India Firmly Rejects Nepal’s Objection to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass

India has reiterated its longstanding position on the traditional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, dismissing Nepal’s recent territorial objections as unfounded and not supported by historical evidence. The Ministry of External Affairs described the use of the pass as a continuation of decades-old practice, emphasising that the arrangement is not a new development.

This diplomatic exchange follows Nepal’s issuance of formal notes to both India and China, expressing concerns over the pilgrimage route without prior consultation. The development has drawn attention to the enduring boundary differences between the two neighbours, even as both sides affirm their commitment to dialogue and friendly relations.

Nepal had said that Kathmandu was not consulted before finalising the route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage (HT Photo/Representational Image) | Hindustan Times

India’s Response and Position

The Ministry of External Affairs responded promptly through its spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal. He stated that India’s position remains consistent and clear: Lipulekh Pass has served as a route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954. “As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable,” Jaiswal said.

He further added that India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on all bilateral issues, including the resolution of agreed outstanding boundary matters through dialogue and diplomacy. The response underscores India’s view that the pilgrimage route represents a long-established practice rather than any fresh assertion of control.

Nepal’s Concerns and Historical Claims

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry conveyed its objections through diplomatic channels, asserting that the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani areas fall within its territory. Officials cited the Treaty of Sugauli signed in 1816 between the British East India Company and Nepal, which defined the western boundary along the Kali (Mahakali) River. Kathmandu maintains that the river originates at Limpiyadhura, placing the disputed region east of the boundary and thus within Nepalese sovereignty.

Nepal has urged both India and China to refrain from activities in the area, including road construction, trade, and pilgrimages, until the matter is mutually resolved. The objection was raised shortly after India announced the 2026 Yatra schedule on April 30.

The Enduring Border Dispute

The differences over the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region stem from ambiguities in the 1816 treaty, particularly regarding the exact origin of the Kali River. While the treaty established the broad boundary, interpretations of the watershed and river source have varied over time. India has administered the area for decades, with historical presence dating back to the post-1962 period in strategic contexts.

Both countries have engaged in technical-level discussions on boundary issues in the past. The current episode highlights how sensitive geographical interpretations can intersect with cultural and religious activities in the Himalayan region. Despite these differences, India and Nepal continue to share deep historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

Details of the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The annual pilgrimage, considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and others, is scheduled from June to August 2026. A total of 1,000 pilgrims will participate, organised in 20 batches of 50 each. Ten batches will travel via the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand, while the other ten will take the Nathu La route in Sikkim. Registration for interested pilgrims remains open until May 19.

The Lipulekh route, though demanding due to its high-altitude terrain, offers a traditional pathway and was also utilised in 2025 following a pause linked to broader regional developments. The Yatra is coordinated with Chinese authorities to facilitate smooth passage in the Tibet region.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s firm rejection of Nepal’s objections over the Lipulekh Pass route reflects a continuation of its long-held stance that the pathway for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is rooted in historical usage rather than any recent assertion. By emphasising that the route has been in use since 1954, New Delhi positions the issue as one of established tradition and administrative continuity, rather than a matter open to reinterpretation. The response also signals a clear pushback against what it views as Nepal’s expansion of territorial claims, while maintaining that dialogue remains the appropriate channel for resolving differences without disrupting longstanding religious practices.

At the same time, Nepal’s reliance on the Treaty of Sugauli highlights how historical ambiguities continue to shape present-day geopolitics in the Himalayan region. The dispute underscores the delicate balance between sovereignty concerns and shared cultural ties, especially when religious traditions intersect with contested geography. Even as tensions surface, the continuation of the Yatra and diplomatic engagement suggests that both nations are navigating a path where strategic interests, historical narratives, and civilisational connections remain deeply intertwined.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, News18, India TV News)