Humla: The district of Humla is witnessing a significant influx of international visitors, with a notable number of Indian pilgrims traveling to Kailash, a revered religious site for Hindu devotees. Typically, Indian tourists opt for the route to Kailash and Mansarovar in China’s Tibet via Hilsa in Humla.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the annual pilgrimage season to Kailash has concluded this year due to the declining temperatures. Hotelier Mim Lama reported that the hotels in the Hilsa area experienced a profitable season, largely attributed to the increased tourist numbers. Lama noted that each hotel generated over a million Nepali rupees during this period.
Since the reopening of the Hilsa border in May, approximately 6,500 foreign tourists have visited the Humla district. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Humla Shankar Pokharel stated that nearly 6,000 Indian pilgrims traveled through the district from Nepalgunj to reach Kailash. “Tourists from other countries too have arrived here,” added DSP Pokharel.
This route is considered more convenient for Indians and other nationals planning to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Officials have observed a sharp rise in the number of pilgrims using this route after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Simkot and Namkha rural municipalities impose an entry levy on foreign visitors to the district. Indian nationals are required to pay Rs 1,100, while other international visitors are charged Rs 1,500 for entry into the district.