• Offices: Dehradun | Dwarka New Delhi
  • Lipu Lekh Pass

    Lipu Lekh Pass & Vyas Valley in Uttarakhand offer stunning landscapes, trekking, and pilgrimage routes. Best visited in May-June and Sept-Oct for safe travel.



Lipu Lekh Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a significant route for trade and pilgrimage, especially for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Tibet. This pass is located near the Indo-China-Nepal tri-junction and is one of the most strategic locations in India. Vyas Valley, on the other hand, is a beautiful and historically significant region in the same district, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural importance.

Where is Lipu Lekh Pass and Vyas Valley Located?

Lipu Lekh Pass is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India, at an altitude of approximately 5,334 meters (17,500 feet) above sea level. It serves as a border pass between India and Tibet (China) and is used by pilgrims going for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Vyas Valley lies in the same district and is named after Maharishi Ved Vyas, the sage who is believed to have composed the Mahabharata. The valley is home to many religious and culturally significant places like Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, and Kalapani.

How to Reach Lipu Lekh Pass and Vyas Valley?

Reaching Lipu Lekh Pass and Vyas Valley requires multiple modes of transportation, including road and trekking.

By Air

  • The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 450 km from Dharchula (the last major town before Vyas Valley and Lipu Lekh Pass).

  • From Pantnagar, you need to travel by road to Dharchula and then continue towards Gunji, Navidang, and Lipu Lekh Pass.

By Rail

  • The closest railway station is Tanakpur Railway Station, about 350 km from Dharchula.

  • From Tanakpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dharchula and further continue your journey.

By Road

  • From Delhi: The road journey from Delhi to Dharchula is about 550 km and takes around 14–16 hours.

  • From Pithoragarh: Dharchula is around 90 km from Pithoragarh and can be reached by taxi or bus.

  • Due to its proximity to the international border, you need a special permit to travel to Vyas Valley and Lipu Lekh Pass from Dharchula.

Trekking Route

  • From Dharchula, you will need to trek via Gunji and Navidang to reach Lipu Lekh Pass. The trek is quite challenging and requires high-altitude acclimatization.

  • The trek distance from Gunji to Lipu Lekh Pass is about 17 km, and it takes around two days to complete this part of the journey.

Best Time to Visit Lipu Lekh Pass and Vyas Valley

Due to its extreme altitude and harsh climate, Lipu Lekh Pass and Vyas Valley are accessible only for a few months each year. The best time to visit is:

Summer (May to June)

  • This is the most popular time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

  • The snow starts melting, making the pass accessible.

  • The temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C during the daytime, making it relatively comfortable for trekking.

Monsoon (July to September)

  • Not recommended for travel due to heavy rainfall and landslides in the region.

  • The roads leading to Dharchula and further to Gunji become slippery and risky.

Autumn (September to October)

  • Another good time to visit as the monsoon recedes.

  • Clear skies and breathtaking views of the mountains.

  • Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C.

Winter (November to April)

  • The area is covered in heavy snow, making travel impossible.

  • The temperatures drop to -20°C or lower.

For those planning a pilgrimage or trek, May to June and September to October are the ideal months.

So, The Lipu Lekh Pass and Vyas Valley are among the most breathtaking and historically significant places in Uttarakhand. Whether you are a pilgrim, trekker, or nature enthusiast, these locations offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While the journey to these remote locations is challenging, the rewards are immense, with stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and spiritual significance. Plan your trip carefully, prepare well, and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas!

1. Lipu Lekh Pass 2. Niti Pass 3. Rupin Pass