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New Delhi: Nepal has raised objections to India and China planning to conduct upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass, stating that the area falls within its sovereign territory

According to Nepal’s ministry of foreign affairs, the government has flagged issues related to the pilgrimage route adding Kathmandu was not consulted before finalising the route for the pilgrimage.

India has maintained that Lipulekh belongs to it

Nepal has reiterated that regions east of the Mahakali river, including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, belong to Nepal as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India has maintained that Lipulekh belongs to it.

The government said it has consistently urged India to refrain from undertaking activities such as road construction, trade operations or pilgrimage movements in the disputed area. It added that China has also been officially informed of Nepal’s position.

“The Nepal government is clear and fully committed to its stand that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, lying in the East of the Mahakali river are its inseparable territories based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816,” the foreign ministry said in the statement.

“The Nepalese government has reiterated its clear stand to both India and China regarding the Kailash-Mansarovar tour to be organised via Nepalese territory, Lipulekh,” it said.

Yatra begins after 5 years

Kathmandu maintained that it remains committed to resolving the boundary issue with India through diplomatic means, based on historical treaties, maps and evidence, while preserving friendly bilateral ties. The statement added that the Nepalese government has also informed China about it.

The development comes after India announced the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 2026 — after a five year gap. The pilgrimage is scheduled between June and August, with 20 batches planned — 10 via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and 10 through the Nathu La route in Sikkim.