TAAN urges diplomatic steps to ease Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage

Kathmandu: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged the government to take immediate diplomatic steps with China to facilitate the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage following the collapse of the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi.

Pilgrims traveling to the sacred site in Tibet are facing difficulties after flash floods in the Lhende stream swept away the Nepal-China border bridge last Tuesday.

In a statement issued today, TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa highlighted the hardships faced by travelers bound for Tibet via Rasuwagadhi. TAAN called for alternative access through checkpoints like Tatopani, Korola, and Hilsa.

TAAN President Sagar Pandey urged the government to ensure a smooth and timely visa process, as the peak pilgrimage season begins. He also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the Chinese Embassy to simplify travel procedures for pilgrims waiting in Kathmandu.

TAAN expressed condolences to the victims of the floods and appealed for expedited search operations for the missing.