Sun May 18 11:36:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Sikkim government is ramping up infrastructure development along the Nathu La mountain pass, which connects India to China’s Tibet, in anticipation of the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year hiatus. The pilgrimage, sacred to Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. With disengagement achieved at key friction points and diplomatic efforts underway, the yatra is set to resume via both the Nathu La pass in Sikkim and the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand. The Sikkim government is focusing on creating acclimatization centers, improved toilet facilities, and other travel-related infrastructure to provide a safe and enhanced experience for pilgrims.
**News Article:**
**Sikkim Prepares for Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra After Five-Year Hiatus**
**Gangtok, May 18, 2025** – The Sikkim government is accelerating infrastructure development along the Nathu La mountain pass in preparation for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, scheduled to restart after a five-year suspension.
The yatra, a journey to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, was initially halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently due to military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). With disengagement now complete at remaining friction points and renewed diplomatic efforts between India and China, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the yatra would resume from June to August, utilizing two routes: the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
MLA Thinlay Tshering Bhutia of Kabi-Lungchok, the constituency encompassing Nathu La, stated that the government is prioritizing pilgrim safety and convenience. Two acclimatization centers are being established between Gangtok and Nathu La, alongside upgraded toilet facilities and other essential travel infrastructure.
“Sikkim is a peaceful state, and this is the main USP of traveling via the Nathu La border,” said Bhutia. He emphasized the availability of good roads and other factors would ensure a safer and more comfortable journey for pilgrims.
The MEA has announced plans for ten batches of 50 pilgrims each to traverse the Nathu La Pass, while five batches will travel via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
Bhutia further reported that public representatives and government officials are collaborating to identify further development opportunities in the area, with plans to submit a detailed estimate to the Tourism department.
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra marks a significant step towards normalizing relations between India and China and provides a spiritual opportunity for thousands of pilgrims.
First Piper 