Shipki La Pass Opens to Indian Tourists for the First Time Since Independence
Historic Opening of Shipki La Pass
Shimla: In a landmark decision, the Shipki La pass, situated in one of India’s most elevated and strategically important border regions in Himachal Pradesh, was opened to domestic tourists on June 10, 2025. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated this new tourist destination, representing a crucial advancement in promoting border tourism and enhancing the local economy in the Kinnaur district.
Perched at an impressive altitude of 12,893 feet, Shipki La is adjacent to the India-China border and had previously been restricted for civilian access due to its sensitive nature. This initiative allows Himachal Pradesh to present yet another extraordinary destination, merging high-altitude adventure with views of the Chinese border, albeit with stringent access regulations.
Entry Regulations for Tourists
Access Limited to Indian Nationals
In accordance with directives from the central government, only Indian citizens are permitted to proceed beyond the ITBP checkpoint at Khab. Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit the pass. To gain permission for onward travel, visitors must present their Aadhaar card at the Khab post, where ITBP personnel will document personal information for security reasons.
Travel Guidelines and Restrictions
Tourists can travel 32 kilometers beyond Khab to vantage points near the international border, where they can enjoy views of China and the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti rivers. However, overnight stays in the area are prohibited, and visitors must return on the same day.
Visitor Limitations and Access
Initially, a daily limit of 250 to 300 tourists will be allowed to visit Shipki La due to the narrow, single-lane mountain road leading to the pass. This route connects from National Highway-5, with Khab being the nearest town, located about 378 kilometers from Chandigarh via Shimla and Reckong Peo.
From Khab, a rugged 32-kilometer stretch leads to the pass. There are no accommodation facilities available at Shipki La, so tourists must return to towns like Namgia, Pooh, Kaza, or Reckong Peo for overnight lodging.
Seasonal Access and Future Developments
Access to Shipki La will be seasonal, as heavy snowfall and severe weather conditions render the area inaccessible from mid-November to mid-April. The pass is part of the historic India-Tibet road and has been under military control for an extended period.
Himachal Pradesh has been advocating for over twenty years to open this region to tourism, and the central government granted approval in early May this year. Tourists visiting this high-altitude frontier can also explore nearby attractions such as the Nako Monastery and Lake, the Sutlej-Spiti river confluence at Khab, and traditional Kinnauri villages like Chango. The state government is also working on enhancing infrastructure, including a proposal for heli-taxi services to Reckong Peo, to facilitate access to this newly opened route.