Lipulekh Pass
| Lipu-Lekh Pass | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 5,334 m (17,500 ft) |
| Range | Himalayas |
| Coordinates | 30°14′03″N 81°01′44″E / 30.234080°N 81.028805°ECoordinates: 30°14′03″N 81°01′44″E / 30.234080°N 81.028805°E |
Lipulekh (also known as Tri-Corner) (elevation 5,334 m or 17,500 ft) is a Himalayan pass between Nepal, India and China connecting the North Western Cornered Byash Valley of Nepal and Indian State of Uttarakhand with the old trading town of Taklakot (Purang) in Tibet and belongs to Nepal. It has been used since ancient times by traders, mendicants and pilgrims transiting between Nepal and Tibet. This is used by Manasarovar pilgrims. Regarding the tri-junction of the western end, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zeng Xu Yong told in a program organized by the Reporter’s Club that Lipulek was regarded as the tri-junction boundary point among Nepal, India and China by which Kalapani lies in the Nepalese territory as the boundary agreement between Nepal and China was signed three and half decades ago. However, old documents were ignored at that time which depict the Nepalese border up to Limpiyadhura, the origin of the river Mahakali (Kantipur Daily, 3 September 1999). With all these facts, it is sure that the length of Nepal-China borderline will be further extended and its final total length will be nearabout 1,464 km, after the finalization of the tri-junction points at Limpiyadhura and Jhinsang Peak. But nobody knows even the approximate period of the finalization of these triple-points, because it needs the consent of India indeed, as an inevitable fact.[1] After the Indian prime minister's visit to China in 2015, India and China agreed to open a trading post in Lipulekh, which was not welcomed by Nepal. Nepal now intends to solve the issue via diplomatic means with China and India. Nepal further considered the decision taken by the neighboring nations as a hegemonic step.[2]
Tourism
This pass links the Byash Valley of Nepal and Chaudans valley of India with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and forms the last territorial point in Indian and Nepalese territory. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a Hinduism pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, traverses this pass. Lipulekh pass is connected to Chang Lobochahela, near the old trading town of Purang (Taklakot), in Tibet. The historic data shows that it is a part of Nepal which is famous for tourism.
India-China Trading Post
The pass is first Indian border post to be opened for trade with China in 1992. This was followed by the opening of Shipki La, Himachal Pradesh in 1994 and Nathu La, Sikkim in 2006. Presently, Lipulekh pass is open for cross-border trade every year from June through September.
The items cleared for export from India include gur, misri, Tobacco, Spices, pulse, Fafar flour, Coffee, Vegetable oil, ghee and various miscellaneous consumable items, whereas the main imports into India include Sheep Wool, Passam, Sheep, Goats, borax, Yak tails, Chhirbi (butter) and raw Silk.
India-China BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) point
It is one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) point between Indian Army and People's Liberation Army of China for regular consultations and interactions between the two armies, which helps in defusing face-offs. The four BPM are: Chushul in Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim, Bum La Pass in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand close to Changla.[3]
See also
References
External links
Template:Mountain passes of Nepal