CM Sukhu has urged the Central Government to assess the feasibility of opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) through the Shipki-La route in Kinnaur district.
In a letter to PM Modi, the Chief Minister highlighted that Shipki-La, a historic Indo-Tibetan trade route, has long served as a spiritual and cultural corridor tied to Tibetan Buddhism and ancient pilgrimage routes. The region’s semi-arid geography and rain-shadow location make it less susceptible to monsoon disruptions, offering a longer operational window compared to other routes.
He noted that the path via Shipki-La to Gartok and onward to Mansarovar and Darchen is shorter on the Tibetan side, and the existing road connectivity up to Shipki-La via Rampur and Pooh further strengthens the viability of this alternative. With the development of base camps and infrastructure, the route could be seamlessly integrated into the KMY framework.
The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative would not only facilitate spiritual travel but also promote border tourism, align with the Vibrant Villages Programme, and support the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal population in Kinnaur.
He assured full logistical and administrative support from the State Government if the route is approved by the Centre.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
