Kailash Mansarovar Yaatra via Nathu la

Sikkim Governor Shrinivas Patil along with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Thursday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the much-hyped Kailash Mansarovar Yaatra through the Nathu la Pass by unfurling a “best wishes” banner. Forty pilgrims including two ladies from Sikkim (Roshni Pradhan and Jyoti Mala Gurung) along with five support crew comprise the group of 40. The governor and the chief minister also released a commemorative special postal cover to mark the event. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Patil informed how the state and its officials had worked tirelessly to give the best possible facilities to the pilgrims. He added Sikkim is an ideal example of unity in diversity where people of all races and religions live as a cohesive unit. He urged the pilgrims to come back from the yatra and enjoy the beauty of the state and its various tourist destinations.
 The chief minister credited the NDA government at the Centre, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for opening the route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He said Sikkim has left no stone unturned to provide the best possible facilities to the pilgrims, and if they find any shortcomings they are welcome to give suggestions so that the state can improve even better.
It may be mentioned here that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj flagged off the first batch of pilgrims on June 16 from New Delhi for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a new route that was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit last September.
The new route through Nathu la stands at 4,000 metres above sea level and will facilitate a more comfortable journey for the pilgrims, especially for the elderly, compared to the existing route via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.(EOIC)