Following a five-year break, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has formally restarted across Sikkim’s Nathula Pass, marking an important milestone for Hindu pilgrims and India-China cultural diplomacy. As they got ready for their next trip to the holy Mount Kailash, 34 pilgrims from the first group of yatris arrived in Gangtok on Friday and were welcomed with joy and spiritual respect. In twin ceremonies earlier in the day, the 2025 iteration of the pilgrimage was launched from Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Bhawan in Ghaziabad.
Leading the farewell in the nation’s capital, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita conveyed her sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for allowing the pilgrimage route to resume after a protracted break. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for facilitating the restart of this spiritually significant voyage. Religious fervor characterized the Ghaziabad flag-off, as 39 pilgrims, including two liaison officials designated by the government, set out on the yatra while chanting “Har Har Mahadev.”
Officials stated that while 46 pilgrims had initially registered, some chose to opt out due to health concerns. The yatra’s lasting spiritual and cultural significance was emphasized by Jaiveer Singh, the Uttar Pradesh Minister for Tourism and Culture, who presided over the ceremonial send-off in Indirapuram. In Gangtok, the Yatris were greeted warmly by the Sikkim authorities. A beautiful yet easily accessible path to Tibet’s revered Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is the Nathula Pass. It is thought to be less strenuous than the Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand.
