New Delhi, June 13, (UNI) Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, presided over the flagging-off ceremony of the inaugural batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) 2026 at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday.
The first group of pilgrims will travel via the Nathu La route and is scheduled to commence its onward journey from Delhi on June 15, 2026.

Addressing the yatris, Margherita congratulated them on their selection for the revered pilgrimage and highlighted the Government's efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. He informed the pilgrims that accommodation would be provided at newly established acclimatization centres, which were recently inaugurated virtually by the Prime Minister Modi.
The Minister also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of various Central Government ministries and departments, along with the State Governments of Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh, in facilitating the pilgrimage. He noted that these collective efforts are aimed at providing an enriching, seamless and fulfilling experience for Indian citizens undertaking the sacred journey.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most significant spiritual pilgrimages for devotees, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon traditions.UNI AAB