In Sikkim, the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatri for this year left for its next destination 15th Mile on way to Nathula this morning. State Chief Secretary, Alok Sriwastav has flagged off this onward bus Journey in Gangtok today. The official sources said that these pilgrims after reaching to 15th Mile located about 25 kilometers away from the state capital Gangtok will make a night halt at acclimatization centre established by the Army. <br/><br/>The Sherethang Area at the height of about 12 thousand feet will be the next stoppage before Nathula near China Border. The Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims after spending three more nights within area under Indian Jurisdiction will be able to enter in Tibet Autonomous Region in China on 20th June this month.<br/><br/> This complete motorable road for the Kailash Mansarovaer yatri through Nathula pass opened last year is considered less difficult as compare to another existing Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. It provides best facilities including acclimatization and the entire journey can be completed in only 19 days. <br/><br/>The government has increased the pilgrims' intake this year allowing seven batches of more than 350 people giving preferences to elderly people only. Last year this intake was in five batches only. The next two batches for this season are scheduled to arrive in Gangtok on 20th and 28th June while remaining batches will began its journey in July next month.