Nepal's Ambitious Plan for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage

Anticipating the most direct route for Hindu pilgrims to reach Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, Nepal's foreign affairs minister Narayan Prakash Saud stated that the country aims to cater to 1 billion visitors to the sacred site once an agreement with China is finalized. Located in Tibet's Ngari prefecture, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is highly esteemed by Hindus worldwide, along with Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Tibet's indigenous Bonpa religion.

Saud's ambitious plan is significant as numerous Indian Hindus across the globe prefer undertaking the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nepal. Even Indian individuals seeking to save time and avoid strenuous journeys through Indian terrain opt for traveling via Nepal under private operators' arrangements, generating substantial foreign exchange revenue for the Nepalese government.

Nepal may offer international pilgrims the shortest way to reach Kailash Mansarovar, a major attraction for global Hindus. Saud shared this perspective in an interview after an eight-day visit to China, including parts of Tibet. Saud accompanied a delegation led by Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' returning from China on September 30th. The group visited Kailash Mansarovar on September 28th to conduct research and create an appropriate setting for countless Hindu pilgrims seeking to visit this holy site.

Saud stated that they had conducted studies in collaboration with Chinese authorities to promote tourism in the Kailash region through Nepal. Three routes have been proposed from Nepal: Hilsa of Humla district, Khori of Bajhang, and Tinker of Darchula district – all situated in western Nepal. The plan involves making an agreement with Chinese immigration for easy access for both Nepali and Indian tourists/pilgrims. As opposed to only three current entry points for pilgrims, China has suggested 14 points between Nepal and China for non-pilgrimage travelers and cargo transportation.

After conducting necessary studies, infrastructure development, road construction, and hospitality facilities are crucial requirements. If effectively managed, this route could serve as a milestone for approximately 1 billion Hindus worldwide to promote tourism in the region, Saud emphasized.