The devastating flash floods in Nepal that struck Rasuwa district on Wednesday have caused significant distress for tourist groups, primarily religious pilgrims heading to Kailash Mansarovar. Many of these individuals were waiting near the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, either en route to Tibet or returning. Over 24 hours later, hundreds remain unaccounted for, including 137 Indians, according to the latest figures.
Increased Popularity of the Rasuwa Route
Local authorities have reported a record number of pilgrims taking the Rasuwa route this year, exceeding 13,500. This route has gained favor over the more expensive Humla crossing. Both routes are utilized by tourists traveling through private operators in Nepal.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organizes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through two official mountain pass routes: the Lipulekh Pass Route in Uttarakhand, which takes about 21-22 days, and the Nathu La Pass Route via Sikkim, which requires over 20 days. The MEA charges approximately Rs 2 lakh per person and accommodates around 1,000 pilgrims annually, selected through a computerized lottery system. However, due to limited availability, many pilgrims opt for routes offered by private operators in Nepal, which do not impose such restrictions and can be booked in advance.
