Temporary Immigration Checkpoints Established for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims

New Immigration Checkpoints for Pilgrims

The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh La in Uttarakhand as temporary immigration checkpoints for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar. This arrangement facilitates the entry and exit of pilgrims from India during their journey.

Enhancements for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims

On Monday, the central government announced the temporary authorization of Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh La in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, as immigration checkpoints for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. This initiative aims to streamline the process for pilgrims entering and exiting India. The Ministry of External Affairs organizes the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage annually from June to September via the Lipulekh and Nathu La passes. The pilgrimage was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently delayed because of tensions at the India-China border. However, it is now set to resume.

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Nathu La and Lipulekh La Designated as Temporary Immigration Checkpoints

A notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the Nathu La checkpoint in East Sikkim has been designated as a temporary immigration post for pilgrims with valid travel documents to enter and exit India.

Additional Information

Passport (Entry into India) Rules 1950

In a similar notification, the Ministry stated that following the Passport (Entry into India) Rules of 1950, the Lipulekh La checkpoint in Pithoragarh district has also been authorized as a temporary immigration post for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. This site is considered sacred by Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva and is also revered by Jain and Buddhist communities. The pilgrimage is open only to eligible Indian citizens holding valid Indian passports who wish to visit Kailash Mansarovar for religious purposes.