Shipki La Border Opens for Tourism for the First Time Since Independence
Indian citizens can now visit Shipki La, the scenic border pass in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, adjoining Chinese-occupied Tibet. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made history by launching border tourism at Shipki La on June 10. He is the second major Indian leader to visit the site after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968.
Addressing a public meeting at Shipki La, the Chief Minister said this marks the beginning of a new tourism chapter. Nearby border regions—Lepcha, Giu, and Rani Kanda—have also been opened for tourism. For the first time since independence, Shipki La is now accessible to the public.
CM Sukhu emphasized starting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from this route, which is one of the shortest at just 90 km. He stated he would personally request Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Defence Minister to take up the proposal. He also committed that the state government would bear the road construction costs up to Kailash Mansarovar.
Border trade with Tibet, disrupted due to COVID-19, should be revived, he said. He also proposed the creation of a Himachal Scouts Battalion with a special quota for locals in the border areas. Tourism development would boost local economies and infrastructure.
Airport and Permits
CM Sukhu announced that the state would request the central government to build an airport to promote tourism in border regions. He also called for eliminating inner line permits required for tourists, which create unnecessary barriers.
Shipki La Forest Park and Indira Gandhi Point
The Chief Minister inaugurated the "Sarhad Van Udyan" (Border Forest Park) and visited the Indira Gandhi Point, commemorating the late PM's historic visit to the same location in 1968.
Use of ITBP Facilities
The government is also exploring the use of ITBP's helipads and medical infrastructure to support tourism and local healthcare. The ITBP is being consulted to promote tourism in forward border areas.
Historic Visit by Indira Gandhi in 1968
On June 9, 1968, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Shipki La, traveling 27 kilometers on horseback and on foot after landing at a military helipad. She laid the "Indira Stone" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). She was accompanied by the then Himachal CM Dr. Y.S. Parmar.
Though tourists are visiting for the first time, locals in Kinnaur have long used Shipki La as a traditional trade route with Tibet.