Source: TH
Context: The Himachal Pradesh government has opened the Shipki La Pass in Kinnaur for domestic tourism, eliminating the need for permits, reviving hopes for cross-border trade and religious tourism.
About Shipki La Pass:
- What is Shipki La?
- Shipki La is a motorable high-altitude mountain pass located at 3,930 metres in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, forming part of the India-China border.
- Location:
- Lies on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and Tibet (China).
- The Sutlej River (Langqen Zangbo) enters India through this pass.
- Previously known as Pema La or “Shared Gate”, signifying cultural unity.
- Historical Background:
- Historically, it was a major Indo-Tibetan trade route, documented since the 15th century.
- Trade continued under a folk oath of mutual trust until the Sino-India war (1962).
- Later disruptions occurred during the Doklam standoff and COVID-19.
- Features of Shipki La:
- Among the highest motorable passes in India.
- Serves as a border outpost managed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
- No longer requires permits for Indian citizens—Aadhaar-based access introduced.
- Significance of Shipki La:
- Trade Revival Potential:
- Reopening can restore historical Indo-Tibetan trade ties via the Kinnaur-Indo-China Trade Association.
- Traditional items traded included Tibetan wool, yak hair, gold, borax and Indian grains, spices, and tools.
- Religious Tourism Boost: Can reduce Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar travel by 14 days, boosting cross-border pilgrimage routes.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Reflects shared Buddhist heritage and civilisational continuity between Kinnaur and Tibet.
- Strategic Connectivity: Reinforces India’s Himalayan frontier presence, especially in light of China’s border infrastructure push.
- Trade Revival Potential:
