Shipki La Travel Guide (2025) – How to Reach, Permits, Best Time & Things to Do.

I was all geared up to ride towards Shipki La from Kalpa on my trans-Himalayan ride, a place I had been craving to visit for years. For me, this wasn’t just another mountain pass—it was a long-awaited dream.

Once an important Indo–Tibet trade route, Shipki La was among the very few passes through which trade with Tibet flourished. Caravans carrying wool, salt, dry fruits, and other goods crossed this high-altitude corridor, linking the cultures and economies of both sides. The pass also lies on the historic Hindustan–Tibet Road, which was built in the mid-19th century by the British to strengthen trade and strategic presence in the region.

However, after the 1962 India–China war, Shipki La was closed for civilian movement, and the once-thriving exchange of goods and traditions came to a standstill. For decades, it remained a silent witness to shifting geopolitics and untold stories of borderland communities.

In June 2025, when the pass finally reopened for civilian visits, it gave me the perfect chance to turn my dream into reality. Riding towards it felt like not just reaching a destination, but retracing history—reviving echoes of the past while carving my own story on these ancient trails.

Refer the detailed itinerary for the route.

“Some roads don’t just take you to places, they take you back in time.”

Early Start from Kalpa

I began the ride around 7 AM from Zostel Kalpa. A light drizzle made the valley look like a painting, with clouds hugging the mountains. As beautiful as it was, I had a lingering worry—the road ahead was notorious for landslides and shooting stones, making it one of the trickier stretches in Kinnaur.

If you’re heading from Kalpa towards Nako via Shipki La, remember this—Pooh is the last reliable fuel station. Riders are advised to refuel here, and for added safety, carry some extra petrol, especially if you’re riding through to remote regions where fuel availability is uncertain.

Once past the initial anxiety, the ride turned into pure bliss. The road wound like a ribbon through narrow valleys, with the river gushing fiercely on one side. Every few kilometers, waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, drenching parts of the track and reminding me that this terrain belongs to nature first.

The Cut Towards Shipki La

About 27 km from Pooh, a cut on NH5 leads towards Shipki La. From here, the road begins its dramatic climb, twisting into sharp hairpin bends. Riding here was both fun and scary—the altitude gain was quick, and deep drops on one side kept me alert.

The higher I went, the more spectacular the views became—snow-capped peaks, tiny villages like Khab and Tashigang, and glimpses of the Indo-Tibet border. But the road demanded constant focus; one distraction could easily turn dangerous.

After about 1.5 hours of climb, I reached Chhopan ITBP post, where I had to present my Aadhaar card to obtain permits. The soldiers were welcoming and even shared a few stories. One thing to note—permits are not issued after 2 PM, so timing is crucial if you plan to attempt this route.

Climbing Higher Towards the Border

The ascent continued, and with every curve, the scenery became surreal. The cloud-engulfed Reo Purgyil (the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh) stood tall in the distance, while the road itself was lined with wildflowers. It looked picture-perfect, but the danger never disappeared—one wrong move here, and you’d tumble hundreds of feet down into the Khab valley.

Reaching Shipki La – A Dream Come True

Finally, I rolled into Shipki La, greeted by the iconic “Welcome to Shipki La” board and the presence of Army officials. They kindly allowed me to explore around and even pointed out the historic Indo-Tibet trade route. From here, I could see across into Tibet and its border villages, something that had been a dream of mine for years.

Standing at this high pass, knowing it was once a flourishing trade route and is now reopening after decades, was nothing short of magical. After some time exploring and chatting with the soldiers, I geared up again and set off for Nako, my next destination on this unforgettable journey.

Things to Do at Shipki La

• Historic Indo-Tibet Trade Route: Witness the ancient pass that once connected India and Tibet for trade. One can also see the Indra Stone and the Gate used to cross border.
• Border Views: Get a rare glimpse of Tibetan villages across the border.
• Photography: Panoramic shots of Reo Purgyil peak, Khab valley, and surrounding landscapes.
• Cultural Stops: Visit nearby villages like Khab and Tashigang to experience the traditional Himachali-Tibetan lifestyle.
• Adventure Ride/Drive: The narrow, winding road is a thrill for bikers and off-road lovers.