Members of the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims receive a traditional welcome on their arrival at Tanakpur, in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, Saturday, July 4, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra entered Tibet from Uttarakhand on Friday morning after crossing the Lipulekh Pass, situated at an altitude of 17,500 feet, officials said.Officials from the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) – the nodal agency for the yatra – stationed at the Dharchula base camp said the 48-member batch crossed the Lipulekh Pass at 9.05 am.Dhan Singh Bisht, the officer-in-charge of the Dharchula camp, said, "Apart from the 48 pilgrims, the first batch includes a doctor and four support staff members." The first group initially comprised 49 pilgrims, but one had to return from the Gunji camp due to a personal issue.Bisht mentioned that the journey of the second batch, comprising 47 members, was slightly delayed due to a landslide at Lakhanpur, beyond Dharchula. However, he said the group would reach Gunji by Friday evening and, after an overnight halt, resume their journey on Saturday morning. Published - July 11, 2026 03:03 am IST
