Kathmandu, July 5

The Indian government today issued a new advisory on travel to Kailash Mansarovar through the Nepal route.

The move from India’s Ministry of External Affairs came after Indian pilgrims were stranded in various places in the wake of the recent inclement weather along the Nepalganj-Simikot-Hilsa route of Kailash MansarovarYatra (through Nepal).

It should be noted that Simikot and Hilsa in Nepal are extremely infrastructure lean places lacking in medical facilities/comfortable boarding and lodging facilities. Thus, pilgrims should get themselves medically examined before starting the Yatra as well as carry medicine for up to one month, according to the advisory.

All prospective pilgrims should further note that Simikot and Hilsa are connected to rest of the world only by air (small aircraft or helicopters). There is no other way of travelling in and out of these places. Further, these small aircraft or helicopters can operate only when the weather is absolutely clear in these places and their adjoining areas, as the terrain and route is extremely dangerous. Thus in case of poor weather, there are high chances of pilgrims getting stranded in various legs of the pilgrimage, read the advisory.