The situation for Indian tourists and pilgrims stranded in Nepal and along the Nepal-China border has grown tense, as over 600 Indian pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remain stuck in Taklakot, while hundreds of tourists are sheltering in Kathmandu and Pokhara, waiting for the crisis to ease. Families back home in India are anxious, but the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with State governments, is actively coordinating efforts to ensure their safe return.

Stranded pilgrims on the Nepal-China border

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, takes devotees to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. However, this year’s journey has been abruptly disrupted.

According to reports, more than 600 pilgrims have been left stranded in Taklakot (Burang), located on the Nepal-China border. Taklakot is a transit point for the pilgrims who cross from Nepal into Tibet as part of the yatra. With the current political instability in Nepal and restrictions on cross-border movement, the pilgrims are unable to continue their journey or return home.

Local authorities, along with Indian officials, are providing temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance to the pilgrims. Despite these arrangements, pilgrims are facing difficulties due to altitude-related health concerns, harsh weather conditions, and limited access to medical facilities.

Indian tourists stuck in Kathmandu and Pokhara

The situation is equally difficult for Indian tourists who had travelled to Nepal’s popular destinations, particularly Kathmandu and Pokhara, during the holiday season.

Video clips from Kathmandu airport show large groups of tourists waiting for evacuation flights, while others are staying in hotels arranged either by tour operators or through the assistance of the Indian Embassy in Nepal. Pokhara, a major tourist hub, is also hosting stranded Indian travellers. Many families, including women, children, and elderly citizens, are reported to be among those stuck.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has established helpline numbers and assistance centres, urging Indian nationals to remain in contact and register their details so that evacuation operations can be smoothly carried out.

MEA and State governments step in

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs has begun working with various State governments whose residents are among the stranded pilgrims and tourists. States like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have already been in contact with the MEA to coordinate assistance for their citizens.

An MEA spokesperson said that the ministry is in “constant touch with Nepalese authorities”, and arrangements for special flights and buses are underway. The focus is not only on bringing stranded citizens back to India but also on ensuring that their families are reassured about their safety.

Reassuring families back home

The news of pilgrims and tourists stranded has caused widespread concern among families across India. With communication from Taklakot being limited, many family members have been anxiously waiting for updates. The MEA has assured that no Indian national will be left behind and that the government is making every effort to ensure safe evacuation.

Several families have shared their ordeal on social media, with appeals to the government for urgent action. In response, both the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the MEA in New Delhi have intensified outreach to provide verified updates and counter misinformation.

Religious significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense spiritual value for Hindus, as Mount Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, while Mansarovar Lake is believed to purify the soul of devotees. The yatra attracts thousands of Indians every year, often with great financial and physical effort.

The sudden disruption of this sacred journey has not only caused logistical challenges but also deep emotional distress among pilgrims, many of whom had waited for years to undertake the yatra.

The challenges in Taklakot

Taklakot lies at an altitude of over 4,000 metres, making it prone to altitude sickness and respiratory issues. With a large number of pilgrims stranded, ensuring medical care has become a challenge. Indian officials are coordinating with local medical facilities and providing necessary support.

Moreover, the uncertain timeline of reopening the route has left many pilgrims in a state of limbo, unsure whether they will be able to complete their pilgrimage this year.

Steps taken by India so far

1. Emergency Helplines – The Indian Embassy in Nepal has activated dedicated helplines for stranded tourists and pilgrims.

2. Shelter and Food – Arrangements have been made for temporary accommodation in hotels and shelters.

3. Medical Care – Special teams have been dispatched to ensure that those facing health issues are given priority attention.

4. Evacuation Planning – Discussions with Nepalese and Chinese authorities are ongoing to facilitate the safe return of stranded citizens.

Broader impact on India-Nepal ties

The crisis has highlighted the importance of strong coordination between India and Nepal, especially in times of emergency. With thousands of Indians visiting Nepal annually for tourism, pilgrimage, and transit to Tibet, both countries are expected to review their emergency response mechanisms.

Experts suggest that this could be an opportunity to strengthen bilateral mechanisms for cross-border cooperation during crises, ensuring that pilgrims and tourists do not face prolonged hardships in the future.

The way forward

As of now, the priority remains the safe evacuation of stranded Indians. The MEA, Indian Embassy, and State governments have assured that operations will continue until every Indian national is safely brought back.

Families are being urged to remain patient and trust the official channels for updates. With evacuation flights expected to begin shortly, it is anticipated that most tourists will be able to return within a few days. For the pilgrims in Taklakot, however, the process may take longer due to cross-border complexities.

Conclusion

The plight of Indian tourists and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stranded in Nepal and along the Nepal-China border serves as a stark reminder of how quickly travel plans and religious journeys can be disrupted by political instability and logistical challenges.

The Indian government’s proactive response, combined with the support of Nepalese authorities, provides hope that the crisis will be resolved soon. Until then, the safety and wellbeing of Indian nationals abroad remains the topmost priority.

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