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

India on Sunday dismissed Nepal’s objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra being conducted through Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh Pass, asserting that Kathmandu’s territorial claims over the region are neither historically valid nor justified.

The response came after Nepal sent diplomatic notes to both India and China protesting the use of Lipulekh Pass for the annual pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, claiming the route falls within Nepali territory.

Nepal foreign ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said Kathmandu had formally conveyed its concerns through diplomatic channels.

Reacting to the protest, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing position on the boundary issue.

“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 emphasized that Lipulekh Pass has served as an established route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, adding that the pilgrimage through this corridor is “not a new development.”

India also signaled its willingness to continue diplomatic engagement with Nepal.

“India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” Jaiswal said.

The pilgrimage was resumed through Lipulekh in 2025 after a five-year pause, following efforts by India and China to normalize ties after the prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control.

This year’s yatra is scheduled from June to August, with 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each set to travel via Lipulekh Pass, while another 10 batches of 50 pilgrims will use the Nathu La route in Sikkim.

Nepal, however, maintains that the areas of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani fall within its territory under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.

Kathmandu has urged India to halt all activities in the disputed region, including road construction, border trade and pilgrimage-related movement.