Chief minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launches border tourism initiative in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will launch the Border Tourism initiative from Shipki-La, a prominent frontier village, during his upcoming two-day visit to Kinnaur district.A govt spokesperson said on Sunday that the Border Tourism initiative, launched in coordination with the Union Govt, will enable regulated tourist access to strategically important yet culturally vibrant locations such as Lepcha-La, Shipki-La, Gue Monastery, Khana, Dumti, the Rani area of Sangla, and Chitkul in Kinnaur district, along with selected areas in Lahaul-Spiti.The spokesperson said that the objective is to promote sustainable border tourism while ensuring national security and preserving the unique tribal heritage of the region. “Access to these areas, which previously required special permissions from the ITBP and Indian Army due to their strategic locations and security, is now eased under revised protocols,” he said.As per the new guidelines, local residents and bona fide tourists can now visit these locations by presenting valid identity documents. The ITBP and Army will continue to facilitate smooth and secure movement in alignment with prescribed protocols.The initiative is expected to strengthen local infrastructure, enhance livelihood opportunities through responsible tourism, and foster a deeper sense of national integration for communities residing in remote tribal belts, said the spokesman.