Pithoragarh, July 08: After a delay of five weeks due to SARS scare in China, the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra today began from New Delhi with the first batch of 16 pilgrims leaving for Almora base camp in Uttaranchal. The Yatra which was scheduled to begin on June 02 got delayed after Chinese authorities refused permission due to SARS scare.
The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency responsible for making all the arrangements for the yatra said, confirmation for sixteen pilgrims has been received from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Though the batch initially comprised of 30 people but many people cancelled their registration due to SARS, KMVN managing director Ajay Singh Nabhiyal said.
The Yatra will conclude on Sept 25. Bureau Report