Shimla, June 10 (UNI) In a landmark move, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday opened the Shipkila Pass at the India-China border in Kinnaur district for tourists, following clearance from the Central government.
The scenic high-altitude destination, which remained closed due to snowfall, has now been made accessible after road restoration. CM Sukhu personally welcomed the first batch of visitors, formally dedicating this strategic and serene tourist spot to the nation.
The opening comes at a time when northern plains are reeling under a severe heatwave, with temperatures crossing 43°C. Neri in Hamirpur recorded the highest temperature of the season at 42.6°C on Monday. In contrast, Shimla offered respite with minimum temperatures hovering around 20°C, which is still four degrees above normal.
To accommodate the tourist influx, the state tourism department and hoteliers are focusing on promoting virgin destinations and unexplored valleys. The number of registered homestay units has also increased, offering authentic and affordable options for visitors seeking longer stays.
“The peaceful border landscape, snow-laden peaks, and untouched valleys are becoming major attractions,” said a tourism official. “We are witnessing a trend where tourists prefer staying for more than two-three days, especially in high-altitude zones like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.”
The India Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather in the next two days but issued a heatwave alert for select areas. This is expected to further boost tourist movement to the cooler hill regions of Himachal.
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