KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has expressed deep concern over the July 8 collapse of the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa district, which completely halted cross-border movement between Nepal and China. The bridge, located at a key border point in Timure, was swept away by the flooded Bhotekoshi River around 3:00 AM, following a devastating flash flood.

According to TAAN, the disaster has left around 20 individuals missing, with some confirmed dead. The flood has also caused significant damage to government and private properties, road infrastructure, hydropower installations, transport vehicles, and livestock along the Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi corridor.

On behalf of its executive committee and member agencies, TAAN has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and urged the Government of Nepal and relevant authorities to expedite rescue and relief operations. The association has also called on trekking agencies, guides, porters, and tourism operators to support ongoing humanitarian efforts.

The collapse of the Miteri Bridge has stranded thousands of Nepali and foreign pilgrims and tourists en route to Kailash Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China via Rasuwagadhi. In response, TAAN has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to engage in urgent diplomatic dialogue with China to open alternative routes via Tatopani (Sindhupalchok), Korala (Mustang), and Hilsa (Humla).

TAAN further raised concerns over visa delays faced by foreign pilgrims and tourists in Kathmandu at the start of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage season. The association highlighted how slow visa issuance and underdeveloped border infrastructure have disrupted travel plans and caused financial setbacks for the tourism sector.

TAAN has appealed to the Government of Nepal to streamline border procedures and facilitate visa processing from Kathmandu itself, stressing the need for timely political and logistical coordination to safeguard Nepal’s tourism and pilgrimage reputation.