Himachal Pradesh Opens Up Border Areas to Regulate Tourism

The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced a controlled approach to tourism in its sensitive border regions, including Lahaul-Spiti, to support sustainable travel while safeguarding the area's unique ecology and heritage.

In a move aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism in these critical regions, the state has announced regulated access to several key border sites, such as Lepcha-La, Shipki-La, Gue Monastery, Khana, Dumti, the Rani area in Sangla, and Chitkul in Kinnaur district, along with select locations in Lahaul-Spiti.

This initiative was announced just ahead of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s upcoming visit to Kinnaur, where he is expected to officially launch the border tourism scheme during his two-day visit starting at Shipki-La village.

According to a statement issued by the state government, the initiative has been developed in coordination with the Union government and aims to open up access to areas that are not only of strategic importance but also rich in cultural and natural heritage, in the aftermath of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

A state government spokesperson said, “The objective is to promote sustainable border tourism while ensuring national security and preserving the unique tribal heritage of the region.”

Previously, access to these remote locations was tightly restricted, requiring special permits from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army due to their strategic importance near the India-China border. Under the new guidelines, both local residents and genuine tourists can now visit these sites by presenting valid identity documents.

Officials highlighted that this move is not only aimed at promoting tourism but also at fostering economic growth and developing infrastructure in these tribal regions. The government believes that increased visitor numbers will create livelihood opportunities and improve local infrastructure, while reinforcing a strong sense of national integration among frontier communities.

“This marks a transformative step in the state's developmental roadmap, blending security, sustainability, and socioeconomic inclusion. The state government remains committed to integrating India's remotest villages into the mainstream, without compromising their distinct cultural identity,” the spokesperson added.

Moreover, the initiative is strategically designed to enhance local engagement and awareness within border communities, while highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s rich tribal heritage and stunning landscapes to a broader audience. As the tourism approach prioritises sustainability, authorities have assured that measures will be implemented to manage visitor impact and promote environmental conservation, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness are preserved for generations to come.