A high-level meeting was recently held to address the challenges faced by Nepali travel agents in securing visas for pilgrims participating in the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, while Lake Mansarovar is believed to purify the soul. The Yatra, jointly facilitated by Nepali and Chinese partners, stands as a powerful example of cross-border tourism cooperation and religious diplomacy in the region.
The meeting focused on finding practical and diplomatic solutions to streamline visa issuance and ensure uninterrupted operations of this important spiritual journey. Attendees included Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai, Foreign Secretary; Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana, Joint Secretary; Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board; Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, NTB Executive Member and NATTA President; Mr. Sagar Pandey, President of TAAN; Mr, Narendra Deo Bhatta, NTB Executive Member and Secretary General of PATA and Mr. Rishi Bhandari, NTB Executive Member and Secretary General of EON. We urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take the lead in resolving these issues through continued diplomatic engagement for the benefit of Nepal’s tourism and pilgrimage sector.