25,000 TOURISTS TO KAILASH AFFECTED

KEDAR DAHAL

KATHMANDU, May 31

Around 25,000 foreign tourists planning to visit Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal have been stopped after the Chinese government blocked all the border points with Tibet citing the earthquake. Around 25,000 foreigners had booked for tour of Kailash Mansarovar through 38 tour and travel companies.

No tourist, however, has cancelled booking until now, according to President of Kailash Tour Association Prakash Shrestha. Tourism entrepreneurs demand that the tour should be opened even by opening the Hilsa point of Humla. Shrestha says taking 25,000 foreigners to Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal will be a huge relief at a time when tourism sector has been ravaged by the earthquake. The entrepreneurs have informed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) but there has not been any breakthrough. “25,000 tourists are still ready to come once we give them time,” he adds.

China has closed border points in Tatopani, Rasuwa and other places stating there can be landslides. Shrestha says the entrepreneurs have urged the government to take initiative to allow tourists to visit Kailash Mansarovar by helicopters or on foot from Nepalgunj-Surkhet. Indian, Russian, Malaysian and other European tourists have booked to tour Kailash Mansarovar. Around 80 percent of tourists going to this area are Indians. Around 40,000 visit Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal every year.

The time from May-July is considered the main season to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Nepali tourism entrepreneurs make all arrangements for tourists to visit Kailash Mansarovar. Around 80 percent of these tourists remain in Nepal for 7-10 days while the rest 20 percent remain for 4-7 days. Tourists visiting Kailash Mansarovar spend the most after those coming for mountaineering.

Entrepreneurs claim that over 100,000 will get employment if these 25,000 tourists were to come to Nepal immediately. “The government must, therefore, facilitate it. Many hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs will benefit if these 25,000 stranded tourists were to be brought to Nepal.

Tourism Ministry seeks help of Foreign Ministry

The Tourism Ministry has written to the Foreign Ministry urging it to take diplomatic initiative with the Chinese government to open the border with Tibet. Director General of the Department of Tourism said the initiative is being taken at the level of minister. “The road toTatopani has already been opened. We are trying to bring these 25,000 tourists to Nepal by any means,” he added.