Pilgrims heading to Kailash Mansarovar have been left stranded after the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi was swept away by a flood. In response, the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has called on the government to open alternative border routes and speed up the Chinese visa process to help the affected travelers.

Kathmandu, July 12 — A flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River has destroyed the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, cutting off the only road link between Nepal and China at that border point. As a result, thousands of Nepali and foreign pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar have been left stranded.

The flood, which struck on July 8, washed away the bridge at Timure in Rasuwa district and caused severe damage to homes, roads, vehicles, hydropower projects, and livestock along the Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi route. At least 20 people are missing, and several have been confirmed dead.

In response, the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged the government to work with China to open alternative border routes for the stranded pilgrims, such as Tatopani (Sindhupalchok), Korala (Mustang), and Hilsa (Humla).

TAAN also raised concerns over delays in Chinese visa processing, which has left many foreign pilgrims stuck in Kathmandu. The association has called on Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Tourism to take immediate action to speed up visa procedures and improve border infrastructure.

TAAN has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and encouraged tourism operators to assist in ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

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