KATHMANDU: More than 1,500 pilgrims, most of them Indian nationals, have been stranded in Tibet while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar yatra after a massive flood in the Bhote Koshi River devastated Nepal-China border areas on August 26.

The Association of Kailash Tour Operators Nepal (AKTON) stated that more than 1,100 Indian nationals and nearly 400 other foreign nationals are stuck in Tibet following the flood.

“From our company alone, more than 700 pilgrims are waiting to return to Nepal from the Mansarovar Yatra,” said Jitendra Basnet, Managing Director of Trekkers Society, which runs the largest trip for Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation annually.

As the popular yatra route of Kerung along the Nepal-China border has been completely damaged by the flood, AKTON is looking for other options to rescue stranded pilgrims from Tibet to Nepal.

The best and most viable option is to allow them to use the Jomsom route to cross the border in Mustang, Basnet said, adding that they are not sure about the road conditions on the alternative Zhangmu route along the Tatopani border. “The Hilsa route will be more expensive as they need to use helicopters to get into Kathmandu,” he said.

AKTON said it is in consultation with government authorities to facilitate coordination with Chinese authorities for the use of the Jomsom route.

According to the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, 291 foreigners and 93 Nepali Mansarovar pilgrims from 12 different tour agencies are still missing in the flood. At least 92 from Trekkers Society, 71 from Samrat Tours & Travels, 55 from Leaf Holiday, 52 from Himalayan Glacier, 31 from Kailash Journey, 27 from Fishtail Tours & Travels, 20 from Alpine Eco Treks, and seven from Explore Vacation went missing in the Rasuwa area while they were on their way to cross the Kerung border for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Meanwhile, following the flood in the Bhote Koshi River, the Nepal Tourism Board said that 517 foreign nationals and 127 Nepali travellers who were in the Rasuwa area for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Gosaikunda Pilgrimage are still unaccounted for.