Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes via Nathula after 5 years; first batch of pilgrims reaches Gangtok
The 2025 edition of the Yatra began earlier on June 14 with a ceremonial flag-off at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi and at the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Bhawan in Ghaziabad.
LOCAL
After a five-year hiatus, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially resumed via the Nathula Pass in Sikkim, marking a significant moment for Hindu pilgrims and the broader diplomatic landscape. On Friday, the first group of 34 pilgrims arrived in Gangtok, generating excitement and spiritual fervor across the region.
The 2025 edition of the Yatra began earlier on June 14 with a ceremonial flag-off at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi and at the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Bhawan in Ghaziabad. Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, officiated the send-off and conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the yatris. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for their cooperation in facilitating the long-awaited resumption of the sacred journey.
“In his remarks, he appreciated the Chinese side for its cooperation in the resumption of the Yatra,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs.
Chanting “Har Har Mahadev,” the first group of 39 pilgrims — including two liaison officers — departed from Ghaziabad’s Kailash Mansarovar Bhawan amid religious fervour and devotional chants. Although 46 pilgrims had initially registered for this batch, a few had to drop out due to health-related concerns, according to officials.
The send-off ceremony featured a special Shaivite ritual, with the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments like the damru, mridang, turhi, and dholak reverberating through the air, adding spiritual gravitas to the occasion. Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh led the launch from Indirapuram, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual importance of the Yatra.
Meanwhile in Gangtok, Sikkim welcomed 34 pilgrims as they reached the capital en route to Nathula, one of the two land routes to Mount Kailash. The Nathula route, known for its relatively easier terrain compared to the Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand, provides a scenic and spiritually enriching alternative for devotees.