KATHMANDU, May 4: The Government of Nepal has reiterated its firm position over the Lipulekh region following renewed attention on the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route that India plans to operate in coordination with China through the disputed pass.
Responding to a media query, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed that Nepal’s position on its territorial integrity remains clear and unchanged.
Nepal sends ‘diplomatic notes’ to India and China over Lipulekh...
The MoFA reaffirmed that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, situated east of the Mahakali River, are integral parts of Nepal as established by the Sugauli Treaty of 1816 and supported by historical documents, maps and evidence. It stated that Nepal has once again communicated its stance to both India and China through diplomatic channels in response to the planned use of Lipulekh for pilgrimage activities.
MoFA Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Thapa Chhetri said Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to both neighbouring countries, formally objecting to any activities carried out in the area without Nepal’s consent. Through these communications, Nepal has conveyed its concerns to India over the inclusion of Lipulekh in pilgrimage arrangements and has urged restraint from undertaking infrastructure development, trade activities or religious travel operations in the disputed territory. China has also been formally informed that Nepal considers Lipulekh to be part of its sovereign territory.
The MoFA noted that Nepal has consistently raised this issue in the past as well, particularly whenever bilateral understandings between India and China have involved the Lipulekh pass. It said the government remains committed to resolving the boundary dispute through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, facts and mutually agreed evidence, while maintaining friendly relations with both neighbours.
The issue has resurfaced following India’s announcement of the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 2026, with routes passing through Lipulekh as well as Nathu La. Nepal has expressed concern that it was not consulted despite its longstanding claim over the territory, and has responded through formal diplomatic notes reiterating its position.
The government also emphasized that it will continue to pursue dialogue-based solutions and expects that all parties will respect established diplomatic norms while addressing sensitive border issues.
