Published: May 21, 2025
The revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, is set to resume in June 2025 via the Nathula Pass in Sikkim after a five-year hiatus. The yatra was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and subsequent India-China border tensions further delayed its resumption.
The choice of the Nathula Pass route offers several advantages over the Lipulekh Pass. It is a shorter, easier, and safer passage for pilgrims. The journey will commence from Gangtok, Sikkim, leading into Tibet towards the sacred Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. This route boasts well-maintained roads, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience.
To facilitate a smooth pilgrimage, the Sikkim government has established two acclimatization centers at 10,000 feet (near the 16th Mile) and 14,000 feet (near Hangu Lake) to help pilgrims adapt to the high altitudes and mitigate potential health issues. Furthermore, infrastructure improvements, enhanced security measures, rest houses, medical facilities, and other essential travel amenities are being developed.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to take place between June and August 2025. Prospective pilgrims are required to register with the Ministry of External Affairs, providing necessary identification and obtaining the required permits. The initial group of pilgrims is expected to depart from Delhi on June 15, with their crossing of the Nathula Pass anticipated on June 20, marking the continuation of their spiritual journey into Tibet.