MEA issues advisory for citizens undertaking Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators

Tourists on Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators to be cautious and asked them to verify that their operator is properly registered.

“This ministry has been receiving several requests for help and assistance from Indian citizens stranded in Nepal while undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without the required entry permit and visa to China through tours organized by private tour operators,” the ministry said in an alert.

The advisory, issued late night on Saturday (June 27, 2026), is for Indian citizens undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private operators.

“Citizens are advised not to commence their journey from India until all required travel documents are obtained for the entire journey,” it said.

Starting a trip without confirmed documentation or in anticipation of obtaining the necessary documentation “increases the likelihood of getting stuck,” he added.

“Pilgrims are also strongly advised to verify that their travel agency is properly registered and authorized,” the ministry said.

In April, the ministry had announced that the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra would be held from June to August this year via two routes – the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La in Sikkim.

Jatra was resumed last year after a nearly five-year hiatus as part of efforts to normalize relations between India and China.

It was initially suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently due to the military standoff between the two sides on the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Published – 28 Jun 2026 15:44 IST