Kathmandu/New Delhi, Sep 15 (UNI) Several Indian pilgrims returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have been left stranded at Simikot in north-western Nepal, in the wake of the civil unrest that swept across Nepal last week. They have made an urgent appeal to the Indian government to intervene and initiate swift evacuation measures.
Simikot is en route to Nepalgunj from where the Indian pilgrims were to move to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
According to accounts from travellers, the fragile support systems in Simikot—already strained under routine circumstances—have collapsed under the sudden influx of pilgrims, many of whom are elderly and in need of urgent medical attention.
“There is no clarity from the authorities. Many senior citizens are unwell and have run out of essential medicines. There is neither medical assistance nor logistical coordination on the ground,” said Dr. Jagdish Kaur, a stranded pilgrim, speaking over the phone.
Flight operations between Simikot and Nepalgunj remain suspended, further compounding the crisis. While pilgrims are being airlifted by helicopter from Hilsa—a remote village at the border with Tibet—they are unable to proceed beyond Simikot, which lacks the infrastructure to accommodate such large numbers.
The situation has been aggravated by the absence of banking and digital facilities in the region, alleged the Indian pilgrims. With ATMs non-functional and no provisions for online transactions, many pilgrims have run out of cash and are unable to meet basic expenses.
“Our package tour duration has ended, and we are now being asked to pay for continued stay out of our own pockets. Many of us are unable to do so,” said Sunita Reddy, a solo traveller from Hyderabad.
Ramachandran, a hypertensive patient from Chennai, said he has run out of medication. “There is no pharmacy here. We are simply waiting and hoping someone will come to our aid.”
The story is echoed by Chatterjee, a diabetic pilgrim from Kolkata who requires insulin. “We are not just stranded, we are slowly being pushed to the edge—physically and mentally,” he said.
Even as helicopters continue to bring in more pilgrims from the high-altitude Hilsa region, no corresponding evacuation measures are in place.
“Simikot is overwhelmed. It simply cannot handle this volume. More are coming in, but none are leaving,” said Ramachandran.
Pilgrims have now made an urgent appeal to the Indian government to help.
“We request the Government of India to step in with emergency assistance and humanitarian support, especially for elderly and ailing travellers,” urged Dr. Kaur.
UNI AJ RN