Lipulekh Pass: Location, Features and Significance

Context: Nepal has opposed the India-China decision to restart border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, calling it unexpected and unacceptable as the region is disputed (Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura).

Lipulekh Pass – Location and Features

• A high-altitude mountain pass in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the India–Nepal–China trijunction.
• Connects Uttarakhand (India) with Tibet (China).
• Altitude: ~5,334 m (17,500 ft).
• Acts as a gateway to the higher Himalayas due to its elevation and strategic location.
• First Indian border post opened for trade with China (1992).
  • Later followed by Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh, 1994) and Nathu La (Sikkim, 2006).

Significance of Lipulekh Pass

• Ancient Trade Route
  • Historically used as a key trade corridor linking India with the Tibetan plateau.
• Religious Importance
  • Integral to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage route.
• Strategic Importance
  • Located near the contested Kalapani-Limpiyadhura region, claimed by both India and Nepal.
  • Serves as a vital border trade and military route in the Himalayan frontier.

Major Passes of Uttarakhand

Mana Pass

• Located in Uttarakhand on the border with Tibet.
• Elevation: 5610 m.
• Lies slightly north of the holy place Badrinath.
• Remains closed during winter (Nov–Apr).

Mangsha Dhura

• Border pass between Uttarakhand and Tibet.
• Used by pilgrims on the route to Kailash–Mansarovar.

Niti Pass

• Border pass between Uttarakhand and Tibet.
• Remains closed during winter (Nov–Apr).

Muling La Pass

• Border pass between Uttarakhand and Tibet.
• Located north of Gangotri.
• Elevation: 5669 m in the Great Himalayas.

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