At dawn on June 16, 2025, a group of 36 pilgrims, the first since 2020, set off from Gangtok toward the 17 Mile acclimatization camp, marking the revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass. Their departure follows years of geopolitical tensions and pandemic-related suspensions, with this year’s Yatra holding symbolic weight as India and China commemorate 75 years of bilateral relations.
Among the pilgrims is 58-year-old Ramesh Patel from Gujarat, a lifelong devotee of Lord Shiva. “I applied in 2019 but waited six years for this moment,” he says, clutching a small brass pot meant for collecting water from Lake Mansarovar. His story mirrors the 750 Indians selected for this year’s pilgrimage, split between the Nathu La (500 pilgrims) and Lipulekh routes (250 pilgrims).
Why 17 Mile Matters: The Science of Survival
The pilgrims’ first stop is 17 Mile (27 km from Gangtok), a critical acclimatization point at 3,050 meters. High-altitude experts emphasize its role in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can be fatal during the ascent to Kailash’s 5,630-meter Parikrama. “At this altitude, the body needs 48 hours to adjust to reduced oxygen levels,” explains Dr. Anika Mehta, a physician with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Pilgrims undergo light yoga sessions and hydration checks here before proceeding.
Sikkim’s government has upgraded infrastructure along the route, including new acclimatization centers at 16th Mile and near Hangu Lake, equipped with medical teams and oxygen reserves.
June 20: The Border Crossing and Its Geopolitical Weight
On June 20, the group will cross into Tibet via Nathu La Pass a moment laden with diplomatic significance. The Yatra’s resumption was finalized during India-China talks at the 2024 G20 Summit and subsequent meetings, reflecting fragile diplomatic progress post-Galwan clashes.
Nathu La’s immigration process is rigorous: pilgrims submit passports to Chinese authorities, undergo biometric checks, and transfer to Tibetan guides. “This isn’t just a border; it’s a threshold between the mundane and the divine,” notes MEA liaison officer Arjun Khanna, who accompanies the group.
The Route Ahead: From Nathu La to Nirvana
Post-crossing, the pilgrims’ 22-day itinerary includes:
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Shigatse: Tibet’s second-largest city, where they’ll receive Chinese visas.
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Kangma to Zhongba: A 477-km drive through the Tibetan plateau, with stops at Lazi for health screenings.
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Darchen: The base camp for the Kailash Parikrama, where they’ll begin the 3-day circumambulation.
The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) manages logistics, including lodging and transportation in Tibet, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) oversees diplomatic clearances.
Why This Yatra Resonates Beyond Religion
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Economic Impact: Sikkim anticipates a $2.5 million boost from pilgrim services, including hotels and local guides.
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Diplomatic Signal: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the Yatra an “important cultural bridge,” though tensions persist over China’s UAV surveillance near Kailash.
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Historical Context: The Yatra was halted in 1962 (following the war) and 2020 (during the Galwan clashes), making its revival a barometer of bilateral stability.
The Bigger Picture
As the 36 pilgrims disappear into the mist toward Shigatse, their journey embodies more than spiritual quests; it’s a testament to resilience, diplomacy, and the enduring allure of Mount Kailash. For millions awaiting their turn, this Yatra’s success could pave the way for future pilgrimages, blending faith with geopolitics on the roof of the world.
Additional Resources:
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Track the Yatra’s progress via the MEA’s portal: kmy.gov.in.
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Health guidelines for high-altitude travel: ITBP advisories.
