India, July 21 -- The annual barter trade between Indian and Tibetan traders, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, is set to resume on August 1 through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, officials said on Monday.

Traders, however, said the delayed start of the cross-border exchange of goods will not benefit much as the trade is restricted until October, and Tibetan buyers start losing interest after August.

Indian traders travel to Tibet carrying items such as rock sugar, jaggery, cosmetics, and specific grocery items, and bring back wool, pashmina jackets, shoes and other products.

According to officials, Indian traders have been granted permission to enter the market in Purang (Taklakot), Ti...