Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday, 5 July 2026, flagged off the first batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 from Tanakpur, officially launching the annual pilgrimage through the Lipulekh route. A total of 49 pilgrims drawn from across the country set out on their spiritual journey toward Lipulekh Gunji.

The Flag-Off Ceremony

Chief Minister Dhami received the pilgrims with traditional offerings and extended his wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. Addressing the gathering, he underscored the religious significance of the state. 'It is a matter of pride for us that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is known as the land of Lord Shiva. This is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, and every devotee who visits here carries back an unforgettable spiritual experience,' he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Dhami added, 'We are sending 49 devotees of Lord Mahadev on this journey from here. It is a moment of great pride for me. Our endeavour is that the journey for all the devotees undertaking this yatra is smooth, simple, and safe.'

Logistics and Arrangements

The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has put in place comprehensive arrangements covering reception, accommodation, and allied facilities for all pilgrims. TRC Manager Manoj Kumar confirmed that a total of 10 batches of pilgrims will depart from Tanakpur over the next 18 days as part of this year's yatra. District Magistrate Manish Kumar has directed officials to ensure improved facilities and seamless logistical support throughout the pilgrims' stay.

Voices from the First Batch

The first batch reflects the pan-India character of the pilgrimage. Harikrishan, a 21-year-old from Gujarat and the youngest member of the group, expressed his excitement. 'I am from Gujarat and have come here with my mother. I feel very happy to be here. Everyone seems like a family. Everyone has a dream of doing this pilgrimage, and that is being fulfilled through this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,' he said.

Kanchan, a pilgrim from Jaipur, Rajasthan, described the yatra as the culmination of a long spiritual journey. 'I have already completed the pilgrimage of 12 Jyotirlingas. Only Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was left, and now I am here, and I couldn't be any happier,' she said.

Reena Suman from Bengaluru, travelling with her family, noted that she had completed the Char Dham Yatra in 2025. 'I hope that with Lord Shiva's grace, the Yatra is smooth and safe for all,' she said.

Significance of the Lipulekh Route

The Lipulekh route is one of the two designated corridors for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, passing through the high-altitude terrain of the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand before crossing into Tibet. The route holds deep religious significance for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain pilgrims, as Mount Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva. This year's resumption of the yatra is particularly notable given the multi-year disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and bilateral border sensitivities in the region.

With nine more batches scheduled over the coming weeks, the state administration's focus now shifts to maintaining the quality of facilities and ensuring pilgrim safety across the high-altitude stretch.