After 5 years Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula to resume in June

NEW DELHI: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula Pass in Sikkim will resume in June 2025. The pilgrimage was suspended initially in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently because of the military standoff between the two sides on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley.Final preparations are underway along the Indo-China border in Sikkim, with infrastructure development nearing completion to welcome pilgrims back on this spiritual journey.Two acclimatisation centers are being established along the route - one at 16th Mile at 10,000 feet and another near Hangu Lake along Kupup Road at 14,000 feet. Each center will feature two five-bedded and two two-bedded buildings, complete with medical facilities, offices, kitchens, and other essential amenities for pilgrims."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. Acclimatisation centres are being established along the route. A total of 50-60 people will be here at the acclimatisation centre," said Sunil Kumar, Labour In-charge of the construction works.IK Rasaily, a local resident and 2016 yatra participant, endorsed the reopening, highlighting its potential economic benefits for local communities. "Tourism will revive and local livelihoods will improve. The Sikkim route remains the safest and most accessible due to its good road connectivity," he said."Sikkim is a peaceful state with no history of terrorist activity, making this the safest route for Mansarovar pilgrims," stated Kabi Lungchok MLA Thinley Tshering Bhutia. He assured that functional toilets and other necessary amenities would be ready before the yatra begins.The initiative to reopen the Nathula route came after Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha raised the matter in Parliament, leading to coordinated efforts between the central and state governments.The resumption of the yatra is expected to boost tourism and strengthen local economies along the route while providing pilgrims with a spiritual avenue for their journey.