The Centre has designated the Nathu La check post in Sikkim and the Lipulekh La check post in Uttarakhand as temporary immigration posts for pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is scheduled to commence on June 20.

The move comes as the first group of pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has already reached Sikkim and completed the mandatory acclimatisation process ahead of the onward journey.

Government Issues Notifications for Two Routes

In a gazette notification issued on Friday, Joint Secretary Sandeep N Mahatme said the Central government had exercised its powers under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, to designate the Nathu La check post in East Sikkim as a temporary authorised immigration post.

The notification stated that the facility would be used for the entry into and exit from India of pilgrims carrying valid travel documents for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026.

In a separate notification, the government similarly declared the Lipulekh La check post in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district as an authorised immigration post on a temporary basis for pilgrims participating in the yatra.

First Batch Completes Acclimatisation in Sikkim

Officials said the first batch of pilgrims arrived in Sikkim on Monday evening in preparation for travelling through the Nathu La route.

The group comprises 44 people, including two liaison officers and one medical officer.

Of the total, 32 are men and 12 are women.

The pilgrims have completed a four-day acclimatisation programme to help them adapt to the high-altitude conditions before entering Tibet.

Pilgrims to Leave for Gyangze on June 20

Officials said the first batch is scheduled to depart for Gyangze on June 20.

Located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Gyangze serves as a key transit point for pilgrims travelling through the Nathu La Pass route.

With the temporary immigration arrangements now in place at both Nathu La and Lipulekh La, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to formally begin with the movement of the first batch after acclimatisation in Sikkim.

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