New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory for Indian citizens planning to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators, following reports of several pilgrims being stranded in Nepal due to the lack of mandatory travel documents for entering China.
The ministry said it had received multiple requests for assistance from Indian travellers who were unable to continue their pilgrimage after reaching Nepal because they did not possess the required Chinese visas and entry permits.
Pilgrims stranded due to missing permits
According to the MEA, several Indian pilgrims travelling through privately organised tours encountered difficulties after arriving in Nepal and discovering that they lacked the necessary documents to enter China and proceed with the pilgrimage.
The ministry noted that some travellers had commenced their journey expecting that visas and permits would be arranged later, leaving them stranded and seeking consular assistance.
In light of these incidents, the government has urged pilgrims to exercise caution and ensure that all travel requirements are completed well in advance.
Do not begin journey without complete documents
The MEA has specifically advised pilgrims not to start their journey from India unless they have secured all mandatory documents required for the entire pilgrimage.
These include valid visas, entry permits and any additional approvals needed to travel through China and reach Kailash Mansarovar.
The ministry warned that beginning the pilgrimage without confirmed documentation significantly increases the risk of delays, disruptions and being stranded during the journey.
Officials stressed that pilgrims should avoid relying on verbal assurances or expectations that permits would be issued after their departure from India.
Verify credentials of tour operators
The advisory also calls upon pilgrims to carefully verify the credentials of their chosen tour operators.
The MEA has strongly recommended that travellers ensure that their tour operator is duly registered and authorised to organise the pilgrimage.
Booking through legitimate operators can help ensure that all necessary permits, visas and travel arrangements comply with official requirements and reduce the risk of complications.
The ministry advised pilgrims to seek complete information regarding documentation and not rely solely on informal assurances from travel agencies or intermediaries.
Advisory particularly relevant for private tours
The government’s warning is especially important for Indians opting for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators instead of the government-organised route.
Unlike officially coordinated pilgrimages, private tours may involve varying arrangements for obtaining visas and permits, making it essential for travellers to verify all documentation independently.
The MEA urged pilgrims to thoroughly examine entry requirements and complete all formalities before finalising their travel plans.
Sacred pilgrimage attracts thousands every year
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon faith.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, attract thousands of Indian pilgrims every year who undertake the arduous journey as an act of faith and spiritual devotion.
Given the international travel requirements involved, the pilgrimage requires careful planning and adherence to visa and permit regulations.
Government urges proper preparation
Reiterating its advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the pilgrimage should only be undertaken after securing all mandatory travel documents and confirming the authenticity of the tour operator.
The ministry emphasised that proper preparation and verification can help pilgrims avoid unnecessary delays, disruptions and travel-related hardships during one of India’s most revered spiritual journeys.