Nathu La trade resumes and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra continues, says Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba said the reopening of Nathu La border trade and the ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route reinforce Sikkim’s role as a corridor “
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba said the resumption of Nathu La border trade and the ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim are strengthening the state’s image as a “corridor of friendship” between India and China. He welcomed the restart of trade on August 1 after a six-year gap linked to the Covid-19 outbreak.
In his statement, the MP described the reopening of the route as a return of a historic way of commerce and cultural exchange across the Himalayas. He noted that both the trade and the pilgrimage travel through Sikkim’s Nathu La international border, about 52 km from Gangtok and at an altitude of 14,400 ft.
Nathu La as a shared route for trade and pilgrimage
According to the MP, Nathu La trade resumed from August 1, while the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims through the Sikkim corridor began in June. He said the two activities together highlight Sikkim’s position as an important border state and a gateway for trade, tourism, and spiritual travel.
Indra Hang also linked the development to wider economic and livelihood impacts for people in Sikkim. He said reopening the border route can support traders, transporters, local businesses, and tourism-related sectors, and can help strengthen jobs and growth in the state.
Yatra batches and people-to-people engagement
On the pilgrimage, he said around 500 pilgrims are scheduled to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route this year, in ten groups. He added that the sixth batch of yatris completed the pilgrimage and returned to Gangtok on July 30.
The MP further described the revival as having diplomatic value, saying trade and people-to-people exchanges help build trust and understanding between neighbouring countries. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their support, and also credited Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay’s efforts in helping the historic route reopen. He urged that the benefits reach border communities while protecting the fragile Himalayan environment.
