HUMLA: Simkot Airport recorded 170 flights in 24 hours this week as the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage season intensified. Fixed-wing aircraft operated 58 round trips between Nepalgunj and Simkot, while helicopters completed 112 shuttle flights between Simkot and Hilsa.

Airport officials said the surge reflects peak pilgrim movement since the route opened on May 13. Airlines including Sita Air, Tara Air, and Summit Air have expanded operations with six aircraft, alongside multiple helicopter services.

A total of 2,124 pilgrims have entered Humla in the past three weeks, boosting local tourism and business activity.