Kailash Manasarovar Yatra concludes, all pilgrims returns to India

This year's Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (KMY) concluded on Sunday with the return of the tenth and final batch of pilgrims via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, officials said on Sunday. Official sources stationed at the Dharchula base camp of the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam—the nodal agency for the pilgrimage within Indian territory—stated that the final batch of 44 members crossed the Lipulekh Pass at 9.20 AM. Dhan Singh Bisht, in-charge of the Dharchula base camp, said, "A total of 477 pilgrims, including 154 women, participated in this year's Kailash Manasarovar Yatra." The route also includes visits to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) manages the pilgrimage on the Indian side.

The Yatra through Sikkim's Nathu La route also concluded on Sunday, with 464 pilgrims completing the pilgrimage in 10 batches, officials said. The yatra, which began on June 20, concluded with the return of the final batch of pilgrims to Gangtok. The pilgrims visited Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. On their return, the pilgrims were felicitated by representatives of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). The pilgrims described the journey as a deeply spiritual and memorable experience, expressing gratitude to the Centre, STDC, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other agencies for their support. The Nathu La route has emerged as an important gateway for the pilgrimage, connecting Sikkim with one of the most revered spiritual destinations for devotees of various faiths, including Hindus and Buddhists.