First batch of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra flagged off, around 1500 pilgrims this year

The first batch of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra-2018 was today flagged off here by Union minister of state for External Affairs VK Singh, who hoped the pilgrimage passing through difficult terrain of the Himalayas concludes smoothly.

Singh also counselled pilgrims to remain physically fit and establish communion with nature to come out rewarded from the Yatra.

The first batch comprising 60 pilgrims will reach Kailash Manasarovar via Lipulekh. There are two routes for Yatra-through Lipulekh pass(Uttarakhand) and through Natu La pass(Sikkim).

"This year 3,734 applications were received. After draw of lots, around 1500 were selected for the Yatra," the minister said.

Pilgrims will reach Kailash Manasarovar via Lipulekh in eight batches of 60 pilgrims each. Ten batches of 50 pilgrims each will reach there via Nathu La, he said.

The duration of the Yatra via Lipulekh is 24 days for each batch including three days in Delhi for preparatory work. This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram and Patal Bhuvaneshwar among others