The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a cautionary advisory for Indian citizens planning to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators, emphasizing the need to verify that all travel documents, including entry permits and visas for China, are secured before commencing the journey.
Background of the Yatra Resumption
The annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which resumed in 2025 after a nearly five-year hiatus, is scheduled to take place from June to August 2026 via two routes: the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim. The resumption was part of ongoing efforts to normalize relations between India and China, following a suspension initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later due to the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
MEA Advisory Details
In an advisory released late Saturday night, the MEA stated that it has received multiple requests for assistance from Indian citizens stranded in Nepal while attempting the yatra through tours organized by private operators. These pilgrims lacked the required entry permits and visas for China. The advisory strongly advises citizens not to start their journey from India until they have obtained all necessary travel documents for the complete trip. Commencing travel without confirmed documentation or in anticipation of obtaining it increases the likelihood of being stranded, the MEA warned.
Verification of Tour Operators
The MEA further urged pilgrims to verify that their tour operator is duly registered and authorized. This step is crucial to avoid falling prey to unauthorized operators who may not secure proper documentation. Pilgrims are encouraged to check the operator's credentials with relevant authorities before making any payments or beginning travel.
Historical Context
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remained on hold because of the military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC. The yatra's resumption in 2025 marked a significant step in bilateral relations, allowing thousands of devotees to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The MEA's latest advisory aims to prevent a repeat of the issues faced by pilgrims who traveled without proper documentation, ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
