In a dramatic and tragedy-filled turn, a massive flood in Tibet's Gyirong region washed away the Kerung (Miteri) Bridge, the major point of entry connecting Nepal's Rasuwagadhi to China. The disaster has resulted in a complete shutdown of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the popular and budget-friendly Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded and requiring emergency bypasses through alternative and much costlier routes.
What Happened?
Heavy rain in Tibet on 8 July brought flash flooding in the Bhotekoshi River (Lehende), which rushed through the valley and destroyed the Kerung (or Kyirong, Gyirong) Friendship Bridge. In addition to being a key trade and transport artery, the bridge is also the simplest point of entry for pilgrims going to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, sacred sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and practitioners of the Bon faith.
Witnesses and tour operators reported that the flood was one of the worst in years. Entire parts of the bridge were swept into the river, and cars, containers, and even chunks of road were swept away. Many houses on both sides of Nepal and Tibet were damaged or destroyed, and power lines and hydropower machinery were also badly damaged.
Who Is Affected?
Thousands of pilgrims mostly from India and Nepal were hit. Some die-hards were already in Tibet or en route to Mount Kailash when the flood occurred, and others were stranded at the Nepal side, waiting for their permits or preparing to cross. The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) puts the number of missing or dead at a minimum of 20, but accurate numbers are still being verified.
More than a dozen trekking and tour parties were caught off guard by the landslide. TAAN and Nepal Tourism Board have called for instant coordination with the Chinese government to assist stranded pilgrims and expedite alternate route clearances.
Why Is This Such a Big Deal?
The Kerung route is the most economical and convenient way to reach Kailash Mansarovar, offered in place of the restrictions and hefty fees on the classic Lipulekh and Nathu La routes. It allowed pilgrims to travel by road via Kathmandu, drive through to Rasuwagadhi, cross Kerung Bridge into Tibet, and travel on by bus to Darchen the foothill base camp for Mount Kailash. With this route now off-limits, tour operators have no choice but to route pilgrims through much more costly alternatives, including:
The Hilsa Route
- Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Simikot (by air)
- Simikot → Hilsa (by helicopter)
- Cross over into Taklakot in Tibet
- Proceed by road to Kailash.
Book your Kailash Mansrovar Yatra Via Hilsa
This route, while scenic, has weather conditions to contend with and is subject to regular hold-ups, especially during the monsoon season. Helicopter transfers are also expensive, taking the overall expense of the Yatra closer to double for most devotees.
Other Options
Tatopani-Zhangmu: Not fully open since the 2015 earthquake.
Korala (Mustang): In the process of being developed for international crossing.
Chartered helicopter from Simikot or Kathmandu: Possible but very expensive.
Suggested Read: How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar via Hilsa: A Complete Travel Guide (2025 Update)
What Are Officials Saying?
TAAN has officially appealed to both the Nepali and Chinese governments to hasten the reconstruction of the bridge, but the process of reconstruction would be slow during the monsoon.
They have requested that China relax visa processing for rerouted pilgrims and allow alternative crossing points to temporarily open or be expanded. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) is liaising with tour operators to support affected visitors.
Meanwhile, several private operators are offering “emergency evacuation packages” via Simikot and Hilsa for those already in Tibet or stranded on the Nepali side. But these come at a significant additional cost.
What Does This Mean for Pilgrims?
If you’re planning your Kailash Yatra anytime soon, you’ll likely need to:
- Adjust your travel dates.
- Prepare for increased costs (especially for helicopter legs)
- Confirm permit and visa changes.
- Be ready for last-minute changes due to weather or route accessibility.
Most importantly, travel with licensed tour operators who know of current situations and who can change your route and rearrange your trip if needed.
The collapse of the Kerung Bridge is not just a structural issue a spiritual and logistical barrier for thousands of religious pilgrims and companies. There are alternatives, though they're less than ideal. Reconstructing the bridge will take months, if not longer, and so 2025 may be severely impacted for pilgrims traveling to Kailash.
Until recently, the sacred Yatra continues but through longer, more costly, and riskier channels. Travelers need to stay aware, be adaptable, and travel with seasoned operators who can improvise on the ground. You can contact us thorugh the Whatsapp at: +977 9851352671