Kathmandu, May 3 (IANS) The Nepal government has said it has raised concerns with both India and China over the use of the Lipulekh Pass — a disputed territory claimed by both Nepal and India — for the pilgrimage of Indian tourists to Kailash Mansarovar.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had once again conveyed its position and concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels regarding the proposed pilgrimage route via Lipulekh.
Last week, China announced that it would facilitate the travel of 1,000 Indian pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation and religious exchange between the two countries.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the pilgrimage would be conducted in batches through two established routes — Lipulekh Pass and Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass — with 10 batches, each consisting of 50 pilgrims, using both routes.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, is scheduled to take place between June and August 2026.
However, Nepal has long claimed the Lipulekh Pass territory and has argued that India and China cannot decide on the use of the territory without Nepal’s consent. Lipulekh Pass is one of three points located in the Kalapani area.
In 2020, Nepal incorporated the territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani into its official political map through a constitutional amendment. Although Nepal claims these territories as its own, India has maintained effective control over the areas for decades.
“Based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, all territories east of the Mahakali River — including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani — belong to Nepal,” the Foreign Ministry said, adding that Kathmandu remains “fully clear and firm” on the matter.
The border dispute has remained one of the major irritants in Nepal-India relations.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated Nepal’s firm position that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal, following concerns raised in various media reports over the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route to be operated by India and China through Lipulekh.
The ministry added that Nepal has consistently urged India not to carry out any activities in the disputed area, including road construction or expansion, border trade and pilgrimage-related operations.
“China has also been officially informed that the Lipulekh area falls within Nepali territory,” the ministry said.
At the same time, Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border disputes diplomatically.
“In line with the spirit and sentiment of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains consistently committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic means based on historical treaties and agreements, facts, maps and evidence,” the statement said.
–IANS
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