Humla. KATHMANDU: The number of foreign pilgrims visiting Mansarovar and Kailash via Humla has increased. The number of Indian religious tourists visiting Kailash Mansarovar has increased in the recent days.

Though the Hilsana has come into operation since the third week of April, foreign tourists have started arriving in Humla from May 13, said Chief District Officer Tek Raj Regmi. According to him, the number of foreign tourists has increased since the third week of May at Simkot Airport, which was deserted in April.

A total of 2,747 tourists from India and other countries have visited Humla to visit Kailash Mansarovar via Nepalgunj since May 12. Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Shanker Khadka, said that 55 female and 59 male tourists reached the district in the month of April.

The number of tourists visiting Mansarovar Kailash has suddenly increased in May alone. A total of 2,632 foreign tourists, including 1,292 women and 1,340 men, visited Kailash Mansarovar during the month. The number of foreign tourists visiting Kailash Mansarovar is expected to increase after the customs point comes into operation.

Simkot Airport has seen a large number of Indian passengers lately as the route to Humla is shorter to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Dipendra Bhandari, who works at Simkot airport, said the number of religious tourists has increased after China opened the Hilsa transit for Indian tourists including the people of Humla.

“This is the highest number of Indian tourists coming to visit Kailash Mansarovar in Humla after the coronavirus pandemic”, he said. ”

According to him, five to ten flights are operated daily from Nepalgunj when the weather is favourable. Sita, Summit Air and Tara Air have been operating flights here. Various helicopters have also been providing service to tourists from Simkot Airport to Hilsa.

President of Humla Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ram Bahadur Bhandari, said that the Indian tourists visiting Kailash Mansarovar via Humla route will provide employment to the people of the district. According to him, not only hoteliers, other people here have also got employment. The hotels in Hilsa, including the district headquarters Simkot, are full of tourists.

Simkot and Namkha rural municipalities have also been collecting fees from foreign tourists visiting Humla. The government has been charging one thousand rupees per person to the Indian tourists. The months of May, June and July are the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar.