SIMKOT: The onset of the peak pilgrimage season has brought a massive influx of over 3,700 Indian spiritual tourists to the Himalayan district of Humla, traveling via Simikot Airport and the Hilsa border crossing toward Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

According to local authorities, a total of 3,780 Indian tourists—comprising 1,892 women and 1,888 men—have arrived via the Nepalgunj-Simikot route since arrivals commenced on May 13.

This surge of 80 to 200 daily travelers has completely filled local hotels to capacity, boosted incomes for hospitality businesses, created immediate employment for more than 30 baggage porters, and opened up a vibrant market for local vegetable farmers.

To manage the high volume of travelers, six private aircraft from Tara, Sita, and Summit Air are running continuous flights from Nepalgunj, while six dedicated helicopters shuttle passengers from Simikot onward to Hilsa from early morning until dusk, occasionally causing air traffic congestion at the bustling Simikot Airport.