Kailash Mansarovar (Photo/ANI)
Nepal on Sunday objected to India and China planning the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, alleging that the route passes through Kathmandu territory.In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu said that it was not consulted before finalizing the pilgrimage route, and stressed its firm position on the disputed area.“The Ministry of External Affairs has taken note of the questions and concerns raised by various media outlets regarding the proposal of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be operated between India and China through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh,” the statement read.“The government of Nepal is very clear and stands strongly on the fact that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal, based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816,” she added.
The Himalayan Kingdom also confirmed 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 had previously urged India not to undertake any activity in the region. “Earlier also, the Government of Nepal had consistently 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.”
China has also been officially informed that Lipulekh district is a Nepalese district, she added.Reiterating its position, Nepal said it remains committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic means in the spirit of friendly relations with India.“In keeping with the spirit of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains committed to resolving the border issues through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, facts, maps and evidence.”
India rejects Nepal’s territorial claim
Responding to Nepal’s objection to the proposed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass, the Ministry of External Affairs said India’s position on the issue remains “steadfast and clear”, stressing that the route has been in use for decades.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India’s position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954, and yatras via this route have been ongoing for decades.”
“This is not a new development.”
He also added: “With regard to territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial expansion of territorial claims is untenable.” Jaiswal also said that India remains open to dialogue with Nepal on the outstanding border issues. “India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in bilateral relations, including the agreed resolution of outstanding border issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added. The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Chinese government, will be held from June to August 2026. China reopened the yatra last year amid signs of improving bilateral relations, after the completion of the process of disengagement of forces in eastern Ladakh.
