Lipulekh Flashpoint: Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Yatra And The Bigger India-China-Nepal Equation

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is back—but so is an old border dispute. Nepal has raised objections to the Lipulekh route, calling it its territory, while India stands firm on its position. This is not just about religion—it’s about geopolitics, history, and national identity. The controversy traces back to the Sugauli Treaty and a simple but unresolved question: where does the Kali River begin? With Nepal’s new map, constitutional backing, and a more assertive leadership, the dispute has escalated. Meanwhile, China stays silent but remains central to the equation. As India pushes ahead with the pilgrimage, tensions are rising. What’s at stake? And can diplomacy resolve it this time?