MEA issues advisory for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims, warns against travelling without China permits and visas

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens planning to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators after several pilgrims were left stranded in Nepal due to missing mandatory documents required for entry into China.

The ministry said some travellers seeking assistance were unable to proceed with their pilgrimage as they did not have the necessary visas, entry permits and approvals required for the China leg of the journey.

The MEA has urged pilgrims to ensure that all required travel documents are obtained before starting their journey from India. It warned that travelling without confirmed permits or relying on the expectation that documents will be arranged later could lead to delays and serious difficulties.

The advisory also advised travellers to carefully verify the credentials of private tour operators before booking the pilgrimage. Pilgrims have been encouraged to choose only registered and authorised operators to ensure proper arrangements for permits, visas and other travel requirements.

The warning is particularly aimed at those opting for private operators instead of the government-organised Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. The ministry advised pilgrims to check all documentation requirements well in advance and avoid depending on verbal assurances.

The MEA reiterated that the sacred pilgrimage should only be undertaken after securing all mandatory approvals and confirming the authenticity of the tour operator to prevent disruptions during the journey.