India rejects Nepal’s objection to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass

India has firmly rejected Nepal’s objection to the proposed conduct of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “untenable” and not supported by historical evidence.

🇮🇳 India’s response

The reaction from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came shortly after Nepal raised concerns over India and China facilitating the pilgrimage route without prior consultation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:

• Lipulekh Pass has been a traditional and long-established route since 1954
• The yatra through this route has continued for decades
• Nepal’s claims represent a “unilateral artificial enlargement” of territory

India reiterated that its position on the boundary issue has been consistent and clear, based on historical agreements and usage.

🇳🇵 Nepal’s objection

Earlier, Nepal’s foreign ministry issued a statement opposing:

• Preparations by India and China
• The use of Lipulekh Pass without consulting Kathmandu

Nepal maintains that the region, including Lipulekh, falls within its sovereign territory, making the issue part of a long-standing border dispute.

🕊️ Call for dialogue

Despite the sharp response, India emphasised its willingness to engage:

• Open to constructive dialogue and diplomacy
• Ready to resolve outstanding boundary issues through established mechanisms

This signals that while tensions exist, both sides may continue diplomatic engagement.

🛕 About the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Asia.

• Destination: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
• Location: Tibet Autonomous Region
• Religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains

🗺️ Routes for 2026

The MEA has announced two routes:

• Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
• Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)

🔄 Recent developments

• The Yatra resumed in 2025 after a nearly five-year suspension
• The revival is part of broader efforts to normalise relations between India and China

🌏 Why this issue matters

The Lipulekh Pass dispute is not just about a pilgrimage route—it reflects:

• Strategic and territorial sensitivities in the India-Nepal-China tri-junction
• The importance of historical agreements vs modern claims
• The delicate balance between religious access and geopolitical tensions

🧾 Conclusion

While India has dismissed Nepal’s objections as “untenable,” the issue highlights ongoing border sensitivities in the region. As preparations for the Yatra move forward, the situation will likely depend on continued diplomatic engagement between the neighbouring countries.