Kathmandu, May 3 -- The government has sent diplomatic notes to India and China over the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Lipulekh, which Nepal claims as its territory.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its first official statement on the issue following reports that travel via Lipulekh was being initiated. Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said Nepal had conveyed its position and concerns to both neighbours through diplomatic channels regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

India is preparing to unilaterally open the pilgrimage route through Lipulekh, effectively reopening a trade point that has remained closed for six years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Responding to media queries, th...