Fifty pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar have become unreachable after a sudden flood struck the Rasuwa border area on Wednesday. The group had travelled from Kathmandu toward the Nepal–China border for the pilgrimage and was in the border region when the flood disrupted communication.
According to Himalayan Glacier, the travel company managing the group, the 50 travellers include 40 Indian-origin citizens of the United States and Canada and 10 Nepali nationals. The group had reached the border area on Tuesday as part of its onward journey to Kailash Mansarovar. The loss of contact does not yet confirm that the pilgrims are missing or injured. Their exact condition and location have not been established because the flood has affected communication and transportation links in the area.
Sudden Bhotekoshi Flood Disrupts Rasuwa
A major flood entered Rasuwa through the Bhotekoshi River from the Tibetan side at around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Rasuwa Chief District Officer. The sudden surge caused damage in areas including Timure and Syabrubesi, while authorities warned of increased risks along downstream sections of the Trishuli River. The flooding has also disrupted roads and communication in parts of the district, making it difficult to establish immediate contact with people in the affected border area. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage and the condition of people in the affected locations.
Rescue and Search Operations Intensified
Following the incident, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and other government agencies have been mobilized for search, rescue and relief operations. Authorities are also preparing aerial rescue efforts as access to some affected areas remains difficult. The government has urged residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and flood- and landslide-prone areas. People living along the Trishuli River downstream toward Nuwakot, Dhading and further areas have also been advised to remain on high alert as the floodwater moves downstream.
Kailash Mansarovar Route Faces Temporary Disruption
The incident has raised immediate concerns for pilgrimage and tourism movement through the Rasuwagadhi border, one of the routes used by travellers heading toward Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. In the last fiscal year alone, more than 13,500 religious tourists travelled to Kailash Mansarovar through the Rasuwagadhi border, highlighting the importance of the corridor for religious tourism.
For now, the priority remains establishing contact with the 50-member group and ensuring their safety. Authorities and the travel operator are continuing efforts to determine their exact location and condition as the flood situation develops.
