Nepal Objects to Lipulekh Route for 2026 Kailash Yatra

Nepal's government on Sunday formally objected to plans by India and China to conduct the 2026 Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass, a high-altitude route in the Himalayas that Kathmandu claims as its sovereign territory.

In a statement, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had not been consulted on the pilgrimage arrangements and reiterated that Lipulekh, along with Limpiyadhura and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River, forms an integral part of Nepal under the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. The ministry noted it had conveyed concerns to both neighboring countries through diplomatic channels and urged them to refrain from activities in the area, including pilgrimages, road construction, border trade or infrastructure development. Nepal has previously raised similar objections and informed China that the region falls within its borders.

India's Ministry of External Affairs responded hours later, rejecting Nepal's territorial claims. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India's position in this regard is consistent and clear. Lipulekh Pass has been a longstanding route for pilgrims to Mount Kailash Manasarovar since 1954, and pilgrims through this route have been...