New Delhi, May 4: The Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has raised concerns regarding the use of Lipulekh Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. They assert that this land should not be utilized for travel to Kailash Mansarovar by India and China. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also responded to these claims. Let’s delve into the objections raised by the Nepalese government regarding the pilgrimage route through Lipulekh.
On April 30, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage for 2026, scheduled between June and August. Ten batches of 50 pilgrims each will travel from Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh Pass to Tibet. This announcement prompted Nepal to voice its objections.
In an official statement on Sunday, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are areas east of the Mahakali River, which have been integral parts of Nepal since the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.
The Ministry stated that it has communicated its position and concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels, reiterating its longstanding demand that India refrain from any activities such as road construction, trade, or pilgrimage in this region.
Furthermore, it confirmed that China has been officially informed about Nepal’s claims over the Lipulekh area.
In response to Nepal’s assertions, Indian Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a press briefing, “India’s stance has been consistent and clear. The Lipulekh Pass has been an established route for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage since 1954, and this journey has been occurring for decades. This is not a new development. Regarding territorial claims, India has always maintained that such assertions are neither accurate nor based on historical facts and evidence. It is inappropriate to unilaterally fabricate territorial claims in this manner.”
Jaiswal added, “India is prepared for constructive dialogue on all issues concerning bilateral relations with Nepal, including resolving border issues through discussions and diplomacy.”
Lipulekh Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Himalayas, forming a triangular junction between India’s Uttarakhand, Nepal, and China. Since 1962, Indian security forces have controlled this area, although Nepal continues to assert its claim. India has historical evidence supporting its position, as pilgrims have traveled to Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh Pass since 1954.
In 2015, India and China agreed to open Lipulekh for trade and travel, a decision that did not include Nepal. Again, in 2025, India and China reached an agreement to reopen Lipulekh for trade and travel, prompting further discontent from Nepal. Former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli raised this issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but no resolution was achieved.
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