MEA Issues Advisory as Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Get Stranded in Nepal

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an urgent advisory for Indian citizens intending to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators. The notice follows reports that dozens of pilgrims are currently stranded in Nepal due to missing or invalid travel permits required for entry into China. The ministry explicitly warns against commencing the journey from India without first securing all confirmed travel documents and necessary visas for the trans-border trek.

The MEA has emphasized the importance of vetting private tour operators, advising pilgrims to confirm that their service providers are registered and authorized to conduct these sensitive international routes. The advisory comes amid reports that 52 Indian pilgrims recently found themselves stuck in Kathmandu, prompting an appeal for government intervention from public representatives, including MP Supriya Sule. The ministry has urged travelers to exercise extreme caution to avoid the risks associated with inadequate documentation.

This situation follows the commencement of the official Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, with the first batch having crossed into China through the Nathu La Pass on June 20. The contrast between authorized routes and independent private tours highlights the complex logistics involved in the pilgrimage. As coordination efforts continue to assist the stranded group, the government remains focused on ensuring that safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent similar documentation lapses in future batches.