Sikkim: First-batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with 33 pilgrims flagged-off
What's the story
The first batch of 33 pilgrims, on their way to Kailash Mansarovar via Nathu La pass in Sikkim, has been flagged off from Gangtok today.
Additional Chief Secretary SC Gupta flagged off a Sikkim Nationalized Transport bus carrying the pilgrims for their onward journey.
The yatra, which holds religious value and cultural significance, is undertaken by hundreds of people every year.
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Details
The route via Sikkim was stopped by China in Doklam-issue
There are two routes for the yatra, through Lipulekh pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La pass (Sikkim).
Sikkim route was stopped by China in the aftermath of the military face-off with India last year at Doklam.
A briefing session was held a day after the pilgrims arrived in Gangtok. The batch also has two Liaison officers.
This is the fourth-year of the pilgrimage from Sikkim.
Briefing
Final medical check-up at Nathu La before crossing China
Gupta apprised the pilgrims about the rules and regulations and urged them to cooperate with each other as well as the supporting staff.
The pilgrims will stay two days at 15th mile and another two days at Sherathang for acclimatization. There will be a final medical check at Nathu La on June 20 before they cross over to China.