Nepal on Sunday objected to plans by India and China to organize the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass, claiming that the route passes through the territory of Kathmandu.In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Kathmandu said it was not consulted before finalizing the pilgrimage route and reiterated its long-standing 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 proposed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra between India and China through the Nepalese territory in Lipulekh,” the statement said.It said, “The Government of Nepal is absolutely clear and firmly stands by the fact that by virtue of the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal.”The Himalayan Kingdom further said that it has conveyed its position to both India and China through diplomatic channels regarding the proposed pilgrimage route through Lipulekh.According to the statement, Nepal has earlier also requested India not to do any activity in the area. “Earlier also, the Government of Nepal has consistently urged the Government of India not to carry out any activities like road construction or expansion, border trade or pilgrimage operations in the said area.”It said China has also been formally informed that the Lipulekh area has been claimed as Nepali territory.Reaffirming its stance, Nepal said it is committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic means in the spirit of friendly relations with India.“In line with the spirit of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal is committed to resolving the boundary 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 route through Lipulekh Pass, the External Affairs Ministry said India’s position on the matter remains ‘consistent and clear’, adding that the route has been in use for decades.“India’s position in this regard has been consistent and clear,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and the yatra through this route has been continuing for decades. This is not a new development.” He further said, “With regard to territorial claims, India has consistently stated 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 is ready for talks with Nepal on outstanding border issues. “India is open to constructive dialogue with Nepal on all issues in bilateral relations, including resolving outstanding border issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Chinese government will take place from June to August 2026. China had reopened travel last year amid signs of improvement in bilateral ties, after the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was completed.
