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India rejects Nepal's objection to pilgrimage via Lipulekh Pass
India rejected Nepal's objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass, stating that Kathmandu's territorial claim is not justified. Nepal sent diplomatic notes to India and China over the route, while Lipulekh has long been used for the pilgrimage and was used again in 2025. The 2026 Yatra is scheduled for June to August via Lipulekh and Nathu La.
Why It Matters
The dispute touches bilateral border issues and affects religious pilgrimage and people-to-people ties between Nepal and India.
Timeline
6 Events
Pilgrimage schedule for 2026 via Lipulekh and Nathu La
May 3, 2026
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to take place from June to August 2026, with ten batches of 50 pilgrims via Lipulekh Pass and ten batches of 50 via Nathu La in Sikkim.
India's rejection of Nepal's objection
May 3, 2026
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Nepal's claims, stating India's position on territorial claims is not justified and that Lipulekh is a long-standing route; India is open to dialogue on outstanding boundary issues.
Nepal claims under Sugauli Treaty
May 3, 2026
Nepal's foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that under the Sugauli Treaty of 1816 the areas of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal, and urged India to refrain from activities in the region.
Nepal sends diplomatic notes objecting to Lipulekh route
May 3, 2026
The Nepal government sent diplomatic notes to India and China objecting to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route via Lipulekh Pass, asserting concerns were conveyed through diplomatic channels.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh in 2025
2025
The pilgrimage through Lipulekh Pass was conducted in 2025, after a five-year gap, as part of efforts to normalise India-China relations following the end of a prolonged LAC stand-off.
Lipulekh Pass first used for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
1954
Lipulekh Pass became a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954.