Kathmandu, Aug 2026 : Nepal has waived the trekking fee for foreign nationals returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through the western Hilsa border point in Humla district for one week, as authorities seek to facilitate the safe return of pilgrims affected by severe flooding in the Bhote Koshi River region.
The Department of Immigration announced the temporary waiver in a notice issued on Friday, stating that the measure applies to foreign pilgrims returning from Kailash Mansarovar who had previously obtained departure permits from the Immigration Office in Rasuwa.
The decision came into effect on August 27, with authorities citing the prevailing adverse conditions and the need to give priority to humanitarian safety and the smooth movement of stranded travellers.
Normally, foreign nationals travelling through the Hilsa border point are required to trek through an area classified as restricted. The government charges a trekking fee of US$50 per person per week for access to the area.
Under the temporary arrangement, the fee has been waived for one week to facilitate the return of foreign pilgrims through the Hilsa route.
The Immigration Department has also introduced additional relaxations. Foreign nationals and trekking guides travelling through the route will not be required to obtain insurance during the period covered by the special arrangement. The mandatory requirement for pilgrims to be accompanied by a trekking guide has also been temporarily waived.
The measures are intended to provide an alternative route for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims returning to Nepal after devastating floods severely damaged infrastructure along the Rasuwa-Timure route, which connects Nepal with China.
The Bhote Koshi River floods swept away or damaged roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, making movement along the traditional route difficult and disrupting travel between the Nepal-China border and surrounding areas.
According to the Immigration Department, 93 people had received departure permits from its Rasuwa office as of August 26. Of these, 32 were Indian nationals.
The Rasuwa route had emerged as one of the important access points for pilgrims travelling towards Kailash Mansarovar before the latest natural disaster. However, extensive damage caused by the floods has significantly disrupted operations along the route, prompting authorities to explore alternative arrangements for returning pilgrims.
The decision to facilitate movement through Hilsa is aimed at reducing difficulties faced by foreign pilgrims while ensuring that they can return safely amid the ongoing emergency situation.
The latest measures come as Nepal continues to deal with the devastating consequences of the floods, which have caused widespread destruction across affected districts. Search and rescue teams continue to work in several areas while authorities assess damage to infrastructure and assist displaced communities.
According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the bodies of 579 people swept away by the floods had been recovered as of Friday evening. Another 1,924 people remained out of contact, highlighting the scale of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
With roads and bridges damaged across key routes, the temporary relaxation of immigration and trekking requirements is expected to provide some relief to foreign pilgrims and travellers attempting to return through alternative border points.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and could review arrangements depending on weather conditions, infrastructure restoration and the progress of rescue and relief operations.
