Nathu La and Lipulekh La Designated Immigration Posts for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Quick Look
- Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh La in Uttarakhand are now temporary immigration posts for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra starting June 20.
- The first batch of 44 pilgrims has arrived in Sikkim.
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Why It Matters
Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh La in Uttarakhand have been designated as temporary immigration posts for the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, commencing June 20. The first batch of 44 pilgrims, including support staff, has arrived in Sikkim and will proceed to Gyangze in China on June 20 via the Nathu La Pass.
Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh La in Uttarakhand have been designated as temporary immigration posts for the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, commencing June 20. The first batch of 44 pilgrims, including support staff, has arrived in Sikkim and will proceed to Gyangze in China on June 20 via the Nathu La Pass. This move facilitates the arduous journey for devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.
New Delhi: The Centre on Friday designated the Nathu La check post in Sikkim and the Lipulekh La check post in Uttarakhand as temporary immigration posts for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra set to begin on June 20.
The first batch of pilgrims who would embark on the arduous journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China have arrived in Sikkim for their onward journey.
In a gazette notification issued on Friday, Joint Secretary Sandeep N Mahatme said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by ... the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 (13 of 2025), the Central government hereby designates Nathu La check post located in the East Sikkim district ... as an authorised Immigration Post on a temporary basis for entry into (and) exit from India (for pilgrims) with valid travel documents for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026."
In a separate notification, Lipulekh La check post in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand was also declared as an authorised immigration post for pilgrims with valid travel documents for the yatra.
Meanwhile, officials said the first batch of pilgrims arrived in Sikkim on Monday evening for their onward journey through Nathu La check post.
The group comprises 44 people, including two liaison officers and one medical officer. Among them are 32 men and 12 women.
The pilgrims have undergone a four-day acclimatisation programme. On June 20, they will proceed to Gyangze, a town in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China that serves as a transit point for those taking the Nathu La Pass route, officials said.
Open Questions
- Will the designated posts remain temporary?
- What are the specific immigration procedures?