10 Batches, 464 Pilgrims: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Concludes Through Nathu La

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim’s Nathu La route concluded on August 23, with the return of the 10th and final batch of pilgrims to Gangtok, bringing this year’s organised pilgrimage to a close. A total of 464 pilgrims completed the journey in 10 batches, travelling to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. On their return, the pilgrims were felicitated by representatives of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and described the journey as a deeply spiritual and memorable experience.

Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the official Nathu La and Lipulekh routes, the 2026 Nathu La pilgrimage began on June 20. While each batch follows an itinerary of about 21 days, the staggered movement of 10 batches extended the overall Nathu La season until August 23. The route was introduced in 2015 as an additional, comparatively motorable gateway to Kailash Mansarovar. In 2026, the estimated cost was ₹3.31 lakh per pilgrim, compared with ₹2.09 lakh for the roughly 22-day Lipulekh route.

For Hindu devotees, the heart of the pilgrimage is Mount Kailash, traditionally revered as the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lake Manasarovar is also considered sacred, while the wider region holds importance for Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Tibetan Bon tradition. The spiritual high point is the Kailash Parikrama, or circumambulation of the sacred mountain. Unlike Lipulekh, which involves around 200 km of trekking, Nathu La requires only about 35–40 km, making it less trekking-intensive but still challenging because of extreme altitude.

The government places extensive emphasis on medical screening and acclimatisation. Pilgrims undergo medical examinations before departure and further assessment at Sherathang, around 4,115 metres, before proceeding towards Nathu La. The 2026 programme also benefited from an 18th Mile Acclimatisation Centre, located at roughly 10,000 feet, while Sikkim’s AYUSH Department provided high-altitude health support, including Acute Mountain Sickness awareness, vital monitoring, counselling, medicines and ORS. The programme supported 470 pilgrims and accompanying liaison and medical personnel.

The pilgrimage involves extensive coordination among the MEA, STDC, ITBP, Sikkim Police and other agencies, as well as Chinese authorities. STDC handles logistics on the Nathu La side, while ITBP provides security and medical assistance. The official Yatra requires eligible Indian citizens to hold valid passports, meet medical standards and undergo a computerised draw of lots. It is distinct from privately organised Kailash tours.