The Government of India, on 1 May 2026, announced that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for 2026 will be conducted between June and August, in coordination with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Government of the People’s Republic of China is set to take place during June to August 2026: India Statement pic.twitter.com/sU8VWbPwGW
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 30, 2026
The yatra is scheduled to be organised in multiple batches, with pilgrims travelling via designated routes including the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La route in Sikkim. The Ministry stated that applications would be processed through an online system, with yatris selected through a computerised and transparent process.
The announcement triggered a diplomatic response from Nepal, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a statement objecting to the use of the Lipulekh route. On 3 May 2026, the Nepal government maintained that Lipulekh falls within its territory and asserted that any activities, including the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, should not be undertaken through the region without its consent.
In its statement, Nepal reiterated its position that areas such as Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura form part of its sovereign territory, citing historical treaties and maps as the basis for its claim. It also stated that it had conveyed its concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels and urged restraint in undertaking activities in the disputed region.
Breaking: Nepal’s Balen Shah Govt tells India, China not to undertake Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipilekh since it is ‘Nepal Territory’.
Nepal Foreign ministry: https://t.co/ezwgo2RqiJ pic.twitter.com/ARS3JxGF4A
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 3, 2026
Responding to the development, India rejected Nepal’s claim over Lipulekh Pass and described it as a long-standing and established route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the yatra had been conducted through this route for decades, including since 1954.
He further stated that India’s position on the issue remained consistent and clear, adding that Nepal’s claims were not justified and were not supported by historical facts or evidence. He described what he termed as unilateral attempts to enlarge territorial claims as untenable.
At the same time, the spokesperson emphasised that India remained open to engaging with Nepal through dialogue and diplomatic channels to address all outstanding bilateral issues, including boundary-related concerns.
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