Lipulekh Pass Trek
10 Days · 5334m Tibet Border Pass · Ancient Kailash Route · Restricted Area
📅 10 Days
• 5334m Pass
• 🇮🇳 Tibet Border
🥾 Difficult
10 Days · 5334m Tibet Border Pass · Ancient Kailash Route · Restricted Area
Lipulekh Pass (5334m) is a high mountain pass at the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet) in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The pass has been the traditional route for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage via India, used for centuries by traders and pilgrims. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) organised by the Ministry of External Affairs uses this route. In 2020, India completed a road (BRO) from Dharchula to Lipulekh as part of the strategic border road project.
The trek/drive to Lipulekh starts from Dharchula (the last major town in Pithoragarh) and goes via the Kali river valley through Gunji, Nabhi Danda, and Kalapani. The area around Kalapani has historical significance as it is a disputed tri-border region. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as the altitude rises — wide open glaciated valleys, river gorges, and distant Tibet plateau views as you near the pass.
The approach to Lipulekh now has a BRO road reaching close to the pass (road status changes — some sections may require trekking). Inner Line Permit is mandatory. This route also passes through the Adi Kailash area (Jolingkong) and Om Parvat viewpoint (Nabhi Danda), making it possible to combine the Adi Kailash Om Parvat visit with the Lipulekh pass approach. Dev Yatra organises Lipulekh Pass trek packages with all ILP, Dharchula transport, accommodation, and guide.
5334m pass at the India-Nepal-China tri-junction. Strategic and historically significant border crossing.
For centuries the pilgrimage path to Mount Kailash in Tibet went through Lipulekh. Rich spiritual history.
Historically significant Kalapani area. Disputed tri-border zone with Nepal and China. Remarkable geography.
India's Border Roads Organisation has built a road to near the pass. Reduces trek distance significantly vs. earlier years.
BEST SEASON
Road and trail open. Pass accessible. Om Parvat and Adi Kailash visible. Government KMY also runs in this period.
AUTUMN
Post-monsoon. Clear skies. Road open. Good for views. October can be cold near pass.
CLOSED
BRO road and all high passes snowbound. Inaccessible in winter.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
Haridwar Railway Station — overnight trains from Delhi take 5-6 hours.
Delhi ISBT to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect Haridwar to base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). Pickup from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun on request.
The Lipulekh Pass road is a significant infrastructure achievement — what was once a 5-day trek is now a 2-day drive. The Byans Valley and the view from the pass into Tibet are extraordinary. Om Parvat (5148m) with its natural OM snow symbol is visible from Nabhidhang. The altitude at Lipulekh is 5334m — people with no altitude experience should acclimatise at least one night at Gunji (3200m). Inner Line Permit (ILP) is essential and is obtained in advance. The entire Kumaon high Himalaya circuit takes 5–7 days from Pithoragarh.