Dear Friends, Families, and Well-Wishers,
We are writing with a heavy heart to provide an official update regarding the devastating flooding in the Rasuwagadhi Nepal–China border region, which has directly impacted our ongoing Kailash Yatra pilgrimage group.
We can confirm that 40 pilgrims and 7 members of our Nepalese field team are currently unaccounted for. The affected pilgrims include:
Kailash Pilgrims
- 15 Australian citizens (NRI)
- 10 Canadian citizens (NRI)
- 8 USA citizens (NRI)
- 2 Singaporean citizens (NRI)
- 1 Russia/USA dual citizen
- 1 British citizen (NRI)
- 1 British citizen (NRN)
- 2 Nepali citizens
Total: 40 pilgrims
Nepalese Field Team
- 7 members of our Nepalese field team
The flooding has caused severe damage to mobile networks, roads, and electrical infrastructure in the affected area, making communication extremely difficult. Despite continued efforts, we have not yet been able to establish direct contact with those in the affected region.
The Government of Nepal and the Nepal Army are actively conducting search and rescue operations and are making every possible effort to locate and assist all those affected.
As soon as the incident was reported, our CEO, Mr. Sagar Pandey, immediately flew by helicopter to personally assess the situation and support rescue efforts. However, due to the severe conditions on the ground, the helicopter was not permitted to land.
Our local Nepal team remains actively engaged on the ground, coordinating directly with local authorities and rescue teams to obtain the latest verified information and relay updates as quickly as possible.
We want to be completely transparent with families and the public: we will not share information that has not been officially verified. We are monitoring the situation closely around the clock and will provide updates immediately upon receiving confirmed information from government authorities or rescue teams.
The yatris were excited to embark on this journey and the below is the itinerary they were supposed to be on for the sacred Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar yatra.
Aug 24 – Pashupatinath Darshan, Shaktipith and Sleeping Vishnu
Aug 25 – Drive to Nepal-Tibet Border (Overnight at Rasuwa Ghadi)(1,800m/5,906ft): 6-7 hrs
Aug 26 – Cross the Nepal-Tibet Border and Acclimatize in Kerung (2,700m/8,859ft): 45-min
Aug 27 – Drive from Kerung to Saga (4,600m/15,093ft): 5-6 hrs
Aug 28 – Drive from Saga to Manasarovar (4,590m/15,060ft): 9-10 hrs
Aug 29 – Travel to Darchen – The Gateway to Mount Kailash (4,700m/15,421ft): 4 hrs
Aug 30 – Parikrama to Dehara Puk and Charan Sparsh (5,100m/16,732ft): 5-6 hrs
Aug 31 – Parikrama to Dolma-La Pass – The Most Challenging and Sacred Day (5,600m/18,538ft): 10-12 hrs
Sep 01 – Conclusion of Parikrama and Return to Saga (4,600m/15,093ft): 2-3 hrs hike, 9-10 hrs drive
Sep 02 – Return from Saga to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft): 12 hrs
Sep 03 – Farewell Dinner Celebration – Buffer Day
Sep 04 – Fly Home Sweet Home – A Journey’s End
For Families Seeking Updates
We have created a dedicated WhatsApp group for families to receive real-time, verified information as it becomes available. If you have not yet been added, please contact us directly on WhatsApp at +1 860-593-1567 or +977-9702081300.
Our thoughts and prayers are with every pilgrim, every member of our field team, and every family waiting anxiously for news. We are doing everything within our power to support the ongoing rescue efforts and bring everyone home safely.
We will continue to post verified updates on this page as the situation develops.
Sincerely,
The Himalayan Glacier Team
