New Delhi, June 30: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory urging Indian citizens planning the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators not to begin their journey unless they have obtained all mandatory Chinese travel documents. The advisory follows an incident in which 52 Indian pilgrims were left stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal, after travelling without the required Chinese visa and Tibet entry permits needed to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Pilgrims Unable to Cross into China
According to the MEA, several Indian citizens undertaking the pilgrimage through private operators reached Nepal before securing the mandatory Chinese travel documents, preventing them from crossing into Tibet. The ministry said it had received multiple requests for assistance from the stranded pilgrims and is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Embassy of India in Beijing to help resolve the situation.
MEA Urges Verification of Tour Operators
The ministry has strongly advised prospective pilgrims to verify that their tour operator is properly registered and authorised before making travel arrangements. It also stressed that travellers should ensure they possess all mandatory documents—including the appropriate Chinese visa and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Travel Permit—before departing from India.
Mandatory Documents for the Yatra
Officials reiterated that pilgrims travelling via Nepal require multiple approvals before entering Tibet. These include a valid passport, a Chinese visa, the Tibet Travel Permit and other documents prescribed by Chinese authorities. The MEA emphasised that these permissions should be obtained before beginning the journey, as failure to do so can result in denial of entry and prolonged delays.
Assistance for Stranded Pilgrims
Indian diplomatic missions are working with Nepalese authorities, Chinese authorities and tour operators to assist the affected pilgrims. The MEA has advised those currently facing difficulties to remain in contact with the Indian Embassy and seek consular assistance wherever required.
Official Route Unaffected
The advisory clarified that the government-organised Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remains unaffected. Under the official MEA route through Lipulekh Pass or Nathu La Pass, the required Chinese travel documents are processed through established government channels. The current advisory primarily concerns pilgrims travelling through private tour operators via Nepal.
Pilgrims Asked to Exercise Caution
The MEA has urged all devotees planning the pilgrimage to complete documentation well in advance, use only authorised tour operators and follow official travel guidelines to avoid disruptions. The ministry said proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.