Will advocate opening of Shipki-La route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Central Government: CM
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SHIMLA 10 June, 2025
• Launches border tourism activities at Shipki-La in Kinnaur district
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a high-altitude 3,930 meters motorable mountain pass bordering India and China in tribal district of Kinnaur.
Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that at the border, we have eased restrictions for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La and the tourism activities here would strengthen the economy of the local people along with boosting tourism in the region. He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval for the same, the border tourism initiative has been launched.
The Chief Minister said that the State government would raise the issue of starting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Shipki-La with the central government as well. He added: “I would meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki-La will be the easiest route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.”
The centuries old Trade route between India and Tibet, Shipki-La, was closed for trade in the year 2020. There are immense possibilities of trade and cultural exchange through this pass and the matter of restarting it would also be raised before the Central Government, said the Chief Minister.
Sh. Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Center to establish Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state.
The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued before the Union Government. The state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates permit related obstacles for tourists.
Special attention was being given to promoting seamless travel and improving the experience of tourists, under which cooperation with the Indian Army and Paramilitary Forces would be emphasized.
He said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board thus paving the way for its construction which would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km.
The Chief Minister said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote border regions.
He said that he has also recently discussed about the action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). There has also been a discussion on using various helipads of the ITBP to promote tourism in remote areas. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the people through the health institutions of the ITBP.
The Chief Minister said that we were proud of the valour of the Army and the Paramilitary Forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for inaugurating border tourism activities. He said that more basic facilities would be increased at Shipki-La in near future. He also urged to start on-demand bus route in the area.
Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Namgya Baldev Negi also welcomed the Chief Minister. Besides, the local Mahila Mandals presented attractive cultural programs.
Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, Chairman KINFED Chandra Gopal Negi, Commanding Officer 19, Bihar Regiment Col. Nitin Shankar, Commanding Officer 11, Mahar Colonel G.K. Gunde, Commandant 43 Btln, ITBP Surendra Panwar, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar, Superintendent of Police Abhishek and senior officers of the Army, the ITBP and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
