52 Pune Pilgrims Stranded in Kathmandu as China Visa Delay Stalls Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Pune, 28th June 2026: A group of 52 pilgrims from Pune travelling to the revered Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage has been stranded in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, after the Chinese authorities allegedly failed to issue visas despite the completion of all required formalities, including the mandatory travel permits.
According to the pilgrims, their onward journey has come to a standstill as they continue to wait for Chinese visas. The group has now appealed to India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking urgent intervention to help secure the visas and facilitate their pilgrimage.
Sources said around 200 pilgrims from Maharashtra are currently stranded in Kathmandu due to the same issue.
The Pune group had registered for Chinese visas through their tour operator on June 13. Prior to this, they had reportedly received an invitation from the Chinese authorities for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, leading them to believe that the visa process would be completed without significant difficulty.
As per their travel schedule, the pilgrims reached Kathmandu on June 24. However, they have been unable to proceed further as the Chinese visas have not yet been issued. As a result, they have been forced to extend their stay in hotels in Kathmandu, incurring additional accommodation and living expenses.
The pilgrims said they had completed all administrative and legal procedures for the pilgrimage within the stipulated time. They have also received the required travel permits for the yatra. However, the Chinese visa, which is mandatory for entry into China, is still pending.
The stranded pilgrims include residents from Pune, Nashik and Solapur.
“Our group of 52 pilgrims from Pune has reached Kathmandu for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Although we completed all the legal formalities required for the visa, we have not received the Chinese visa even after 14 days. We request External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to intervene immediately and help us obtain the visas,” said Laxmikant Khabia, a social activist from Pune who is among the stranded pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office has taken note of the situation. Officials from the office of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have spoken with the stranded pilgrims and assured them that necessary assistance will be provided.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also reportedly contacted the pilgrims and assured them that efforts are being made to ensure the visas are issued at the earliest.
