First batch of Mansarovar pilgrims to cross Nathula on June 21

The first batch of 50 Indian pilgrims to take the new route via Nathula in Sikkim to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibetan Autonomous Region will cross over on June 21.

The 14,400 feet high Nathula, the pass at the Indo-China border in east Sikkim, will be formally opened for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tentatively on June 20 and pilgrims would be allowed to move through it a day later, Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Secretary C Zangpo said.

“The batch of 50 pilgrims will be accompanied by five support staff and one liaison official. Things have progressed at a very fast pace for this alternative route. Both the Centre and the Sikkim government are prepared to handle the pilgrims,” he said.

The dates were finalised at a recent meeting chaired by state Chief Secretary R Ongmu at Gangtok.

Tourism officials said online bookings for application for the pilgrimage will be done through the website of the Ministry of External Affairs from February 22.