Shimla, May 3 -- With trade via Shipki-La pass set to open on June 1, after six year hiatus, the Himachal government is actively pushing for operationalise the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through the strategic pass, pitching it as a shorter and more reliable route.

At present, the Kailash Mansarovar yatra proceeds via two routes--Lipulekh pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). Both requires 2-3 weeks of travel and higher altitude trekking (up to 5,200m). Meanwhile, the distance to Kailash Mansarovar from the Shipki La side is estimated to be 100 km on the Tibetan side--significantly shorter than other routes.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds religious significance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, with pilgrims undertaking the yatra a...