TAAN urges diplomatic engagement with China to ease pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar

Kathmandu, July 12: The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) has called on the government to immediately initiate the diplomatic efforts with the Chinese government to create enabling environment for the pilgrims heading towards Mansarovar from checkpoints such as Tatopani, Korola and Hilsa in view of a border bridge collapse in Rasuwagadhi.

The pilgrims travelling to Kailash Manasarovar, a holy site, in Tibet, China are facing problems after the recent flash flood in the Lhende stream swept away the Nepal-China Miteri Pul, a border bridge. 

The umbrella organization of trekking agencies in Nepal, TAAN, issued a press statement today that the bridge along the Nepal-China border was washed away by the flash flood in Lhende stream last Tuesday, resulting into utmost difficulties for the pilgrims.

The press statement issued by TAAN General-Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa brought to the fore the inconvenience being faced by the travelers heading toward Tibet area from Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa. 

Furthermore, TAAN President Sagar Pandey urged the government to ensure smooth visa for the tourists and pilgrims alike travelling to these shrines reasoning the peak season for this pilgrimage is beginning soon.

Even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal is urged to take diplomatic initiations with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal to accelerate and streamline visa process, making traveler-friendly so that the aspiring pilgrims waiting in Kathmandu can set out for the pilgrimage as early as possible. 

Extending condolences to those losing lives to the devastating flooding, TAAN appealed to the government to expedite search operation for those missing in the disaster. (RSS)