Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathula giving major boost to Sikkim tourism: Minister

Sikkim Tourism Minister T.T. Bhutia has said that the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathula route after a gap of nearly five years is providing a significant boost to tourism in the Himalayan state.

Speaking at Nathula on the Indo-China border, Bhutia said the first batch of pilgrims for the second year of the resumed pilgrimage arrived in Sikkim around five days ago and was accommodated at specially designated facilities. 

He noted that the state government, in coordination with the Tourism Development Corporation and other officials, had made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the pilgrims received quality hospitality and care during their stay.

The minister said Sikkim is expected to host at least ten batches of pilgrims this year, similar to the number handled last year. The current batch has commenced a journey that will last approximately ten days, with the pilgrims scheduled to return to the border on June 30.

Expressing confidence in the success of the pilgrimage, Bhutia said the yatra's revival has brought positive attention to Sikkim and strengthened its profile as a key destination for spiritual and adventure tourism.

He added that the return of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula has generated extensive publicity for the state and is contributing to the growth of the tourism sector by attracting visitors from across the country.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon faith, resumed through the Nathula Pass route after years of suspension, marking a significant development for both pilgrims and the tourism industry in Sikkim.