Pithoragarh, June 19 -- Preparations for the smooth conduct of the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have commenced in Pithoragarh district, with the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to reach the Dharchula base camp on July 5, district administration officials said. According to the itinerary released by the nodal agency, the first batch of pilgrims will arrive at Tanakpur from New Delhi on the night of July 4 and proceed to Dharchula the following morning. "The first batch will cross into Tibet through Lipulekh Pass on July 10 and return to the Indian side on July 18 after completing the pilgrimage," said Dhan Singh, in-charge of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra base camp at Dharchula. To review preparedness for the annual pilgrimage, a meeting of all concerned departments was held at the district collectorate under the chairmanship of Ashish Bhatgain, District Magistrate of Pithoragarh. "We have instructed all departments concerned to make arrangements in accordance with the yatra itinerary and ensure that all facilities are in place before the arrival of pilgrims," said Ashish Bhatgain. The district administration has directed the health department to ensure adequate medical facilities for pilgrims. Officials said the Chief Medical Officer has been asked to keep base hospital-level healthcare arrangements ready throughout the pilgrimage period. The administration has also sought support from the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for maintaining road connectivity, security arrangements and monitoring chronic landslide-prone stretches along the route leading to Gunji, one of the key transit camps of the yatra. "Pilgrims will be provided quality facilities including accommodation, meals, drinking water and sanitation at all designated camps," an official said. According to the District Magistrate , a total of 500 pilgrims will undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass route this year. The pilgrimage will be conducted in 10 batches, each comprising 50 pilgrims....