It is one that gives the old trade route much of its economic significance. Story continues below this adThe reason is simple: pashm has become too expensive for a trade route that still runs on barter. “The first batch has returned safely, but unfortunately we could not bring raw Pashm, which is the most sought-after commodity in this trade. According to Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Sharma, Shipki La trade continues to follow the barter arrangement dating to 1697 between Tibet and the erstwhile Bushahr princely estate. Unlike the Nathu La and Lipulekh routes, where monetary transactions are permitted under modern protocols, Shipki La continues to retain its barter-based character.