Sikkim is abuzz with activities as it gears up for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a holy pilgrimage which will resume in June 2025 after a five-year hiatus. Sikkim is upgrading acclimatisation centres at Nathula Pass to provide a safe and hassle-free journey for pilgrims on this Himalayan Spiritual Pilgrimage. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a revered trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, holds deep significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. With the Sikkim Pilgrimage Route reopening, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is expected to boost tourism and bring economic benefits to the region. Let’s explore how Sikkim is gearing up for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and what pilgrims can expect from this Nathula Pass Trek.
Why the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Matters?
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a holy pilgrimage that draws thousands of pilgrims into its fold for spiritual satisfaction. Lord Shiva is believed to reside at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is said to cleanse the soul, thus the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a Himalayan Spiritual Journey of paramount significance. The Nathula Pass Trek in Sikkim is a shorter and more convenient route than the usual Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and hence an increasingly popular option for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Following the suspension of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from 2020 because of the Doklam standoff and the COVID-19 pandemic, its resumption in 2025 has brought joy to pilgrims looking to undertake this holy journey.
Sikkim’s Efforts for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Sikkim is going all out to provide a hassle-free Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to pilgrims. The state government is upgrading acclimatisation centers along the Sikkim Pilgrimage Route, particularly at Nathula Pass, to assist yatris in adapting to high-altitude levels. Two acclimatisation centers are being established, one at the 16th Mile (10,000 feet) and one near Hangu Lake (14,000 feet), according to officials. These centers will accommodate 50 to 60 pilgrims at a time, providing accommodation, medical care, and provisions for the Nathula Pass Trek. The renovation process of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was successfully done in May 2025 late, just in time for the beginning of the pilgrimage on June 15, 2025, so pilgrims can prepare safely for their Himalayan Spiritual Journey.
What’s New about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025?
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula Pass will be an organized event in 2025. The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) is the nodal body undertaking the pilgrimage, with 10 groups of 50 pilgrims to travel between June 15 and August 7. Every batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will take 21 days, out of which 11 days will be spent in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Upgradation of the infrastructure of the Sikkim Pilgrimage Route are improved roads, working toilets, and rest houses at the Nathula Pass Trek. The upgrades are intended to enhance the comfort and security of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, particularly for senior citizens going through this Himalayan Spiritual Journey. The per-head cost is estimated at approximately ₹2.83 lakh, including travel, stay, and medical check-ups needed for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Why Nathula Pass Is Best for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Nathula Pass route, which was inaugurated in 2015, is a go-to option for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra because it is convenient and safe. Sikkim MLA Thenlay Tshering Bhutia has reiterated that Sikkim’s tranquil atmosphere, as there is no history of militancy, has made it the safest Sikkim Pilgrimage Route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The well-groomed roads and peaceful environment of the Nathula Pass Trek make it a smooth ride for pilgrims undergoing this Himalayan Spiritual Pilgrimage. In contrast to the difficult Lipulekh Pass trek, the Nathula trek has more bus travel and less trekking, thus making the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra easier for those lesser physically equipped for High-Altitude conditions.
How to Prepare for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Planning for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra must be done with utmost attention, considering the Nathula Pass Trek is at high altitude. Pilgrims need to be Indian nationals with valid passports and register on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Extensive medical check-ups in Delhi from June 11 to 14, such as tests in the ITBP camp, are necessary to ascertain whether the pilgrims are fit for undertaking the Himalayan Spiritual Journey. Physical conditioning is essential—begin training several months prior to cardio routines and breathing patterns to prepare for the altitude. Bring warm attire, heavy boots, and a basic first-aid kit for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since temperatures can reach freezing levels along the Sikkim Pilgrimage Route.
How to Get to Nathula for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Getting to Nathula Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is easy. Pilgrims begin their pilgrimage in Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital city, which is easily accessible from major cities. Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the closest airport at 124 km from Gangtok, with connectivity from Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities. Alternatively, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, at a distance of 118 km from Gangtok, is the nearest railway head, with trains such as the Darjeeling Mail from Kolkata. From Gangtok, the Nathula Pass Trekking trail is a 56-km drive, with acclimatisation centres to cater to pilgrims before they cross over the Indo-China border for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This Himalayan Spiritual Pilgrimage is initiated by a picturesque drive through Sikkim’s green sceneries, marking the beginning of a heavenly experience.
Benefits of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumption
The re-opening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula Pass is a boon to Sikkim’s economy and tourism. The Sikkim Pilgrimage Route is anticipated to generate employment for locals, ranging from guides to hospitality workers, which will boost the economy of the region. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also promotes cultural pride since Sikkim is the most prominent facilitator of this Himalayan Spiritual Journey. For pilgrims, the Nathula Pass Trek presents an opportunity to realize a lifetime spiritual aspiration, reaching the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The enhanced infrastructure guarantees that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025 will be safer and easier, compelling more devotees to participate in this holy pilgrimage.
Tips for a Smooth Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Register Early: Join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by registering on the MEA website to reserve your place in one of the 10 batches.
- Acclimatize Properly: Take advantage of the acclimatisation centres on the Sikkim Pilgrimage Route to acclimatize at a safe height prior to the Nathula Pass Trek.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water to prevent altitude sickness while undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Follow Guidelines: Join the briefing sessions in Delhi to learn safety procedures for this Himalayan Spiritual Pilgrimage.
- Respect Local Customs: Be considerate of Sikkim culture and the sanctity of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra path.
A New Chapter for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Sikkim’s initiative to revamp acclimatisation centres at Nathula Pass is a new turn in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 2025. The Sikkim Pilgrimage Route, with its new facilities and serene environment, is poised to receive pilgrims on this Himalayan Spiritual Odyssey. The Nathula Pass Trek is a shorter, safer route to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, opening up the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to more worshippers. As the pilgrimage resumes after a five-year gap, it brings hope, spirituality, and economic growth to Sikkim. If you’re planning to join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, prepare well, register early, and get ready for a transformative experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
