Tourist activities launched at Shipki-La mountain pass in Himachal's tribal Kinnaur district bordering China, says CM Sukhu
In a bid to promote tourism in the hill State, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (June 10, 2025) launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a motorable mountain pass situated at an altitude of 3,930 meters, bordering India and China in tribal district of Kinnaur.
'We have eased restrictions for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La and the tourism activities here would strengthen the economy of the local people along with boosting tourism in the region. The State government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval for the same, the border tourism initiative has been launched,' he said, addressing a public gathering.
The Chief Minister said that the State government would take up the issue of starting 'Kailash Mansarovar Yatra' from Shipki-La with the Central government. 'I will meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and present this matter before him. Shipki-La will be the easiest route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,' he said.
'We have also urged the Center to establish Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the State. The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued before the Union government. The State government will urge the Centre to abolish the inner line check post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates permit related obstacles for tourists,' he added.
'Increasing connectivity'
The Chief Minister said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote border regions.
'I recently discussed about the action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). There has also been a discussion on using various helipads of the ITBP to promote tourism in remote areas. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the people through the health institutions of the ITBP,' he said.
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