Nepal has formally lodged diplomatic notes with India and China over the proposed reopening of the Lipulekh Pass route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, reiterating its claim that the area lies within its sovereign territory.

In its first official response following reports that the route may be reopened, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had communicated its concerns to both neighboring countries through diplomatic channels. Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri stated that Kathmandu’s position on the issue remains “clear and firm.”

Nepal maintains that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani fall within its territory, citing the Sugauli Treaty as the legal basis for its claim. According to the treaty, lands east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal.

India is reportedly preparing to unilaterally reopen the Lipulekh route, which has remained largely closed since the Covid-19 pandemic, to facilitate pilgrimage and border trade. Nepal has consistently objected to such activities in the disputed region, including road construction, trade expansion and organized pilgrimages.

According to The Kathmandu Post, Nepal has also formally informed China that Lipulekh lies within its territory, underscoring its concerns over any bilateral arrangements between Beijing and New Delhi that involve the contested area.

Despite the dispute, Nepal has emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue through diplomatic dialogue, guided by historical documents, maps and mutual understanding. However, both India and China have at times proceeded with agreements related to trade and pilgrimage through the region.

During a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India in August 2025, he and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar agreed to resume border trade through Lipulekh. Following the development, Nepal urged both sides to address the matter through diplomatic consultation.

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