The number of foreign pilgrims traveling through Humla to visit the sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites of Kailash and Mansarovar has increased significantly in recent weeks, with a growing influx of Indian religious tourists entering Nepal for the spiritual journey. Officials say the movement of pilgrims through the Humla route has gained momentum after the reopening of the Hilsa border point, making the region increasingly active during the current pilgrimage season.
Tourist Arrivals Increase After Border Reopening
Although the Hilsa border point in Humla became operational from the first week of Baisakh, foreign tourists only began arriving in noticeable numbers from Baisakh 30, according to Chief District Officer Tekraj Regmi. He stated that Simkot Airport, which had remained relatively quiet during the month of Baisakh, has witnessed a sharp rise in tourist arrivals since the beginning of Jestha. The increase in flights and visitor movement has revived tourism and business activities in the district, especially around Simkot and Hilsa.
More Than 2,700 Foreign Pilgrims Enter Humla
According to official records, a total of 2,747 Indian and foreign tourists entered Humla through Nepalgunj between Baisakh 30 and Jestha 23 for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage visits. Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Khadka of the District Police Office said that during Baisakh alone, 55 female and 59 male pilgrims arrived in the district.
However, the number increased dramatically during the month of Jestha. Authorities reported that 2,632 foreign pilgrims, including 1,292 women and 1,340 men, traveled through Humla to visit Kailash Mansarovar during the month. Officials expect the number of visitors to increase further as the border crossing remains fully operational during the peak pilgrimage season.
Humla Route Becoming Preferred Option
Tourism and aviation officials say the Humla route has become increasingly popular among Indian pilgrims because it offers a shorter and more convenient path to Kailash Mansarovar compared to alternative routes. With China reopening the Hilsa border crossing for both Humla residents and Indian tourists, religious tourism activity has accelerated in the region.
Deependra Bhandari, an official working at Simkot Airport, said the current influx marks the largest number of Indian pilgrims visiting Humla since the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is the biggest flow of Indian pilgrims visiting Kailash Mansarovar through Humla after the coronavirus pandemic. The number of Indian tourists has been steadily increasing,” he said.
Increased Flights Operating Between Nepalgunj and Simkot
According to airport officials, flight frequency between Nepalgunj and Simkot has also increased to meet growing passenger demand. Bhandari said that under favorable weather conditions, between five and ten flights are currently being operated daily from Nepalgunj to Simkot.
Domestic airlines including Sita Air, Summit Air, and Tara Air have been conducting regular flights for pilgrims and travelers. In addition, multiple helicopter services are operating flights from Simkot to Hilsa to transport tourists more efficiently toward the border region.
Local Economy Benefiting from Religious Tourism
The increase in religious tourism has provided significant economic opportunities for local communities in Humla. According to Ram Bahadur Bhandari, President of the Humla Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local residents are benefiting through employment opportunities and increased business activity.
He said hotel operators in Simkot and Hilsa have experienced strong income growth as hotels remain packed with pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage season. “Not only hotel businesses, but many local residents have also found employment opportunities because of the growing number of tourists,” he stated. Local businesses including transportation services, restaurants, guides, and porters are also benefiting from the increased tourist flow.
Local Governments Collecting Tourism Fees
The local governments of Simkot and Namkha Rural Municipality have also been collecting tourism service fees from foreign pilgrims entering the district. Authorities currently charge Indian tourists a fee of NPR 1,000 per person as part of tourism management and local revenue generation efforts. Officials say the collected funds are expected to support local infrastructure, tourism management, and public services in the region.
Peak Season for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage
Tourism officials noted that the months of Jestha, Ashadh, and Shrawan are considered the most favorable period for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage due to relatively stable weather conditions in the Himalayan region. As weather conditions improve and cross-border movement continues smoothly, authorities expect an even larger number of pilgrims to travel through Humla in the coming weeks. The growing popularity of the Humla route is also expected to strengthen Nepal’s role as an important gateway for religious tourism linked to Kailash Mansarovar, one of the most revered spiritual destinations for Hindus and Buddhists alike.
