TNR News Network
Shimla: In a historic development, Shipki La pass, one of India’s highest and most sensitive border areas in Himachal Pradesh, was opened to domestic tourists on Monday (June 10, 2025) for the first time since Independence.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the pass as a new tourist destination, marking a significant step in boosting border tourism and local economy in the Kinnaur region.
Located at an altitude of 12,893 feet, Shipki La is close to the India-China border and had remained off-limits for civilians due to strategic sensitivities. With this move, Himachal Pradesh now offers yet another unique destination, combining high-altitude adventure with a glimpse of the Chinese frontier — but access comes with strict guidelines.
Entry restricted only to Indian citizens
As per central government directives, only Indian nationals are allowed beyond the ITBP checkpoint at Khab. Foreign tourists are strictly prohibited from visiting the pass.
Visitors must present their Aadhaar card at the Khab post to secure onward travel permission. Personal details will be recorded by ITBP personnel for security purposes.
Tourists will be allowed to travel 32 km beyond Khab up to the vantage points near the international border, offering views of China and the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti rivers. However, overnight stays in the area are not permitted. Visitors must return the same day.
Daily cap of 300 visitors and limited access
Initially, only 250 to 300 tourists per day will be permitted to travel to Shipki La due to the narrow, single-lane mountain road leading to the pass. The route connects from National Highway-5, with the nearest accessible town being Khab — approximately 378 km from Chandigarh via Shimla and Reckong Peo.
From Khab, a rugged 32-km stretch takes visitors up to the pass. There are no accommodation facilities at Shipki La due to the absence of permanent settlements. Tourists must plan to return to towns like Namgia, Pooh, Kaza or Reckong Peo for overnight stays.
Tourist movement to Shipki La will remain seasonal as heavy snowfall and harsh weather make the area inaccessible from mid-November to mid-April. The pass lies along the historic India-Tibet road and had long been under military control.
Himachal Pradesh had been lobbying for over two decades to open the region to tourism and the Centre granted approval in early May this year.
In addition to the thrill of visiting a high-altitude frontier zone, tourists can explore nearby attractions such as the Nako Monastery and Lake, the Satluj-Spiti river confluence at Khab, and traditional Kinnauri villages like Chango.
The state government is also pushing for improved infrastructure, including a proposal for heli-taxi services to Reckong Peo, to make this newly opened route more accessible.
