First batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims head for Sikkim

EOI, SILIGURI, 17 Jun 2015: The first batch of 40 Indian pilgrims including 12 women who are to take the new route via Nathula in Sikkim to Kailash Mansarovar headed towards Sikkim via Bagdogra airport on Wednesday. A total of 50 members had been selected for the pilgrimage, but 10 of them would not be able to undertake the journey for illness.

The pilgrims on reaching Sikkim will halt for a night in Gangtok, and head early towards Nathula on Thursday. Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will flag off the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris from Rich Park in Gangtok after a series of puja performed by local pundits, said Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) President R.N. Rai.

"Over 18 batches of more than 1,000 pilgrims are likely to undertake the annual Mansarovar Yatra this year. The second route through the Himalayan pass of Nathu La, 4,000 metres above sea level, will offer comfortable travel for Indian pilgrims by buses, especially for elderly Indian citizens. The batch of 40 pilgrims will be accompanied by five support staff and one liaison official. Things have progressed at a fast pace for this alternative route. Both the Centre and the Sikkim government are prepared to handle the pilgrims," he said.

It is learnt that China will guide the pilgrims on its side. Being motorable, the Nathula route is considered an easier route compared to the existing ones through Nepal and Uttarakhand which involve long treks in between. The new route will allow pilgrims to be driven all along, travelling first from Gangtok in Sikkim to Shigatse in Tibet from where they can take vans and buses on the existing road to Mansarovar and Kailash directly.