Kathmandu, 17 May (H.S.): Pilgrims from India bound for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage have begun arriving in Nepal. Over the past four days, 169 pilgrims have registered in Nepal to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar journey via the Nepal route. Pilgrims are flying from Nepalgunj in western Nepal to Simkot and onward to Hilsa by air. Hilsa is considered the entry point for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage on the Chinese side.

According to Simkot Airport chief Mahendra Singh, 169 Indian nationals and citizens of 22 other countries have arrived since May 14. Despite adverse weather, Summit Air operated three flights on Saturday that brought 47 pilgrims to Simkot.

With improved weather on Sunday, additional pilgrims were transported to Simkot.

He said some foreign travelers were unable to continue their journey to Kailash Mansarovar due to lack of required permits, and they were sent back.

Officials expect the number of pilgrims to increase in the coming days. Interest in the pilgrimage route has steadily risen since the Hilsa route reopened following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. After China reopened the route last year, approximately 6,500 Indian pilgrims traveled to Kailash Mansarovar via this corridor. The pilgrimage season began this year on May 14.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar