On Saturday, the first group of pilgrims participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 began their trip to the holy Kailash Mansarovar by crossing the India-China border at Nathu La Pass into China.
In front of Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia and representatives from the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), the batch was officially launched by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur.
Four Liaison Officers and a Medical Officer are among the 44 pilgrims in the first batch. Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha are among the states represented by these 32 men and 12 women.Prior to the Yatra, R Telang, the chief secretary of Sikkim, examined the logistical plans that had been put in place for hospitality, medical facilities, power and water supply, road conditions, traffic control, network connectivity, customs clearance, and media coverage. To guarantee the pilgrimage ran smoothly, the review was carried out in collaboration with senior executives of line departments.
He reported that before the Yatra, every pilgrim passed the last medical exam.We are responsible for border crossing, medical facilities, and security cover," he told ANI.

He claimed that the group of pilgrims hails from around the country with their age group spanning between 30-70 years.
Speaking to the media, the governor wished the pilgrims a joyful and safe journey and expressed hope that they would return home to share the kindness they had experienced in Sikkim.
The pilgrims expressed gratitude to the authorities and government entities for the facilities they were given.The journey has been amazing. We've all had a really easy time because of the government. I am excited about Lord Shiva's darshan."As they departed for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, people were full of vim and vigor, Sikkim's Tourism Minister informed the media.
Every year from June to August or September, the Ministry of External Affairs arranges the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via two distinct routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The religious and cultural significance of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (KMY) is well-known.
Every year, hundreds of individuals participate in it. It is religiously significant to Buddhists and Jains as well as Hindus because it is the dwelling place of Lord Shiva.
Eligible Indian citizens with valid Indian passports who want to travel to Kailash-Manasarovar for religious reasons are welcome to use the KMY.