Gangtok: The pilgrimage to the revered Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake through the Nathula Pass is poised to recommence in June, according to official sources. This development marks the end of a five-year suspension that began with the Doklam standoff in 2017 and was subsequently prolonged by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Preparations for the much-anticipated yatra are currently underway, with authorities focused on ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for the pilgrims. Sunil Kumar, the Labour Incharge overseeing the preparations, stated, “The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is going to start soon. The renovation and reconstruction of acclimatisation centres are expected to be completed within the next four to five days.”
A crucial aspect of the preparations involves the establishment of acclimatisation centres along the Nathula route. These strategically located facilities are designed to aid pilgrims in gradually adapting to the challenging high-altitude conditions of the region. Each centre will have the capacity to accommodate between 50 and 60 pilgrims simultaneously, providing essential rest and medical support.
The Nathula Pass route, traversing through the state of Sikkim, offers a significantly shorter and logistically easier alternative compared to the traditional Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand. While scenic, the journey through Nathula presents its own set of challenges due to the mountainous terrain and altitude.
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathula Pass is expected to provide a significant impetus to religious tourism in the region. More importantly, it will fulfill the long-cherished spiritual aspirations of countless devotees who have patiently awaited the opportunity to undertake this sacred pilgrimage for the past five years.
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