Nepal: 1500 pilgrims stranded in mountainous areas; two dead

Event

As of July 3, over 500 pilgrims participating in the yearly Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage were stranded in Simikot, a similar number in Hilsa, and 500 more on the Tibetan side of the border due to poor weather conditions. Two people have been killed. Indian authorities have asked the Nepali government to deploy the army to evacuate the pilgrims, who are mainly Indian nationals.

Context

The Hindu pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is undertaken every year between June and September. Thousands of devotees venture on the treacherous mountainous journey crossing parts of India, Nepal, and China.

Advice

As a reminder, foreign nationals heading to Nepal for hiking and trekking are advised to make sure that their insurance covers their intended activity, including travel above 3000 m (9800 ft), mountain rescue services, and helicopter evacuation costs. Western governments usually advise their citizens to keep tour operators, guides, and family informed of travel plans. Check weather forecasts several times a day and obey all instructions issued by local authorities.