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In a significant move, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume via the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim after a five-year suspension, marking a spiritual and diplomatic milestone. The announcement coincides with Sikkim’s 50th statehood celebrations, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the commemorative events, according to NDTV sources.
Yatra Resumes With Upgraded Facilities
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organises the annual pilgrimage from June to September through two official routes:
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Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand
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Nathu La Pass in Sikkim
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This year, the Nathu La route will see 10 batches of pilgrims, each group spending 21 days on the journey. The first batch departs from Delhi on June 15, and is scheduled to cross into Tibet via Nathu La on June 20. The last batch leaves on August 7, crossing the border on August 12.
The estimated cost per pilgrim is ₹2.83 lakh. The pilgrimage is open only to Indian citizens with valid Indian passports, and no financial subsidy or assistance is provided by the government.
Why the Yatra Was Suspended
The yatra was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later due to the India-China border tensions following the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The resumption through Nathu La signals a cautious improvement in bilateral logistics cooperation.
Infrastructure Boost for Pilgrims in Sikkim
With the yatra’s return, the Sikkim government has fast-tracked infrastructure development near the Nathu La Pass, which lies 60 km from Gangtok in the Kabi-Lungchok constituency.
Key developments include:
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Two new acclimatisation centres between Gangtok and Nathu La
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Toilets, rest houses, and travel amenities
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Safety-focused planning to prevent altitude sickness, which is common due to the low oxygen levels and extreme cold at high altitudes
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The yatra holds deep religious value for Hindus, who consider Mount Kailash the abode of Lord Shiva, and Mansarovar Lake as sacred. The pilgrimage is also significant for Jain and Buddhist devotees.
The reopening of the Nathu La route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 is more than a religious milestone—it also signifies India’s commitment to religious freedom and regional diplomacy, especially amid the celebratory backdrop of Sikkim’s 50 years as a state.
