Nepal's trekking body asks govt to urge China to help stranded pilgrims

Kathmandu, Jul 12 (PTI) Nepal's Trekking Association has urged the government to request China to open an alternative route for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stranded due to the collapse of the Miteri Bridge on the border with the northern neighbour.

Hundreds of pilgrims, mostly from India, have been stranded following the incident on July 8, Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) said in a statement issued on Friday.

TAAN asked the government to request China to facilitate pilgrims to visit Kailash Mansarovar from "other alternative routes such as Tatopani, Korola and Hilsa." At least nine people were killed and 19 others were missing after monsoon rains flooded a river in Rasuwa district, sweeping away the "Friendship Bridge" that links Nepal to China.

Scores of pilgrims, majority of them Indians, go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal through private tour operators. China has allowed entry of Indians into Tibet for the Yatra after five years. PTI SBP RD RD RD