52 km, 5,630 metres, half the oxygen: Why the Kailash yatra is an ordeal

In August 2026, a catastrophic flash flood struck the Bhotekoshi River in northern Nepal, causing widespread destruction in the region. This disaster occurred just days before the annual Kailash Manasarovar yatra, a 52 km trek around Mount Kailash, which is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.

The flood obliterated roads, bridges, and houses, and swept away entire villages, leaving hundreds dead and thousands missing, including over 300 Indians, many of whom may have been participating in the pilgrimage. The trek to Kailash is already a grueling journey, with pilgrims having to overcome high altitudes and extreme weather conditions.

However, this natural disaster added an additional layer of danger, as the route was already fraught with challenges due to its precarious terrain. The Kailash Manasarovar yatra serves as a stark reminder that even the most devout pilgrimages are not immune to the forces of nature and human-made obstacles.