Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: The first group of pilgrims participating in the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra reached Gangtok on Monday to prepare for their trek through the Nathu La Pass. This initial batch of 44 travellers, which includes 32 men and 12 women, represents various states across India including Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Lukendra Rasaily and Deputy General Manager Amit Kapil Chettri greeted the group upon their arrival at a local hotel. The team includes two liaison officers and one medical officer to support the travellers. Addressing the participants, officials highlighted the importance of their upcoming trek, noting that "the first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 arrived in Gangtok on Monday, June 15."
The pilgrims will now undergo a four-day acclimatisation programme held across Gangtok, 15th Mile, and Sherathang. This phase is designed to help the group adjust to the harsh high-altitude conditions before they move forward. Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the tourism corporation attended the reception to oversee the preparations.
Following the acclimatisation period, the group will head toward the Tibet Autonomous Region of China on June 20. They are scheduled to pass through the transit hub of Gyangze as they continue their pilgrimage.
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