The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian citizens not to begin the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators unless they possess all mandatory travel documents, including Chinese visas and Tibet entry permits. The advisory follows incidents of Indian pilgrims being stranded in Nepal due to incomplete documentation.

Key Highlights

✅ MEA advises pilgrims to obtain all travel documents before leaving India.

✅ Around 52 Indian pilgrims are reportedly stranded in Kathmandu due to missing permits.

✅ Pilgrims should book only through authorised and registered tour operators.

✅ Chinese visa and Tibet Autonomous Region permits are mandatory for the pilgrimage.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an important advisory for Indian citizens planning to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators, urging them not to begin their journey without obtaining all mandatory travel documents.

The advisory comes after several Indian pilgrims became stranded in Nepal while attempting to travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake without the required Chinese visa and Tibet travel permits. According to the MEA, many of the affected travellers had booked their pilgrimage through private tour operators.

The Ministry warned that starting the journey with the expectation that visas or permits would be arranged later could leave pilgrims stranded and create avoidable hardships.

In its advisory, the MEA stated that pilgrims should commence their journey only after receiving all confirmed travel approvals required for completing the pilgrimage. Travelling without complete documentation significantly increases the chances of delays, denial of entry, or being stranded in transit countries.

The Ministry has also urged prospective pilgrims to verify whether their tour operator is properly registered and authorised before making any payments or finalising travel plans. Choosing a reliable operator can help ensure that all required permits and travel formalities are completed in advance.

The advisory comes amid reports that around 52 Indian citizens are currently stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal, awaiting assistance after failing to secure the necessary travel clearances. The issue drew national attention after NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule appealed to the MEA and Indian diplomatic missions to provide immediate support to the affected pilgrims.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remains one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon faith. Since the pilgrimage enters the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, travellers must obtain multiple approvals, including a valid Chinese visa and special entry permits issued by Chinese authorities.

Meanwhile, the official Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 has already begun under the government-approved arrangement, with the first batch of Indian pilgrims crossing into China through Nathu La Pass on June 20.

Conclusion

The MEA’s latest advisory serves as an important reminder that proper documentation is essential for a safe and hassle-free Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Pilgrims should avoid travelling with incomplete paperwork, verify the authenticity of their tour operators, and secure all necessary visas and permits before leaving India to prevent unnecessary delays or hardship.

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