One of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, has been stopped by severe floods this year as the area came under the extensive killer floods in Tibet’s Kerung region. The Nepal–China Friendship Bridge, also called the Miteri Bridge, a major land gateway for Nepali pilgrims to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, was devastated by flash floods on July 8. The sudden turn of events led to a huge diversion of the pilgrimage route and raised an alarm among travelers and authorities.
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Flood Damages Kerung Bridge
The intense monsoon rains in early July triggered unexpected flash floods in the upper parts of the Kerung and Lhende rivers. The resulting overflow swept away the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, which is the most-used crossing point between Nepal and Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The bridge collapse has effectively closed the traditional overland route used by thousands of pilgrims annually.
Aside from bridge destruction, the floods devastated most of the surrounding infrastructure. The Timure dry port, an important logistics hub near the border, sustained heavy losses with over 200 electric vehicles parked there being razed. At least 18 individuals have been reported missing, as per local authorities, and there has been widespread destruction of property in the affected areas.
Pilgrims Stranded and Seeking Solutions
The sudden loss of the bridge has left many pilgrims on the Nepalese side stranded, unable to proceed with their religious pilgrimage. Tourism operators and trekking agencies have faced an instant crisis of handling the situation, with providing safe passage and sheltering persons impacted by the disruption topping the agenda.
The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has appealed to the Nepali and Chinese governments to prioritize the repair of the Friendship Bridge. They have also recommended formulating an alternative route to prevent future interference in the pilgrimage season, which usually draws thousands of Nepalese, Indian, and international pilgrims.
Alternative Route via Simikot and Hilsa
Flood Damages Kerung Bridge causing complete disruption to Kailash Mansarovr yatra via this route. The alternative pilgrimage route route via Simikot–Hilsa corridor can be used to reach Kailash. Pilgrims take various stages:
- Pilgrims initially fly or drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Or directly arrive to Rupadiya Border (India) near by Nepaljung.
- Domestic flights from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the headquarters of Humla district, are taken by pilgrims.
- Pilgrims then change to helicopters to Hilsa or a private Jeep safari from Simikot to Hilsa, a Nepalese border town remote from civilization and near Tibet.
- From Hilsa, the tourists step into Tibet and proceed to Kailash Mansarovar.
Even though this route is more expensive due to helicopter transit fees, it offers a safer and shorter connection to holy sites during the current disruption. Certain tour operators, including Adventure Vision Treks, have organized packages to facilitate travel through this route.
🛕 Continue Your Kailash Yatra via the Trusted Hilsa Route
While the Kerung border route faces disruption, pilgrims can still complete their sacred journey through the Hilsa route via Simikot , a time-tested and spiritually scenic path to Kailash Mansarovar.
- 🛩️ Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot, then by heli/ private vehicle to Hilsa
- 🌄 Scenic route through Humla district and beyond
- 📿 Fully organized with experienced team
- 🆓 Visa & Tibet permits handled by us
Challenges and Expenses for Pilgrims
The change in itinerary has consequently increased the total cost of the pilgrimage. Helicopter travel from Simikot to Hilsa is limited and weather-sensitive, possibly increasing timing uncertainties. Pilgrims also face logistical challenges due to the remote nature of the region and relatively underdeveloped infrastructure compared to the traditional route.
Despite these difficulties, the majority of the devotees have demonstrated determination to continue marching forward, highlighting the powerful religious importance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The tour agencies are in close coordination with government organizations to ensure safety protocols and effective control of the additional traffic on this alternate route.
Government and Authorities’ Response
Governing bodies from Nepal and China have collaborated to simplify relief and reconstruction processes. The Nepal Department of Immigration, Rasuwagadhi customs agents, and the Chinese authorities are in close working relations to assess damages and develop repair plans.
But rebuilding the Friendship Bridge is a complex engineering job that will likely take several months in light of the extent of flood damage and ongoing monsoon weather. Meanwhile, the two governments are keeping a close eye on river levels and weather conditions to prevent future disasters.
TAAN and other stakeholder bodies persist in calling for the timely supply of information to travelers, requesting them to register via legitimate travel agencies and keep themselves updated about route conditions.
Pilgrims and Travelers’ Advice
Travelers intending to perform the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this year are strongly advised to:
- Be guided by authentic government and tourism websites.
- Consult registered tour operators well familiar with the situation.
- Prepare for higher costs and probable itinerary modifications.
- Ensure travel insurance covers sudden alterations in routes.
- Be open-minded and understanding in the event of weather or logistical challenges.
All tour operators have improved customer service offerings to encompass real-time information and advice throughout this time of uncertainty.
Restoration and Future Pilgrimages
Whereas the immediate priority is managing the disruption and rerouting pilgrims safely, officials are keen to rebuild the ruined bridge and reopen the historic overland route. Once open, the Friendship Bridge should revert to a principal pipeline for traders as well as pilgrims.
At the same time, Flood Damages Kerung Bridge gave a chance to the less popular route to Kailash Mansarova via Hilsa Nepal. Previously Simikot to Hilsa can be accessed only through trekking or via Helicopter. But now you can take overland tour by private vehicle too. It might spur the development of more robust and diversified routes of access to Mount Kailash in the future that would enhance safety and flexibility for pilgrims.
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