The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has stated that the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage has been obstructed following the destruction of the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge due to a flood in the Lehendey stream on Tuesday morning.
TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyalsen Sherpa reported that pilgrims and tourists attempting the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage by entering Tibet via Rasuwagadhi have been facing serious difficulties after the bridge was washed away.
He urged the Chinese government to immediately coordinate diplomatically and open alternative border points such as Tatopani, Korala, and Hilsa to ensure continued access for travelers bound for Tibet and Mount Kailash.
TAAN President Sagar Pandey also called on the Nepal government to streamline the Tibet entry process ahead of the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar travel season. He further appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate swift arrangements for pilgrims stranded in Kathmandu to begin their pilgrimage without delay.
Meanwhile, TAAN expressed deep condolences to those who lost their lives in the recent floods and urged the government to accelerate search efforts for those still missing.
Highlighting the impact of the disaster on mountain tourism and pilgrimage routes, TAAN also stressed the urgent need for the government to prioritize the reconstruction of damaged roads and infrastructure, including the Friendship Bridge and connecting paths leading to Tibet.
