Nepal has formally objected to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra planned by India and China, claiming the chosen route passes through its own territory. The dispute centers on the use of the Lipulekh Pass for the pilgrimage.
Territorial Claims and Diplomatic Objections
In a statement from its foreign affairs ministry, Kathmandu asserted that it was not consulted before the pilgrimage route was finalized. The government of Nepal maintains that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, located east of the Mahakali River, are integral parts of its territory.
Nepal bases these claims on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The Himalayan Kingdom has conveyed this position to both India and China through diplomatic channels.
According to the ministry, Nepal has previously urged India to avoid activities in the area, specifically mentioning pilgrimage operations, border trade, and road construction or expansion. China has also been formally notified that Nepal claims the Lipulekh region.
India’s Response to the Dispute
India’s external affairs ministry has rejected Nepal’s territorial claims, stating that India’s position on the matter is consistent and clear
. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954.
Jaiswal emphasized that the use of this route has continued for decades and is not a novel development
. He further stated that unilateral and artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable
and not based on historical facts or evidence.
Yatra Schedule and Bilateral Context
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is organized by the external affairs ministry in coordination with the Chinese government. The event is scheduled to take place from June to Aug 2026.
China reopened the Yatra last year following the completion of the troop disengagement process in eastern Ladakh, which indicated an improvement in bilateral ties between India and China.
Despite the current disagreement, Nepal stated it remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic means based on evidence, maps, and historical treaties. India has similarly expressed that it remains open to constructive interaction and diplomacy to resolve agreed outstanding boundary issues.
Future interactions regarding the route may depend on whether the three nations can reach a diplomatic consensus, or if India and China proceed with the 2026 schedule as planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra scheduled to occur?
The Yatra is scheduled to take place from June to Aug 2026.
What is the basis for Nepal’s claim to the Lipulekh region?
Nepal bases its claim that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are integral parts of its territory on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.
How has India justified the use of the Lipulekh Pass?
India asserts that the Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the pilgrimage since 1954 and has been used for decades.
Do you believe diplomatic dialogue can resolve long-standing border disputes involving multiple nations?
