Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – First Pilgrim Group Leaves Tanakpur for Sacred Journey
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 began on Saturday as Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the first group of pilgrims from the Sharda Tourist Rest House in Tanakpur, Champawat. The batch of 49 devotees set out amid religious chants and a traditional welcome organised by local authorities.
Chief Minister Extends Blessings to Pilgrims
Dhami met the pilgrims before their departure and presented each participant with a Lord Shiva plaque and a rudraksha mala. He wished them a safe and meaningful journey, describing the pilgrimage as an important expression of faith, cultural connection and national unity.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra carries spiritual significance for devotees across the country. He encouraged pilgrims to remain patient and committed during the demanding journey, noting that faith plays a central role in completing the route successfully.
Pilgrims Represent 13 States
According to Manoj Kumar, manager of the Sharda Tourist Rest House, the first group includes 34 men and 15 women. A doctor is accompanying the pilgrims to provide medical assistance during the journey.
Participants in the opening batch have arrived from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Officials said the presence of pilgrims from different parts of India reflects the broad cultural appeal of the yatra.
The group doctor is Arun Kumar from Tamil Nadu. Purushottam Khandelwal, a 68-year-old participant from Rajasthan, is the oldest pilgrim in the batch, while 21-year-old Harikrishna from Gujarat is the youngest.
Traditional Welcome Marks Departure Ceremony
The departure programme featured a customary Devbhoomi reception, including flower showers, garlands and a cultural presentation. Artists performed the Chholiya dance, while folk music highlighted Uttarakhand’s local traditions and heritage.
Several pilgrims said they were satisfied with the arrangements made for the journey. They cited accommodation facilities, health examinations and the reception at Tanakpur as key parts of the support provided before the group began its travel.
Route Passes Through Border Areas of Uttarakhand
The pilgrims will travel from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh, Dharchula and Gunji before crossing the Lipulekh Pass into Tibet. From there, the group will continue towards Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in China.
This is the second consecutive year that the pilgrimage is being facilitated through the Tanakpur route. The route has increased activity in several border areas, where local communities are involved in providing services and support to travellers.
Focus on Local Economy and Frontier Development
Dhami said the pilgrimage has significance beyond its religious purpose, as it also introduces visitors to the culture and daily life of Uttarakhand’s frontier villages. He asked pilgrims to consider buying locally made handicrafts and other regional products during their journey, which could help support small businesses in the border region.
Officials said more groups will be sent on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in phases over the coming weeks. Preparations are continuing to ensure that pilgrims receive necessary medical, accommodation and travel support throughout the programme.