Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal's mountainous district evacuated safely

Indian pilgrims, stranded at Dana Village in Nepal's mountainous Myagdi district while returning after offering prayers at the iconic Muktinath temple, were evacuated safely Thursday, an Indian Embassy official said.

The 72 pilgrims comprising children and many elderly people over 70 years of age were stranded at Dana Village due to flash floods, incessant rains and landslides, the official said.

Most of the pilgrims were from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. Some overseas Indians were also among them.

"In the morning, 18 sorties were conducted to evacuate them by identifying a helipad near the point of stranding," the official told PTI.

The pilgrims were given initial medical attention upon their arrival in Pokhara. Later, they left for Kathmandu for their return journey back home.

Muktinath Temple is regarded as sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley. The temple at an altitude of 3,710 metres at the foot of the Thorong La pass in mountainous Mustang district.