Nepal, Tibet floods block Mount Kailash pilgrimage route

Floods that swept across Nepal and Tibet last week have halted the annual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a mountain that sits at the crossroads of Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist, and Jain faiths. The disaster struck the Kailash region in early September, when heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides and swollen rivers that blocked the main trekking routes. The floods forced authorities to close the holy site, and thousands of pilgrims were stranded on the outskirts of the mountain.

Mount Kailash is revered as the dwelling place of Shiva by Hindus, the abode of Demchog by Tibetan Buddhists, and the place where Rishabhanatha, the first Jain tirthankara, achieved liberation. Pilgrims from around the world walk a 52‑kilometre circuit called the Kora, which is considered a complete act of devotion. The mountain has been a spiritual beacon for centuries, and its accessibility is tightly linked to the health of the surrounding rivers and glaciers. The interruption of the pilgrimage is significant because it not only affects religious practice but also the local economies that depend on pilgrimage tourism.

The floods were caused by an unusually intense monsoon season combined with rapid glacial melt in the Himalayas. Meteorological data show that the region received 150 millimetres of rain in a 48‑hour period, double the average for September. The swollen rivers—particularly the Karnali and the Tsari—overflowed their banks and washed away bridges. In addition, the sudden rise in water levels exposed weak spots in the infrastructure that had not been upgraded in years. Local officials estimate that the damage to roads and bridges will cost the Nepalese government about $12 million to repair.

In response, Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has set up emergency shelters for stranded pilgrims and is coordinating with Tibetan authorities to secure the site. The Hindu and Buddhist councils have called for a joint relief effort and are urging pilgrims to postpone their visits until the routes are cleared. Meanwhile, climate experts warn that such floods are likely to become more frequent as the Himalayas continue to warm. The incident has sparked a debate about the need for better flood‑management infrastructure and the protection of a shared spiritual heritage that spans borders.