The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory for Indian citizens planning to undertake the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through private tour operators. The advisory comes in response to several requests for assistance from Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal due to lack of proper entry permits and visas for China.
Stranded Pilgrims in Kathmandu
Approximately 52 Indian citizens travelling to Kailash Manasarovar are currently stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal, and are seeking urgent help for their safe onward journey. The MEA stated that these pilgrims commenced their travel without the required documentation, leading to their predicament.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule flagged the issue on Saturday, urging the MEA and Indian embassies to intervene. In a post on X, she wrote: "Around 52 Indian citizens travelling to Kailash Manasarovar are currently stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal and are in need of urgent assistance." She requested intervention from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and the Embassy of India in Beijing.
Advisory Details
The MEA, in its statement on Saturday, advised citizens not to commence their journey from India until all required travel documents have been obtained for the complete journey. "Commencing travel without confirmed documentation or in anticipation of obtaining the necessary documentation increases the likelihood of being stranded," the statement said.
Pilgrims are also strongly advised to verify that their tour operator is duly registered and authorised. The ministry emphasised that private tour operators organizing the yatra must ensure participants have valid China visas and entry permits before departure.
Background
On June 20, the first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026 crossed into China through the India-China border at Nathu La Pass. However, the current group of stranded pilgrims traveled via Nepal without proper documentation, highlighting the risks of unverified tour operators.
The MEA continues to receive requests for help from Indian citizens stuck in Nepal while undertaking the yatra through tours organized by private operators without the necessary entry permit and visas for China.
