Lipulekh Pass

Lipulekh Pass Latest News

The historic cross-border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district is set to resume this June.

About Lipulekh Pass

• Location: It is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China.
• It links the Indian state of Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China.
• Altitude: It lies at an altitude of approximately 5,334 meters (17,500 feet).
• Its elevation and strategic location make it a gateway to the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
• It is the first Indian border post opened for trade with China in 1992.
• Other passes: This was followed by the opening of Shipki La Pass, Himachal Pradesh in 1994 and Nathu La Pass, Sikkim in 2006.

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Significance of Lipulekh Pass

• Ancient Trade Route: Lipulekh Pass has been utilized for centuries as a trade route, connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Tibetan plateau.
• Religious Significance: It is a key corridor for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and plays an important role in connecting border communities, especially tribal groups such as the Bhotiyas who depend on cross-border trade.

Source: NIE