52 Pune Pilgrims Stranded In Kathmandu As Delay In Chinese Visas Halts Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
52 Pune Pilgrims Stranded In Kathmandu As Delay In Chinese Visas Halts Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Renuka SuryavanshiÂ
Pune, June 27, 2026: Fifty-two pilgrims from Pune bound for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have been stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal, after a delay in the issuance of Chinese visas, despite obtaining all the mandatory travel permits and completing the required documentation.
Social activist Laxmikant Khabiya has urged both the Maharashtra government and the Central government to intervene immediately and help resolve the issue so that the pilgrims can continue their spiritual journey without further delay.
According to Khabiya, the group had applied for Chinese visas well within the prescribed timeline and had secured the necessary travel permits for the pilgrimage. All documents required for the visa process were submitted to the concerned authorities, but the visas have not yet been issued by the Chinese authorities.
The unexpected delay has disrupted the travel plans of all 52 pilgrims, leaving them stranded in Kathmandu.
Khabiya has appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and take up the matter with the concerned authorities to expedite the visa process.
He has also submitted copies of the pilgrims’ travel permits along with his representation to the authorities, requesting the Central government to ensure the visas are issued at the earliest so that the devotees can undertake the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without any further obstacles.
