
If you plan to apply for the yatra in the future, keep an eye on updates from the Ministry of External Affairs website, which handles registrations, eligibility criteria, and health advisories for the journey.
(With inputs from PTI)
