---
title: "Shipki La: India-China Himalayan Pass | Model Diplomat"
description: "Shipki La is a 3,930 m pass in Himachal Pradesh where the Sutlej enters India from Tibet, a border trade and pilgrim route distinct from Ladakh's passes."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/shipki-la"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Shipki La is a Himalayan mountain pass on the India–China border in Himachal Pradesh through which the Sutlej River enters India from Tibet.
- Which river enters India through Shipki La?
- How is Shipki La different from Nathu La and Lipulekh?
- In which sector of the India–China boundary does Shipki La fall?
- What road connects to Shipki La?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Shipki La like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Shipki La

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Shipki La](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Shipki%20La%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 1994 India operationalised Shipki La in Kinnaur as a designated point for limited border trade with the Tibet Autonomous Region, following the 1991 India–China memorandum on resuming border commerce.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Shipki La beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.