The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 officially commenced on Saturday as the first batch of Indian pilgrims crossed into China through the strategically important Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The group, comprising 44 pilgrims along with liaison and medical officers, began its onward journey to the revered pilgrimage sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
The pilgrimage, organised annually by India's Ministry of External Affairs, is one of the most significant spiritual journeys for Hindus and also holds deep religious importance for Buddhists and Jains.
First batch enters Tibet via Nathu La
The first group of pilgrims was flagged off by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur in the presence of state officials before crossing the India-China border through Nathu La Pass.
The batch includes 44 pilgrims, comprising 32 men and 12 women from various states across India. They underwent mandatory medical examinations, documentation checks and acclimatisation programmes before being cleared for the high-altitude journey.
Why is the yatra important?
The pilgrimage takes devotees to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, sites considered sacred by multiple faiths.
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For Hindus, Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Buddhists regard it as a spiritually significant mountain, while Jains associate it with the attainment of liberation by the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev.
Two routes for pilgrims
The Ministry of External Affairs conducts the pilgrimage through two designated routes: the Nathu La Pass route in Sikkim and the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand. Both routes require extensive medical screening and acclimatisation due to the extreme altitude and challenging terrain.
Ahead of the yatra, the Indian government designated Nathu La and Lipulekh La as temporary immigration checkpoints to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims.
A pilgrimage that tests endurance
Located in the remote Tibetan plateau, the journey to Kailash Mansarovar is regarded as one of the world's most demanding spiritual pilgrimages. Pilgrims must travel through high-altitude mountain passes and adapt to thin air and unpredictable weather conditions.
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Despite the physical challenges, thousands of devotees apply every year for the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey.
Strengthening people-to-people ties
The commencement of the yatra is also being viewed as an important development in India-China people-to-people exchanges. The pilgrimage route has historically reflected the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and remains a significant cultural and religious link.
FAQs
When did the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 begin?
The pilgrimage officially began on June 20, 2026, when the first batch of pilgrims crossed into China through Nathu La Pass.
How many pilgrims are in the first batch?
The first batch comprises 44 pilgrims, including 32 men and 12 women.
