Government Sends Letters to India and China Opposing Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage Through Lipulekh
April 20, Kathmandu – The government has sent letters to both India and China objecting to the operation of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route passing through the Lipulekh area, which lies within Nepalese territory. The government has raised objections to conducting the pilgrimage via Nepal’s Lipulekh region. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that after consulting all political parties, Nepal’s position has been communicated to both countries.
“Regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage planned through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh, the Government of Nepal has reiterated its firm stance and concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in an official press release.
The release reminded that according to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal. The Nepalese government emphasized it remains fully clear and unwavering on this matter. “Nepal has previously urged the Indian government not to undertake road construction, cross-border trade, or pilgrimage-related activities in the area,” the release noted. Nepal has repeatedly informed both countries regarding the status of this territory. “It is also evident that friendly nation China has been formally notified about Lipulekh being Nepalese territory,” the government said.
“In the spirit of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, based on historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence, the Nepalese government remains committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic means,” it added.
India recently reopened the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through the Lipulekh pass, with the pilgrimage scheduled to run from June to August 2026. In a statement issued on April 30, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said 20 groups will undertake the journey this year. Ten groups will travel via the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand, while another ten will take the Nathu La pass route through Sikkim. Each group will include 50 participants. Interested pilgrims can apply online through the official website, with the application deadline set for May 19.
The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage holds religious significance and annually attracts thousands of devotees. However, Nepal was unaware that the route would pass through its territory. It has also come to light that India and China had previously agreed to promote trade via the Lipulekh pass without informing Nepal. The pilgrimage had been suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed last year. In December 2024, during talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s National Security Advisor, an agreement was reached to reopen the route.
The press release outlined the following points: 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of questions and concerns raised in the media regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage planned through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh. 2. The government remains fully clear and steadfast that according to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal. 3. Nepal has repeatedly conveyed its firm stance and concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels. 4. Nepal has continuously urged the Indian government not to initiate any road construction, border trade, or pilgrimage activities in the region. 5. China has been formally notified that the Lipulekh area constitutes Nepalese territory. 6. The Nepalese government remains committed to resolving border issues with India diplomatically, respecting their close and friendly relations grounded in historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singha Durbar, April 20, 2083 (Nepali Calendar)
