After a five-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and India-China border tensions, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to restart through Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass. The first batch of 50 pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in Gangtok on June 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone for devotees and the region’s economy.
Historic Pilgrimage Resumes Amid Diplomatic Thaw
The pilgrimage, organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was halted in 2020 following the military standoff in Ladakh. Its revival coincides with Sikkim’s 50th anniversary of statehood, adding symbolic weight to the event.
Why Nathu La? The Easier, Scenic Route
The Nathu La Pass, at 14,450 feet, offers a shorter and less strenuous journey compared to the traditional Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. Pilgrims travel by road from Gangtok to the China border, avoiding the gruelling trek required via Lipulekh.
Key Advantages:
- Motorable roads reduce physical strain.
- Faster transit: 21-day itinerary vs. Lipulekh’s 22 days.
- Stunning landscapes: Rhododendron forests, glacial lakes, and views of Kanchenjunga.
However, the cost is higher, at ₹2.83 lakh per person, which includes flights from Delhi to Bagdogra and buses to Gangtok.
Sikkim’s Massive Preparations for Pilgrim Safety
The Sikkim government has invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure a smooth journey:
- Two new acclimatisation centres at 16th Mile (10,000 ft) and Hangu Lake (14,000 ft) with medical facilities.
- Enhanced road safety and rest houses along the route.
- Mandatory 5-day acclimatisation in Gangtok to combat altitude sickness.
Two liaison officers and medical teams will accompany each group.
Pilgrimage Logistics: Dates, Costs, and Eligibility
- First Batch: Departs Delhi on June 15 and crosses into China via Nathu La on June 20.
- Last Batch: Leaves Delhi on August 7 and returns by August 22.
- Eligibility: Indian passport holders selected via the MEA’s computerised draw. No subsidies are provided.
Critical Steps:
- Medical tests at the ITBP camp in Delhi (June 11–14).
- Visa processing via the Chinese embassy.
- Briefing in Gangtok before the ascent.
Geopolitical Significance: A Bridge Between India and China
Nathu La, sealed after the 1962 war, reopened in 2006 as a trade and pilgrimage corridor. The yatra’s resumption signals softening tensions, though challenges remain:
- China’s ₹20,000 fee hike per pilgrim.
- Weather risks: Temperatures can plunge to -25°C.
Sikkim’s Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called the reopening a “cultural rebirth” for the state.
The Spiritual Draw: Why Kailash Mansarovar Matters
Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar are sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers:
- Hindus: Believe Shiva resides here.
- Buddhists associate it with Demchok, a tantric deity.
- Jains: Revered as where Rishabhdeva attained enlightenment.
The 52-km parikrama (circumambulation) around Kailash is the pinnacle of the pilgrimage, often completed in three days.
What’s Next? Future of the Yatra
With 10 batches planned for 2025, the MEA aims to scale up operations if diplomatic efforts are successful. Sikkim anticipates a surge in tourism, which is expected to benefit hotels, guides, and local artisans.
Quote from a Pilgrim (2024 batch):
“After years of waiting, this journey feels like a divine call. Nathu La’s beauty makes the hardship worthwhile.”
Conclusion: A Journey of Faith and Resilience
The revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; it’s a testament to enduring faith and diplomatic progress. As the first pilgrims prepare to cross Nathu La, their journey symbolises hope for smoother India-China relations and Sikkim’s resurgence as a spiritual gateway.
Applications for the 2026 yatra open this October.
