Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at Nathu La Pass on Saturday [1].

The resumption of the pilgrimage is significant because the journey had been suspended for five years [2]. The return of the Yatra marks a return to normal travel protocols for pilgrims crossing the India-China border through the Sikkim sector.

A total of 44 pilgrims made up the first batch to cross into China [3]. The group departed from the high-altitude Nathu La Pass, a historic gateway on the border between the two nations [1].

The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is one of the most challenging spiritual journeys in the region. The five-year hiatus [2] had previously prevented thousands of devotees from accessing these sacred sites via the Sikkim route.

Governor Mathur oversaw the departure process to ensure the safety and coordination of the group [1]. The 2026 Yatra is expected to follow the established logistical framework for the crossing, though the long suspension had created a significant backlog of hopeful travelers [3].

Officials said the group moved into China via the pass, signaling a functional opening of the border for this specific religious purpose [4]. The event was attended by border officials and representatives from the state government to mark the return of the annual tradition [1].

“The pilgrimage resumed after a five-year suspension.”

The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La Pass suggests a stabilization of cross-border movement for religious purposes between India and China. Given the five-year suspension, the restart of this specific corridor indicates a level of administrative cooperation regarding the transit of Indian citizens into Tibetan territory.