India Negotiates Shipki La Route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

In a move that could revolutionise high-altitude pilgrimage, the Union Government informed Parliament on February 6, 2026, that it remains in active dialogue with Chinese authorities to open the Shipki La Pass in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, for the upcoming Yatra season.
Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, stated that while the Chinese side has previously cited operational difficulties, the Indian government has persistently advocated this alternative route to improve pilgrim access.

The "Shortest Route" Advantage

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who recently visited the border point, has highlighted Shipki La as the "easiest and shortest" path to Mount Kailash.

• Distance: Mount Kailash is only 92-100 kilometres from the Shipki La border.
• Infrastructure: The route is largely motorable, potentially reducing the arduous 20-day journey to a significantly shorter duration.
• Climate: Located in a rain-shadow zone, the Kinnaur-Tibet corridor is less prone to the devastating monsoon landslides that often plague the Uttarakhand routes.

Current Status of the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Following the successful resumption of the pilgrimage in 2025 via Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim), the 2026 season is expected to see a massive surge in applicants.

• The 12-Year Cycle: 2026 marks the auspicious "Year of the Horse." According to tradition, one Parikrama performed this year is equivalent to 13 ordinary Parikramas, making it a "Mahakumbh" event for devotees.
• Diplomatic Momentum: Recent senior-level meetings between Foreign Ministers S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi have signalled a "people-centric" shift in bilateral relations, paving the way for expanded pilgrimage-scale and direct flight connectivity.

Important for Kailash Mansarovar Yatris

For the first time since 1947, the Himachal Pradesh government has opened Shipki La to domestic tourists for border tourism. If the centre successfully secures the pass for the Yatra, it will provide:

• Lower Physical Strain: Ideal for elderly pilgrims who find the trekking-intensive routes challenging.
• Enhanced Safety: Faster access to medical facilities and better road stability.
• Cultural Revival: Restoration of the ancient Silk Road trade and cultural ties between Kinnaur and Western Tibet.

Note- While negotiations continue, official registration for the 2026 Yatra is expected to begin in the coming months. We recommend that interested travellers keep their passports and medical fitness certificates ready.