High chances of getting stranded: MEA warns Kailash Yatris

In the wake of recent inclement weather along the route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Ministry of External Affairs cautioned pilgrims of getting stranded in various locations.

In its latest advisory, the Ministry warned all pilgrims that Simikot and Hilsa in Nepal are only connected by air. Therefore, extreme weather conditions could hamper the movement of small aircrafts and helicopters.

The Ministry further recommended pilgrims to get medically examined before starting the Yatra and carry medicine for up to one month, since Simikot and Hilsa lack medical facilities, comfortable boarding and lodging places.

Prospective pilgrims, along with state governments and tour agencies have also been advised to refer to the guidelines prescribed by the Ministry in April this year.

In the previous notice, pilgrims were asked to obtain appropriate Chinese visa and Travel Permit for Tibet before the journey.

A number of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims are stranded in parts of Nepal following a heavy downpour.

Over 300 pilgrims were rescued on Wednesday from Nepalganj-Simikot-Hilsa route of the Kailash Yatra.

The Indian embassy in Nepal is closely monitoring the situation in the region and operating flights and sorties to evacuate the pilgrims from the area.

A list of hotline numbers has been issued for the pilgrims stranded in Nepal and their family members.

Thousands of Indian pilgrims take part in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year via Nepal in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China ahead of the monsoon season.

The tour is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs each year between June and September, in cooperation with the government of People's Republic of China through two different routes - Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).