Indian tourists will soon get a unique chance to explore the stunning border regions of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts along the Indo-China border. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is set to inaugurate the border tourism initiative from Shipki-La, a well-known frontier village, during his upcoming two-day visit to Kinnaur district.
This initiative, launched in coordination with the Union Government, is a significant milestone for the state. It aims to provide regulated access to strategically important and culturally rich sites such as Lepcha-La, Shipki-La, Gue Monastery, Khana, Dumti, the Rani area of Sangla, and Chitkul in Kinnaur, along with selected locations in Lahaul-Spiti.
The state government, under the Chief Minister’s direction, has worked closely with relevant authorities to make this long-standing effort a reality. The initiative will promote responsible tourism and inclusive development in these remote tribal regions, while safeguarding national security and preserving the unique tribal heritage.
Previously, access to these border areas required special permissions from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army due to their sensitive nature. Now, under revised protocols, local residents and genuine tourists can visit these places by presenting valid identity documents, making the process more accessible.
The ITBP and the Army will continue to oversee secure and smooth movement in accordance with established guidelines. The border tourism project is expected to boost local infrastructure, create livelihood opportunities through sustainable tourism, and strengthen national integration among communities in these distant tribal belts.
This initiative marks a transformative step in Himachal Pradesh’s development plans, blending security, sustainability, and socio-economic inclusion. The state government is committed to integrating even its remotest villages into the mainstream, while respecting and preserving their distinctive cultural identities.
Be the first to comment