First group of pilgrims arrive in Sikkim for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra
After a long six-year break, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has finally restarted in Sikkim. The first group of 36 pilgrims—including two officials from the Ministry of External Affairs—arrived in Gangtok this week. They'll spend some time getting used to the altitude at 17 Mile before heading toward Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar through Nathu La and into Tibet. The group will cross into China on June 20.
750 Indian pilgrims selected for this year's pilgrimage
This year's pilgrimage is being run by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation as an official government project. Out of 750 Indian pilgrims selected, 500 will travel via Nathu La and 250 through Lipulekh Pass. After a night in Gangtok, everyone heads to Serathang for more acclimatization—an important step before tackling the high-altitude trek. Organizers have set things up so that devotees can focus on their spiritual journey.