Border Tourism Opens at Shipki-La

Context

Himachal Pradesh Government, in coordination with the Union Ministry of Defence, officially launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La Pass (3,930 m) in Kinnaur district. For the first time, this strategic India-China border region has been opened to domestic tourists carrying valid Aadhaar identification, marking a shift in access policy to promote local economic development and cultural tourism.

Geographic and Strategic Significance:

Shipki-La Pass is a high-altitude motorable pass located in the tribal district of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh.
It connects India with the Tibet Autonomous Region (China) and has been historically used as a traditional Indo-Tibetan trade route.
Due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the area has been under stringent military surveillance with restricted civilian movement.

Tourism and Administrative Developments:

The border tourism initiative includes destinations such as Lepcha-La, Giu, Rani Kanda, and areas in Lahaul-Spiti.
The revised guidelines now allow Aadhaar-based access to these areas, regulated in coordination with ITBP and Indian Army protocols.
This initiative aims at promoting sustainable tourism, livelihood generation, and cultural linkages in high-altitude tribal zones.

Future Prospects and Central Coordination:

The state government intends to propose Shipki-La as a new route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, potentially making it the shortest and most accessible alternative route.
Himachal Pradesh has requested:
- Reopening the Shipki-La trade route (closed since 2020).
- Setting up airport infrastructure in border districts.
- Removal of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in selected areas to ease tourism.
ITBP's infrastructure (helipads, medical facilities) is also being considered for civilian tourism and health outreach.