India has rejected Nepal’s objection to its plan—made in coordination with China—to organise this year’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian citizens through the Lipulekh Pass. The pass lies at the tri-junction of Tibet, Nepal and India, and Kathmandu has asserted that the area, currently administered by India as part of Uttarakhand, belongs to Nepal. It also objected to not being consulted on the matter.
New Delhi described Nepal’s claims as a ‘unilateral artificial enlargement’ of territory and termed them ‘untenable’, stressing that the route has been in use for decades. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said India’s position has been ‘consistent and clear’, noting that Lipulekh has served as a route for the pilgrimage since 1954.
“This is not a new development. The yatra through this route has been going on for decades,” he said, adding that India does not consider Nepal’s territorial claims justified or supported by historical evidence.
India’s response came shortly after Nepal’s foreign ministry issued a statement strongly objecting to India and China proceeding with preparations for the pilgrimage via Lipulekh without prior consultation. The yatra to Tibet’s Ngari region is jointly organised by India and China each year, with a fixed number of pilgrims selected through a lottery system.
Also read: Nepal renews Lipulekh claim, seeks talks with New Delhi
This year, as many as 1,000 pilgrims are expected to travel in batches of 50 through two routes—one via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim and the other through Lipulekh. Registrations for the pilgrimage have already opened, with a deadline set for May 19.
Mount Kailash holds deep religious significance for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and followers of the Bon faith, making the yatra one of the most important spiritual journeys in the region.
Jaiswal also said India remains open to ‘constructive engagement’ with Nepal on all bilateral issues, including boundary disputes, through dialogue and diplomacy. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully, guided by historical treaties, maps and evidence.
Kathmandu bases its claim on the Sugauli Treaty, arguing that Lipulekh, along with Limpiyadhura and Kalapani—areas east of the Mahakali River—belong to Nepal. The disagreement largely stems from differing interpretations of the river’s origin, with Nepal identifying Limpiyadhura as the source, while India considers a stream near Kalapani as the starting point.
Despite these differences, both countries have at times reached practical arrangements to facilitate trade and pilgrimage through the disputed region, even as the broader boundary issue remains unresolved.
Follow us
