The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, has advised Indian citizens planning to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators not to commence their journey without obtaining all mandatory travel documents, including valid Chinese visas and entry permits.
The advisory follows several requests received by the Ministry from Indian citizens who became stranded in Nepal after travelling without the required documentation for entry into China while participating in tours organised by private operators.
The MEA urged pilgrims to ensure that all necessary travel documents for the entire journey are secured before departing from India. It cautioned that beginning the pilgrimage without confirmed documentation, or in anticipation of obtaining permits during the journey, significantly increases the risk of being stranded.
The Ministry also strongly advised travellers to verify that their chosen tour operator is duly registered and authorised before booking the pilgrimage.
