Overview
- The government formally flagged off the 2026 yatra from New Delhi and the first group reached Bagdogra and Gangtok for onward travel.
- Pilgrims began a four‑day acclimatisation programme at Gangtok, 15th Mile and Sherathang with on‑site medical screening and first‑aid support in place.
- Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation officials assigned liaison officers and local support staff to accompany the group during administrative formalities and preparation.
- The contingent is scheduled to continue to Mount Kailash via Nathu La and transit through Gyangze around June 20, pending cross‑border movement arrangements.
- Reports conflict on the exact headcount of the inaugural batch, with sources citing 41, 44 and 48 people, a discrepancy that officials have not reconciled in published coverage.