Kailash Yatra via Shipki-La: Will Himachal’s Push Spark a Centre-State Tug of War?
Shimla: April 20
The Himachal Pradesh government’s renewed pitch to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Shipki-La pass in Kinnaur has reignited what could turn into a Himachal vs Uttarakhand lobby war over a spiritual corridor that holds deep religious significance for lakhs of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain devotees.
Presiding over a high-level meeting with top Army officials including Lt. General Anindya Sengupta in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state would soon approach the Centre for opening the Yatra route through the Shipki-La pass—an old demand of locals and a potential gamechanger for border tourism.
But this bold move is bound to raise eyebrows in neighbouring Uttarakhand, where the Lipulekh route has so far enjoyed Centre’s blessings and infrastructure push.
A Political Hotbed Disguised as Pilgrimage
Sources within the state tourism and security establishment feel the proposal could escalate into a competitive federalism issue, with both states pushing for the lion's share of religious tourism pie. Himachal’s push, critics say, also hints at growing discontent over being left out of mega pilgrimage infrastructure projects, even though Shipki-La offers a logistically feasible and culturally significant route.
Toning Down Security, Upping Tourism?
The Sukhu government is also pressing for the abolition of inner line check posts that currently require permits for tourists in sensitive border belts—an ask that has security experts on edge.
“Tourism cannot override national security,” said a former intelligence officer, cautioning against unrestricted access near LAC zones without tight protocols. The Centre may tread cautiously on this.
Army Gets the Tourism Brief
Interestingly, the Army didn’t just sit through the meeting—it got an expanded to-do list.
From constructing an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti to exploring heliports in Sangla, Neesang and Thangi, the Army has been asked to help convert Himachal’s high-altitude zones into tourist hubs. The CM even proposed a military school, a milk processing unit supplying dairy to the forces, and joint ventures in sports and infrastructure.
In return, the Army promised an indoor stadium and ice skating rink in Kaza, and eye check-up camps—signals of goodwill, but also proof of how far civilian agendas are now nudging defence institutions in India’s border states.
Whose Border Is It Anyway?
While the Chief Minister stressed that roads like Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo and Leo-Chango must be maintained by the Ministry of Defence, what went unsaid was this: Himachal wants the Centre’s eye—and wallet—back on its borders, like it did for Ladakh and Uttarakhand.
With General Sengupta’s visit now over, all eyes are on whether the Centre will allow a second route to Kailash Mansarovar—one that could potentially shift footfall, funds and focus from Uttarakhand to Himachal. And in doing so, turn a spiritual journey into a subtle state rivalry.
Will Shipki-La become Himachal’s answer to Lipulekh? Or will Delhi play safe?
The Himalayan geopolitics of pilgrimage has been around here over the years.
