What initially felt like a major disappointment turned into a fortunate escape for a 61-year-old woman from West Bengal, after her visa rejection prevented her from travelling to Nepal just days before devastating flash floods struck the Himalayan region.
Tapati Singha had been preparing for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for months. She was scheduled to travel with a group from Kolkata through Nepal, but her Chinese visa was rejected without a reason being given.
Upset by the decision, Singha changed her travel plans and instead travelled to Ladakh.
A Change of Plans That Saved Her
Singha had been preparing for the pilgrimage since May. She attended preparatory meetings, shopping trips and trekking sessions along with other members of her travel group.
However, just days before departure, she was informed that her visa application had been rejected.
Although the decision initially left her deeply disappointed, she later realised that it had kept her away from the region where devastating floods struck.
Had her visa been approved, she would have been among the pilgrims travelling through Nepal as part of the group.
Nepal Floods Devastate Pilgrimage Route
On Wednesday, a massive flash flood swept through Nepal's Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, destroying roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure.
The disaster also affected several groups travelling towards Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers were reported missing from the affected areas, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens.
More Than 100 Indians Unaccounted For
Among those reported missing were more than 100 Indian nationals, many of whom were pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash.
Indian authorities have been coordinating with Nepal to locate the missing travellers. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also issued emergency helpline numbers for assistance.
Singha Returns Home Safely
After travelling to Ladakh instead of Nepal, Singha was on her way back to Kolkata.
She said the visa rejection, which had initially left her shattered, now felt very different in light of the tragedy in Nepal.
Her story has emerged as a striking example of how an unexpected change in travel plans can sometimes have life-changing consequences.
Families Await News
The Nepal floods have left families across India anxiously waiting for information about relatives who were travelling on pilgrimage.
West Bengal authorities are coordinating with the Nepal government and the Indian Embassy to identify residents from the state who may have been missing, stranded, injured or rescued.
