Sikkim renovating acclimatisation centres at Nathula ahead of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume via the Nathula Pass in June this year, bringing an end to a five-year suspension caused by the 2017 Doklam standoff and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Preparations for the pilgrimage are in full swing, with officials confirming the ongoing development of key infrastructure. “The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is going to start soon. The renovation and reconstruction of acclimatisation centres are expected to be completed within the next four to five days,” said Sunil Kumar, Labour Incharge.

Acclimatisation centres are being strategically set up along the route to help pilgrims adjust to the high-altitude terrain. Each centre is expected to host between 50 and 60 yatris at a time.


Meanwhile, Kabi-Lungchok MLA, Thenlay Tshering Bhutia said, "We want to thank the Chief Minister and the Central Government. Sikkim is a peaceful state with no history of terrorist activity, making this the safest route for Mansarovar pilgrims. Functional toilets and other necessary amenities along the route would be in place before the yatra begins."

The Nathula route, a shorter and more convenient alternative to the traditional Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand, passes through Sikkim and offers a scenic but challenging journey to the sacred site of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet.

The resumption of the yatra is expected to boost religious tourism in the region and rekindle the spiritual aspirations of thousands of pilgrims who have awaited this opportunity for years.