No China permit, no onward journey: Why dozens of Kailash pilgrims are stuck in Nepal

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory for Indian citizens undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators after receiving reports of pilgrims stranded in Nepal.

According to the MEA, some travellers had gone ahead without the required entry permit and visas for China, leaving them stuck mid-journey. Around 52 Indian citizens are currently stranded in Kathmandu and seeking urgent assistance for safe onward travel.

Also Read | 'Ek Goli Ek Dushman': Why Army is replacing INSAS with AK-203 after years of complaints

A matter of papers before pilgrimage

The advisory, issued on Saturday and carried by the MEA’s official press releases page, said citizens should not start the journey from India until they have obtained all required travel documents for the complete trip.

The ministry warned that traveling in anticipation of securing paperwork later increases the risk of being stranded. It also urged pilgrims to verify that their tour operator is duly registered and authorized before booking or starting the yatra.

The official release is titled “Advisory for Indian Citizens undertaking Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through tours by private tour operators,” and the MEA’s site lists it among the latest releases dated June 27, 2026.

Voices rise for stranded pilgrims

The issue drew public attention after Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule flagged the situation on X and appealed for government intervention.

Sule said, “Around 52 Indian citizens travelling to Kailash Mansarovar are currently stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal, and are in need of urgent assistance,” and later added, “Requesting Dr. S. Jaishankar, Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Nepal, Embassy of India in Beijing, China, and Ministry of External Affairs, India, to kindly look into the matter and extend the necessary support to ensure their safe onward journey.”

Her post asked the external affairs minister and Indian missions in Nepal and China to help the group.

A lesson before the next ascent

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has already resumed this season. The first batch of pilgrims for 2026 crossed into China through the India-China border at Nathu La Pass on June 20.

The MEA’s latest advisory now adds a warning that the route should not be attempted through private operators without confirming visa and permit clearances in advance.

The ministry’s intervention comes as pilgrims continue to travel on a route that depends on both Indian and Chinese documentation requirements, making advance verification critical to avoid disruptions.

Also Read | Delhi braces for monsoon as IMD predicts rain after prolonged heat and humidity

FAQs

Q1: Why are Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans: They travelled without obtaining the required Chinese entry permit and visa before starting the journey, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Q2: What has the MEA advised Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims?

Ans: The MEA has advised pilgrims not to begin the yatra until they have secured all required visas, permits, and verified their tour operator.