Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: First Batch of 44 Pilgrims Reaches Gangtok Ahead of Nathu La Journey
The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 arrived in Gangtok on June 15, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage through the Nathu La Pass route. The group was formally welcomed at a local hotel by STDC Chairman Lukendra Rasaily and Deputy General Manager Amit Kapil Chettri.
The inaugural batch comprises 44 pilgrims, including two Liaison Officers and one Medical Officer. The group consists of 32 men and 12 women from various parts of the country, including Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
As part of the mandatory preparations for the high-altitude pilgrimage, the pilgrims will undergo a four-day acclimatisation programme in Gangtok, 15th Mile and Sherathang. The exercise is aimed at helping participants adjust to the region’s altitude and climatic conditions before proceeding further on the route.
Following the acclimatisation period, the pilgrims are scheduled to continue their journey on June 20 via Nathu La Pass. The route will take them through Gyangze in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, a key transit point for those travelling to Kailash Mansarovar through the Sikkim corridor.
Officials of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation and personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police were also present during the reception programme, which marked the formal commencement of the first batch’s pilgrimage preparations.
