First Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Flagged Off Via Nathu La
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur launched the first batch of the 2026 pilgrimage, while India reaffirmed its position on the Lipulekh route.
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Thursday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims undertaking the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La Pass, extending his best wishes to all devotees participating in the sacred pilgrimage.
Speaking on the occasion, Mathur said he was pleased to flag off the first batch of the second year of the yatra since its resumption. He noted that the pilgrimage had remained suspended for five years before restarting last year.
"Today, I had the opportunity to flag off the first batch of the second year of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. I extend my best wishes to all the pilgrims. The yatra was suspended for five years but resumed last year, and I was fortunate to flag off the first batch then as well," he said.
The Governor also welcomed the improvement in conditions that enabled the resumption of the pilgrimage. He thanked all stakeholders, including local authorities, for making elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth journey for the pilgrims.
Sikkim Tourism Minister T.T. Bhutia said the state government had made extensive preparations for the pilgrims. He noted that the first batch had arrived in Sikkim several days earlier and was accommodated at designated facilities.
"The state government, along with officials of the Tourism Development Corporation, has ensured that the pilgrims receive proper care, hospitality and all necessary support," Bhutia said.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages for Hindus, resumed last year after a five-year suspension. The Nathu La route in Sikkim remains one of the key passages for Indian pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet.
Meanwhile, India has reiterated its position on the Lipulekh Pass route following claims raised by Nepal in the context of the annual pilgrimage. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Lipulekh has been a long-established route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and has been used by pilgrims for decades.
Responding to Nepal's claims, Jaiswal stated that India's position on the matter has remained consistent and clear. He said New Delhi does not consider such claims justified or supported by historical facts and evidence, adding that unilateral enlargement of territorial claims is untenable.
The spokesperson, however, emphasised that India remains committed to engaging with Nepal through dialogue and diplomacy on all bilateral issues, including agreed outstanding boundary matters.
