Press Release
Press Release From Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC)
Information & Public Relations Department
First Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Returns Successfully to India
The first batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) 2026 successfully returned to India on July 01 after completing the sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and the Holy Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China.
The group reached the Nathula Border at around 11:30 a.m., where the pilgrims were warmly received by officials of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). After completing immigration and customs formalities, the pilgrims were safely transported to Gangtok by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses.
In the evening, STDC, on behalf of the Government of Sikkim, organised a felicitation programme to mark the successful completion of the pilgrimage. Yatra Completion Certificates were presented to all the pilgrims, and each yatri was traditionally welcomed and honoured with a khada by Shri Gyurmie Yousal, Principal Chief Executive Officer, STDC.
During the interaction, the pilgrims and the Liaison Officers expressed immense happiness and satisfaction with the seamless arrangements made by STDC throughout the Yatra. They highly appreciated the Corporation for its meticulous planning, efficient coordination, and dedicated services provided from New Delhi to Nathula and back.
The pilgrims particularly commended the well-organised transportation, comfortable premium accommodation, warm Himalayan hospitality, courteous and dedicated staff, hygienic and freshly prepared nutritious meals, and the overall care and personal attention extended by STDC at every stage of the journey. Many yatris remarked that they felt safe, comfortable, and well looked after throughout their stay in Sikkim, adding that the arrangements exceeded their expectations.
The pilgrims also conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, STDC, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ITBP, and all the line departments for their excellent coordination and unwavering support in ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful conduct of the pilgrimage. Several pilgrims described the hospitality extended by STDC as one of the most memorable aspects of their sacred journey.
The felicitation programme was attended by Shri Gyurmie Yousal, Principal Chief Executive Officer, STDC; Shri Amit Kapil Chettri, Deputy General Manager, STDC; Shri Rinzing Bhutia, Assistant Manager, STDC; Ms Seenora Limboo; Ms Poona D. Limboo; Ms Jamuna Gurung; and staff of STDC.
The pilgrims are scheduled to depart for their respective destinations tomorrow from Bagdogra Airport, carrying with them cherished memories of a spiritually fulfilling Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the warm hospitality extended by the people and the Government of Sikkim.
With the successful completion of the first batch, STDC has once again reaffirmed its capability as the nodal agency for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula by delivering professional, efficient, and guest-centric services in close coordination with all stakeholder agencies
The first batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) 2026 successfully returned to India on July 01 after completing the sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and the Holy Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China.
The group reached the Nathula Border at around 11:30 a.m., where the pilgrims were warmly received by officials of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). After completing immigration and customs formalities, the pilgrims were safely transported to Gangtok by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses.
In the evening, STDC, on behalf of the Government of Sikkim, organised a felicitation programme to mark the successful completion of the pilgrimage. Yatra Completion Certificates were presented to all the pilgrims, and each yatri was traditionally welcomed and honoured with a khada by Shri Gyurmie Yousal, Principal Chief Executive Officer, STDC.
During the interaction, the pilgrims and the Liaison Officers expressed immense happiness and satisfaction with the seamless arrangements made by STDC throughout the Yatra. They highly appreciated the Corporation for its meticulous planning, efficient coordination, and dedicated services provided from New Delhi to Nathula and back.
The pilgrims particularly commended the well-organised transportation, comfortable premium accommodation, warm Himalayan hospitality, courteous and dedicated staff, hygienic and freshly prepared nutritious meals, and the overall care and personal attention extended by STDC at every stage of the journey. Many yatris remarked that they felt safe, comfortable, and well looked after throughout their stay in Sikkim, adding that the arrangements exceeded their expectations.
The pilgrims also conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, STDC, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ITBP, and all the line departments for their excellent coordination and unwavering support in ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful conduct of the pilgrimage. Several pilgrims described the hospitality extended by STDC as one of the most memorable aspects of their sacred journey.
The felicitation programme was attended by Shri Gyurmie Yousal, Principal Chief Executive Officer, STDC; Shri Amit Kapil Chettri, Deputy General Manager, STDC; Shri Rinzing Bhutia, Assistant Manager, STDC; Ms Seenora Limboo; Ms Poona D. Limboo; Ms Jamuna Gurung; and staff of STDC.
The pilgrims are scheduled to depart for their respective destinations tomorrow from Bagdogra Airport, carrying with them cherished memories of a spiritually fulfilling Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the warm hospitality extended by the people and the Government of Sikkim.
With the successful completion of the first batch, STDC has once again reaffirmed its capability as the nodal agency for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula by delivering professional, efficient, and guest-centric services in close coordination with all stakeholder agencies
