Lipulekh Pass

News: Nepal has objected to India and China announcing the reopening of border trade through the Lipulekh Pass, citing its claims over the region.

About Lipulekh Pass

• It is a high-altitude Himalayan mountain pass situated in the Kumaon region of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India.
• Height: The pass lies at approximately 5,334 meters (17,500 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest and most challenging passes in the Indian Himalayas.
• Terrain: The region around Lipulekh is characterized by rugged, high mountains, glaciated valleys, and alpine meadows.
• River basin: It forms part of the Kali River basin.
  • The Kali River originates from nearby Kali glacier.
• Strategic importance: It lies near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and Tibet (China).
• Gateway: It serves as a crucial gateway between India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, facilitating not only historical but also present-day trade and pilgrimage routes.
  • It is a key part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the annual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar for Hindus and Buddhists.
• Ancient Trade Route: For centuries, the pass has been part of the traditional trade route connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Tibetan plateau, especially used by traders and pilgrims.
• In News: The Lipulekh Pass dispute is a border issue between India and Nepal over the ownership of the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura area, caused by differing interpretations of the boundary set by the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.