CM Sukhu Launches Border Tourism at Shipki-La, To Advocate Opening of Route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Kinnaur:

In a significant move to boost tourism and regional development in the border areas of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a strategically located high-altitude mountain pass at 3,930 meters, in the tribal district of Kinnaur.

Addressing a large public gathering at Shipki-La, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism in the border regions and empowering local communities. He announced that the state government would advocate with the Centre to open the Shipki-La route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, highlighting its potential as the “easiest and most feasible route” for the revered pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

“I will personally meet the Prime Minister and urge him to consider opening the Shipki-La route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,” said CM Sukhu. “This will not only revive our ancient cultural links with Tibet but will also provide an economic boost to the region.”

Shipki-La, once a vibrant trade route between India and Tibet, was closed for trade in 2020. The Chief Minister underscored the cultural and economic opportunities that could arise from reactivating this historic route. “There are immense possibilities of trade and cultural exchange through this pass, and we will raise the matter of reopening it with the Central Government as well,” he said.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the Ministry of Defence had granted approval to begin tourism in several sensitive border areas, including Lepcha, Giu, Rani Kanda, and Shipki-La, following sustained efforts by the state government. With today’s formal launch, Himachal Pradesh steps into a new chapter of border tourism development.

In a series of announcements, CM Sukhu said that the state government has urged the Centre to:

• Establish a Himachal Scout Battalion with a special quota for youth from border regions.
• Develop an airport to enhance connectivity and tourism infrastructure in the border belt.
• Abolish the Inner Line Permit system that currently restricts free tourist movement in sensitive areas.

He noted that seamless travel is a priority, and the state will work in collaboration with the Indian Army and Paramilitary Forces to facilitate safe and tourist-friendly access. There are also ongoing discussions to utilize ITBP’s helipads to improve connectivity and deploy their health infrastructure to serve local residents in remote villages.

The CM also shared a key infrastructure update — the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road, connecting Lahaul-Spiti with Kinnaur, has received clearance from the National Wildlife Board, and its construction will reduce the travel distance between Shimla and Kaza by nearly 100 kilometers.

Highlighting the dual importance of border roads, the CM said, “While these roads hold strategic significance for national security, they also serve as lifelines for our border population, bringing them into the mainstream of development.”

On the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited the Indira Gandhi Point. The event was marked by colorful cultural performances by local Mahila Mandals and enthusiastic participation from villagers.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, welcoming the Chief Minister, thanked him for prioritizing Shipki-La in the state’s development agenda and urged for the launch of an on-demand bus service to further ease travel in the region.

The ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries including Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devender Shyam, KINFED Chairman Chander Gopal Negi, Colonel Nitin Shankar of the 19 Bihar Regiment, Colonel G.K. Gunde of 11 Mahar, Commandant Surender Panwar of the 43rd Battalion ITBP, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar, and SP Abhishek, along with senior officers from the Army and ITBP.

The launch of border tourism at Shipki-La marks a new beginning in the state’s strategy to integrate development, security, and cultural heritage in its high-altitude frontiers.