Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to explore the feasibility of opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) route via Shipki-La pass in Kinnaur district. The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic, cultural, and logistical advantages of this historic corridor, positioning it as a viable alternative for the sacred pilgrimage.   Sukhu, in his letter, noted that the Shipki-La region has long served as a traditional Indo-Tibetan trade route and a spiritual path deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhism and ancient Hindu pilgrimages. The pass, he emphasized, embodies Indias age-old civilizational connection with Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, revered sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.   He further pointed out that the Kinnaur region, like neighboring Spiti, lies in a rain-shadow zone, making it relatively immune to monsoon-related disruptions that often hinder other routes. The trail from Shipki-La to Gartok, Darchen, and ultimately Mansarovar is also shorter on the Tibetan side, offering not just spiritual access but logistical ease.   Highlighting existing infrastructure, Sukhu said that road connectivity already exists up to Shipki-La via Rampur and Pooh, and with focused development of base camps and support infrastructure, the route can be seamlessly integrated into the KMY framework.   The Chief Minister asserted that the opening of the Shipki-La corridor would not only deepen religious and cultural ties but also drive socio-economic growth in the tribal belt of Kinnaur, aligning with the Centres Vibrant Village Programme aimed at strengthening border regions.   He assured the Central Government of full logistical and administrative support from the state if the proposal is accepted, stating that the initiative would strengthen both spiritual connectivity and strategic border development in the region.  

Stay updated with all the Chandigarh Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.