Lipulekh Pass: Gateway to Kailash Viewpoint Uttarakhand

Lipulekh Pass is a historic Himalayan gateway connecting India, Nepal, and Tibet, known for its role in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and recent border disputes.”

Location

Lipulekh Pass sits in the Adi Kailash region of Uttarakhand. It  is  in the Chaudans valley, which is a part of the Dharchula sub-district within the Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon region. This pass connects the Byash Valley in Nepal with Tibet, and serves as a significant route for the renowned Hindu pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. It also serves as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Historically, Lipulekh Pass is playing a crucial role as it was utilized by ancient traders, pilgrims, and ascetics traveling between Nepal and Tibet. It serves as a link between Uttarakhand, India, and Nepal. It is a point of converging at the old trading town of Taklakot (Purang) in Tibet. Currently, the pass is open for cross-border trade from June to September each year.

Disputes Bewteen India & China

Disputes over the ownership of Lipulekh Pass have arisen between India, China, and Nepal. According to historical documents, the western end of this tri-junction boundary point is  within Nepal’s territory, particularly in Kalapani. This fact was recognized in a boundary agreement between Nepal and China several decades ago.

Source of Kali RIver

These documents also assert that the Nepalese border extends up to Limpiyadhura, which is the source of the Kali River, separating India and Nepal. However, the Nepal-China borderline has expanded over time, especially after finalizing the tri-junction points at Limpiyadhura and Jhinsang Peak.

In 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open a trading post in Lipulekh during his visit to China was met with resistance from Nepal. Currently, Nepal is seeking a diplomatic solution to this issue with both China and India.

Here are some key facts about Lipulekh Pass:

• Lipulekh Pass became the first Indian border post to facilitate trade with China in 1992.
• It is open for cross-border trade between India and China annually from June to September.
• Lipulekh Pass serves as one of the four officially agreed-upon Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China, contributing to the resolution of potential face-offs.
• Historically, it has served as a route for traders, pilgrims, and ascetics traveling between Nepal and Tibet.
• It holds significance as an ancient route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage.

The trek to Lipulekh Pass typically commences from Pangu village in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Pangu is accessible by motorable roads and reachable by bus or taxi from major cities.