Fifth Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 Returns Successfully; STDC Organises Felicitation Programme
Gangtok, 25 July 2026: The 5th Batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) 2026 via the Nathula Route returned safely to Gangtok after successfully completing the sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Holy Lake Manasarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
To commemorate the successful completion of the pilgrimage, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (STDC) organised a Felicitation Programme at Hotel Mt. Siniolchu, Gangtok. The programme was graced by Shri Birendra Tamling, Advisor to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest, while Shri Lukendra Rasaily, Chairman, STDC, attended as the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by Liaison Officers, STDC officials, support staff and the returning Yatris.
The Yatris shared their spiritual experiences and expressed immense satisfaction on successfully completing the sacred pilgrimage. They highly appreciated the arrangements made by STDC, particularly the quality of accommodation, transportation, hospitality, food and overall coordination throughout their stay in Sikkim. Many Yatris remarked that the support staff served them with dedication, sincerity and affection, making them feel like members of one family throughout the journey.
The Liaison Officers also shared their experiences and conveyed their sincere appreciation to the Government of Sikkim, STDC, and the entire team for rendering excellent services with dedication, professionalism and sincerity throughout the Yatra. They acknowledged that the seamless coordination among all agencies played a significant role in the successful completion of the pilgrimage.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Birendra Tamling, Advisor to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, congratulated all the Yatris on successfully completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He also thanked the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for the historic initiative of reopening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathula Route in Sikkim, which has not only revived this sacred pilgrimage but has also brought national and international recognition to Sikkim, further promoting the State on the global tourism and pilgrimage map.
Shri Lukendra Rasaily, Chairman, STDC, congratulated the Batch No. 5 Yatris and expressed happiness over the overwhelmingly positive feedback received regarding the services provided by STDC. He particularly appreciated the dedication, discipline and hard work of the support staff deputed for the Yatra. The Yatris unanimously praised the quality, hygiene and variety of food prepared during the pilgrimage and appreciated the courteous behaviour, selfless service and caring attitude of the support staff, who developed a close family-like bond with the pilgrims during the entire journey.
A special appreciation was extended to the support staff team led by Ms. Lamin Theeng, Joint Director, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, whose exceptional leadership, meticulous planning and dedicated supervision ensured high standards of service throughout the pilgrimage. The team's outstanding efforts in providing quality food, timely assistance and compassionate care earned widespread appreciation from the Yatris and Liaison Officers alike, bringing laurels to the Government of Sikkim and reinforcing the State's reputation for efficient hospitality and pilgrimage management.
As part of the felicitation programme, Completion Certificates and traditional Khadas were presented to all the successful Yatris as well as the support staff in recognition of their successful completion of the Yatra and their dedicated contribution towards making the pilgrimage safe and memorable.
The programme concluded in a devotional and joyous atmosphere, celebrating the successful completion of yet another batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathula Route. The returning Yatris expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Sikkim, STDC, Liaison Officers, support staff and all associated agencies for ensuring a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
The Yatris are scheduled to depart for New Delhi on 26th July 2026, carrying with them cherished memories, lifelong friendships and the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
