Surkhet, May 15 -- Mansarovar pilgrimage season has begun this year with the arrival of 25 Indian tourists on a chartered flight on Thursday.

Tour operators say nearly 15,000 Indian pilgrims have already booked packages for the Mansarovar journey this season. The Association of Kailash Tour Operators Nepal (AKTON) said bookings have increased compared to last year.

Bimal Naharki, president of AKTON, said the Hilsa border crossing has become a key attraction for pilgrims heading to Mansarovar, citing favourable weather conditions, shorter travel distance, geographical convenience and lower costs. He said Indian pilgrims are booking trips through 35 travel agencies this season. Last year, around 6,500 Indian pilgrims travelled to Mansarov...