Two Nepali youths detained by Chinese security forces after allegedly flying a drone across the Nepal–China border in the Lapchi area of Dolakha are set to be released on Thursday, officials said.

According to Padamraj Timilsina, chief of the Tatopani Immigration Office, the Chinese side has informed Nepali authorities that the release will take place after completion of necessary legal procedures. He said the families of both youths have already been contacted, and formal diplomatic correspondence has been sent requesting their release.

“They are suspected of being influenced or provoked by someone to capture footage of activities on the Chinese side using a drone. We have completed coordination and sent official letters. We have been informed they will be released on Thursday,” Timilsina said.

The two youths have been identified as Manoj Prajapati of Kathmandu and 17-year-old Sudip Thapa Magar of Bhaktapur. They had travelled to the Lapchi area, a remote settlement along the Nepal–China border in Dolakha district, on June 16.

Authorities said the incident occurred when the drone they operated from the border area entered Chinese territory, prompting intervention by Chinese security personnel. The two were taken into custody on June 26.

They are currently being held in safe and stable conditions in Nyalam County in Tibet, officials said. “Both youths are in normal and safe condition,” Timsina said.

Officials added that movement in the Lapchi region has increased in recent years following improved road access linked to hydropower and infrastructure development. The rise in footfall has also led Chinese authorities to tighten surveillance and monitoring along the frontier.

Security agencies on both sides have been coordinating over the case, with Nepali officials maintaining that necessary consular and administrative steps have been completed for their return.