KATHMANDU, MAY 17 A total of 169 pilgrims, mostly from India, have set out for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage via Humla over the past four days, marking the start of the season. According to Simkot Airport Chief Mahendra Singh, the arrivals since May 13 include 147 Indian nationals and 22 other foreign pilgrims. The route involves flights from Nepalgunj to Simkot, followed by travel to Hilsa, a key transit point for entering Tibet, China. Despite adverse weather, 47 pilgrims reached Simkot on Saturday via three flights operated by Summit Air. Some travellers, however, were unable to proceed due to lack of required permits. Authorities expect the number of pilgrims to increase further in the coming days following the reopening of the Hilsa route after COVID-19 restrictions. Last year, around 6,500 Indian pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage.