Sikkim's First Batch Of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Flagged Off

Gangtok, June 16, 2019:

The First batch of Pilgrims for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra-2019 via Nathula Pass in Sikkim was flagged off from Gangtok, today.

Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Dr. K. Jayakumar, IAS, flagged off two buses carrying the Pilgrims from a Local Hotel for 1st Climate Acclimatization Centre which is located at 15th Mile and 17th Mile.

A total of thirty-one (Twenty Male and Eleven Female) pilgrims including two Liaison Officers (LO) is in the first batch of Journey for which a briefing session was organized at a local hotel here in Gangtok by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim.

Addressing the briefing session, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. K. Jayakumar, extended his warm welcome and congratulated the pilgrims. He also enlightened the pilgrims on the value of Indian culture and the significance of the divine journey to the holy place.

Elucidating on the arrangements being made, he said that the Government of India and Government of Sikkim have been putting strong endeavors in all aspects for smooth conduct of the journey and added that there is nothing to be worried about and everyone should embark on this journey with full faith and confidence.

Special Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Ms. Namrata Thapa, in her articulation, welcomed pilgrims and expressed the pleasure of the Department in extending support and services to the pilgrims of KMY. She also applauded on the active participation of senior citizens and further touched upon the beauty of nature in Sikkim.

Commandant, 48th Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Mr. T. S. Mangang briefed about the Route Chart to Kailash Mansarovar, the Acclimatization schedules, Do's &Dont's of KMY, Acute Mountain Sickness and also urged to follow directions of the Liaison Officer and adhere to the given timings. He also informed about various rules and regulations to be followed during their onward journey. Further, he advised everyone to remain mentally strong and peaceful throughout the journey.

The pilgrims will stay at 15th Mile and 17th Mile for the first two days and at Sherathang for another two days for acclimatization. Indo-Tibetan Border Police to conduct a final round of Medical Check-up at Sherathang on 19th June, a day before crossing the Indian territory and the pilgrims to cross Nathu-La pass for onward Journey towards Kailash Mansarovar on June 20.

It may be noted that on the same day on June 20, 2nd Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will arrive here in Sikkim from New Delhi.

It was also informed that the 1st batch will return to Gangtok on July 1 from Kangma and will leave for New Delhi via Bagdogra on July 2, 2019.

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