Simkot (Humla) : The number of pilgrims travelling to sacred shrines- Kailash Mansarovar- through Nepal’s northern border point in Humla district has crossed 3,700 as of now this year as the annual pilgrimage season gathers momentum.
The increase has been driven largely by a growing influx of Indian religious tourists arriving by air and travelling from Nepalgunj Airport to Simkot and onward to Hilsa before entering China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) for the pilgrimage.
Hilsa serves as one of the main gateways to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, sacred pilgrimage sites in Tibet revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains among others for their spiritual and natural significance.
Since the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage season, a total of 3,780 Indian pilgrims have travelled along the route, said Bishnu Shrestha, Police Inspector at the District Police Office, Humla.
Tourist arrivals for the season began on May 13.
Of the total pilgrims, 1,892 are women and 1,888 are men, Inspector Shrestha said. At present, between 80 and 200 Indian visitors arrive in Humla daily by air, he added.
The growing number of arrivals has resulted in high occupancy at hotels and lodges in Simkot and along the Kailash Mansarovar route.
Local businesses gush that increased tourism activities have significantly improved their earnings.
More than 30 porters are currently employed carrying pilgrims’ luggage between Simkot Airport and nearby hotels, while locally produced agricultural goods have also seen increased demand.
According to Mahendra Singh, Chief of the Simkot branch of the Civil Aviation Authority, private airlines are currently operating six daily flights on the Nepalgunj-Simkot route-one by Tara Air, two by Sita Air and three by Summit Air.
Flights operate from early morning until late evening.
He shared that six helicopters operated by six different companies are ferrying pilgrims between Simkot and Hilsa, with services running from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm.
Tourist activities have intensified not only in Simkot but also in Hilsa, the Nepal-China border point.
Local authorities say the surge in pilgrim arrivals has also increased income opportunities for hotel operators and porters in Hilsa, a small town in Humla district bordering Nepal-China.
Chief District Officer of Humla, Tek Kumar Regmi, said the growing flow of Indian pilgrims has turned Simkot Airport into a bustling and busy transit hub throughout the day, with helicopter services beginning early in the morning and occasional congestion reported at the airport.
