Sikkim Governor Flags Off First Kailash Mansarovar Batch

The first group of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially departed through the Nathula Pass on the India-China border. Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur conducted the formal flag-off ceremony at the border site to mark the beginning of this journey. This event signifies the restart of the pilgrimage route through Sikkim following its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preparation and Acclimatization Process

The group of travelers originally arrived in Gangtok from New Delhi on June 15. Before moving toward the border, the participants spent five days in high-altitude regions of Sikkim to adjust to the mountain environment. This mandatory acclimatization period is designed to help pilgrims prepare for the physical demands of traveling at high elevations.

Details of the Pilgrimage Group

The inaugural batch consists of 47 individuals traveling toward the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The group includes 41 pilgrims, two liaison officers, one doctor, and four support staff members. Governor Mathur received a guard of honor at the location and spent time interacting with the pilgrims before they crossed into China. The Hindu.S. reported that this departure completes the initial phase of the travel arrangements for the season.