Pune: Flash Flood Cuts Off Nepal Border Route, 4 Kailash Pilgrims Stranded in Tibet
Pune, 26th August 2026: Four Indian nationals undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are stranded in Jilong (Kerung), Tibet, China, after a flash flood reportedly washed away the immigration office at the Nepal border, leaving them without a land route to exit.
According to information shared with the Pune district administration, the group is currently safe and remains in contact with authorities. However, two members are facing a medical emergency after suffering severe hypoxia, or altitude sickness, during the pilgrimage.
The affected pilgrims, identified as Smita Pawar and Yogini Patil, reportedly required urgent descent from the Mansarovar area to Jilong City and have been kept on continuous oxygen support. The group has sought emergency evacuation to Kathmandu, Nepal, where they can receive further medical treatment.
The other two members of the group are Dinesh Bhosale and Pooja Bhosale.
The pilgrims are travelling on a valid Kailash Mansarovar Group Visa issued on August 7, 2026, and valid until September 9, 2026.
The group has requested authorities to coordinate with Chinese officials to arrange an emergency airlift or helicopter evacuation from Jilong City to Kathmandu, citing the closure of the Nepal border crossing and unsafe local conditions.
The pilgrims are currently staying at Hotel Jiangdacang in Jilong City (Kerung), Tibet.
The request for assistance was made on August 26, with the group urging immediate intervention in view of the medical condition of two members.
The Pune district administration has been informed that all four stranded Indian nationals are safe and remain in contact.
The incident comes amid reports of severe weather and flash-flood conditions affecting the Nepal-Tibet border region, disrupting the movement of pilgrims and travellers.
