Nepal on Sunday formally objected to India and China's plan to conduct the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass, asserting that the route passes through Nepalese territory. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu said it was not consulted before the pilgrimage route was finalized and reiterated its long-standing position on the disputed region.
Nepal's official stance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of questions and concerns raised by various media outlets regarding the proposed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be operated between India and China via Nepalese territory in Lipulekh." It emphasized, "The Government of Nepal is fully clear and firmly stands by the fact that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal, based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli."
Diplomatic communications
The Himalayan kingdom further asserted that it has conveyed its position to both India and China through diplomatic channels regarding the proposed pilgrimage route via Lipulekh. According to the statement, Nepal has previously urged India not to undertake any activity in the area. "Earlier as well, the Government of Nepal has continuously urged the Government of India not to undertake any activities such as road construction or expansion, border trade, or pilgrimage operations in the said area," it said. It added that China has also been formally informed that the Lipulekh region is claimed as Nepali territory.
Commitment to diplomatic resolution
Reaffirming its stance, Nepal said it remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic means in the spirit of friendly relations with India. "In line with the spirit of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence," the statement read.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra details
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Chinese government, is scheduled to take place from June to August 2026. The yatra had been reopened by China last year amid signs of improvement in bilateral ties, following the completion of the troop disengagement process in eastern Ladakh.
