The government has sent diplomatic notes to India and China over the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Lipulekh, which Nepal claims as its territory.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its first official statement on the issue following reports that travel via Lipulekh was being initiated. Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said Nepal had conveyed its position and concerns to both neighbours through diplomatic channels regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

India is preparing to unilaterally open the pilgrimage route through Lipulekh, effectively reopening a trade point that has remained closed for six years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Responding to media queries, the spokesperson said that under the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani—areas east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal, a position on which the government remains “clear and firm”.

The ministry said Nepal has consistently urged India to refrain from activities in the region, including road construction, expansion, border trade and pilgrimages. It added that China has also been officially informed that Lipulekh lies within Nepali territory.

The ministry said Nepal remains committed to resolving the border dispute through diplomatic means, guided by the spirit of friendly relations with India and on the basis of historical treaties, facts, maps and evidence.

Although Nepal’s official map includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, both neighbours have at times reached agreements to conduct trade and pilgrimages through the area.

During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India in August 2025, an agreement was reached with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar to reopen border trade. Following the development, Nepal had issued a statement on August 20 calling for a diplomatic resolution.