The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the world’s most challenging pilgrimages, has officially resumed via Sikkim’s Nathula Pass after a five-year suspension due to COVID-19 and India-China border tensions. Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off the first batch of 36 pilgrims on June 20, 2025, marking a significant moment for devotees and the region’s tourism revival.
Historic Revival After 5-Year Hiatus
This year, ten batches will undertake the 11–12-day journey, with each group receiving medical and logistical support from government-appointed doctors and officials. The Nathula route, opened in 2015, has become the preferred path over Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh Pass due to its shorter distance, improved roads, and enhanced safety measures.
Why Nathula? The Strategic and Spiritual Advantage
The Nathula Pass connects Gangtok to Tibet, cutting travel time by nearly three days compared to Lipulekh. Pilgrims cross the Indo-China border at 14,140 feet, with new acclimatization centers at 16th Mile (10,000 ft) and Hangu Lake (14,000 ft) to combat altitude sickness. The Sikkim government has upgraded roads, added emergency oxygen stations, and stationed ITBP personnel for security.
Key Stats:
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Altitude: Kailash Parikrama at 17,000 ft; Mansarovar Lake at 15,000 ft.
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Duration: 11–12 days per batch.
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Cost: ₹1.74 lakh for the Lipulekh route (Nathula pricing to be determined).
The Pilgrim’s Challenge: Faith Meets Endurance
The journey tests physical and spiritual limits. Pilgrims travel by bus but must trek sections, including the 52 km Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) and a dip in Mansarovar’s icy waters. The first batch includes 23 men and 13 women, aged 18–70, who underwent rigorous health checks in Delhi and Gangtok.
Multifaith Significance:
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Hindus: Believe Mount Kailash is Lord Shiva’s abode.
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Buddhists: Consider it the “Axis Mundi” (center of the universe).
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Jains: Revered as the place where their first Tirthankara attained nirvana.
Behind the Scenes: Sikkim’s Logistical Overhaul
The yatra’s revival has spurred economic activity in Sikkim, creating jobs in hospitality, transport, and guiding services. Local leaders, including MLA Bhutia, emphasize the route’s “peaceful environment” as a key draw.
Infrastructure Upgrades:
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Road repairs and new guesthouses along the route.
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Emergency medical teams at high-altitude stops.
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Liaison officers to coordinate with Chinese authorities.
What’s Next? How to Prepare for the 2025 Yatra
Pilgrims must register via India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and submit a valid passport, medical certificates, and indemnity bonds. Physical fitness is critical; applicants should train for 5 km daily walks and pack thermal wear, dry fruits, and power banks.
Permit Timeline:
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MEA’s online draw system closes May 13, 2025.
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Whole moon batches (June–September) are most sought-after.
Conclusion: A Journey Beyond Borders
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’s return symbolizes diplomatic and cultural resilience. For devotees, it’s a chance to fulfill a lifelong spiritual quest; for Sikkim, it’s an economic lifeline. As Governor Mathur noted at the flag-off, “This isn’t just a trek it’s a bridge between earth and heaven”.
For updates on batch availability and permits, visit the MEA’s official portal.
