Lipulekh Pass
Context:
Cross-border trade between India and China through the historic Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district is set to resume in June 2026.
This marks the end of a seven-year suspension that began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
Key Developments:
The resumption follows high-level diplomatic engagements between India's National Security Advisor and the Chinese Foreign Minister in August 2025.
Both nations agreed to reopen key Himalayan trade routes, which also include Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim.
The administrative green light from the Ministry of External Affairs will facilitate the annual trade session, which typically spans from June to September and potentially extends into October.
About Lipulekh Pass:
Mountain passes are navigable routes through a mountain range or ridge that have historically played crucial roles in trade, migration, and the amalgamation of cultures.
Situated at an elevation of about 5,338 meters, the pass is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
It is a strategic part of the larger Himalayan ranges and connects India with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, serving as an ancient trade and pilgrimage route.
Some other notable passes in Uttarakhand include:
Mangsha Dhura Pass (5,490 meters):
A high-altitude pass situated on the border between India and Tibet.
Tunjun Pass (4,890 meters):
Located in a disputed zone between India and Tibet, specifically within the Dhauli Ganga Valley.
Ralam Dhura Pass (5,630 meters):
A remote and difficult trekking route that connects Munsyari to the Darma valley.
Danu Dhura Pass / Kafni Col (5,630 meters):
A highly challenging pass located between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks, requiring technical mountaineering skills to cross.