China Blocks Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage for Fifth Year, Violating Bilateral Agreements

China continues to block the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage for Indians, citing outdated COVID-19 rules. This restriction has been in place since 2020, despite prior agreements with India in 2013 and 2014. The closures, attributed to strained India-China relations post-Galwan Valley clash, also affect private routes via Nepal due to stringent regulations targeting Indian pilgrims. India is developing a new viewpoint at Lipulekh peak in Uttarakhand to offer an alternative way to see Mt Kailash, expected to open by September 15.