Indian pilgrims traveling to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar have started arriving in Humla district through the Simkot–Namkha Hilsa border route. A group of 25 Indian pilgrims reached Simkot on Thursday as the annual pilgrimage season officially began through Nepal’s northern Himalayan corridor.
The pilgrims were welcomed at Simkot Airport by Chief District Officer Tek Kumar Regmi, Chairperson of Simkot Rural Municipality Bijay Bhandari, and other local representatives. Authorities and local tourism stakeholders expressed optimism that the pilgrimage season would significantly boost economic activities and tourism-related businesses in the remote Himalayan district.
Kailash Mansarovar, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Thousands of devotees travel every year through Nepal to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar for spiritual worship and religious rituals.
Around 11,000 Pilgrims Expected This Year
District authorities expect a major increase in the number of Indian pilgrims visiting through the Humla route this year. According to Chief District Officer Regmi, nearly 11,000 Indian devotees are expected to travel through the Simkot–Hilsa border point during the current pilgrimage season.
Last year, around 7,000 pilgrims completed the Kailash Mansarovar journey through Humla. Officials believe improved travel management, better coordination, and growing interest in the Nepal route have contributed to the expected rise in arrivals this year.
The Simkot–Hilsa corridor has become one of the important gateways for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims due to its scenic Himalayan landscape and relatively organized travel arrangements. Tourism entrepreneurs, hotel operators, transport workers, and local traders in Humla also depend heavily on the seasonal pilgrimage economy.
Local Economy Anticipated to Benefit
The arrival of pilgrims is expected to create business opportunities for local communities across Humla. Hotels, lodges, transportation services, porters, and guides benefit directly during the pilgrimage season, which is considered one of the busiest economic periods for the district.
Local authorities have also intensified preparations to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims through the remote mountain region. Coordination among security agencies, local governments, tourism operators, and health services has been strengthened to support the growing number of visitors. Officials say the route through Humla not only promotes religious tourism but also helps introduce Nepal’s remote Himalayan culture and natural beauty to international visitors.
Cleanliness Campaign Begins Across Seven Rural Municipalities
Meanwhile, a district-wide cleanliness campaign has also been launched across all seven rural municipalities of Humla from Baisakh 28, following a government decision. The campaign aims to improve sanitation, environmental management, and public awareness in areas connected to tourism and pilgrimage activities. The campaign is being conducted in Simkot, Namkha, Kharpunath, Sarkegad, Chankheli, Adanchuli, and Tanjakot rural municipalities.
Local governments stated that the initiative focuses on maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, settlements, roads, and pilgrimage routes as visitor numbers increase during the tourism and pilgrimage season. Authorities believe the campaign will help preserve the fragile Himalayan environment while improving the overall experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting the district.
Growing Importance of Humla Route
In recent years, the Humla route has gained increasing prominence as an alternative pathway for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. Improved coordination between local authorities and tourism stakeholders has contributed to safer and more organized travel arrangements.
Officials remain hopeful that the increasing number of pilgrims will strengthen Humla’s tourism sector, create employment opportunities, and contribute to local economic growth while promoting Nepal as a major gateway for Himalayan religious tourism.
