New Delhi: India’s diverse topography and vast mountain ranges testify to its natural beauty. Among these, the high-altitude mountain passes stand out, not just for their historical and cultural importance but also for their breathtaking beauty. These passes, from Khardung La Pass in Jammu and Kashmir to Nathu La Pass in Sikkim, are not just geographical features but also stunning landscapes that attract tourists from across the globe.
List of important mountain passes in India
Nathu La Pass, Sikkim
Khardung La Pass, Ladakh
Zoji La Pass, Ladakh
Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Thamarassery Churam, Kerala
Mana Pass, Uttarakhand
Baralacha La Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Chang La Pass, Ladakh
Shipki La Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Karakoram Pass, Ladakh
Pass
State
Height
Connecting/Between
Nathu La
Sikkim
14,140 ft (4,310 m)
Sikkim and Tibet
Khardung La
Ladakh
18,380 ft (5,600 m)
Leh and Nubra, just east of Parpik Pass
Zojila Pass
Ladakh
12,400 ft (3,800 m)
Kashmir and Ladakh
Rohtang Pass
Himachal Pradesh
13,051 ft (3,978 m)
Manali and Lahaul
Thamarassery Churam
Kerala
1,700 ft (520 m)
Malabar and Mysore
Mana Pass
Uttarakhand
18,192 ft (5,545 m)
It is located in the Greater Himalayas
Baralacha-la
Himachal Pradesh
16,400 ft (5,000 m)
On the Leh-Manali Highway, near the Himachal-Ladakh border.
Changla Pass
Ladakh
17,585 ft (5,360 m)
Leh and Changthang
Shipki La
Himachal Pradesh
12,900 ft (3,900 m)
It is located through Sutlej Gorge. It connects Himachal Pradesh with Tibet. It is India’s third border post for trade with China after Lipu Lekh and Nathula Pass.
Karakoram Pass (Qara Tagh La)
Ladakh
18,176 ft (5,540 m)
Ladakh, India – Xinjiang, China
Rohtang Pass
One of India’s most breathtaking mountain passes, Rohtang Pass, is in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. The pass connects the Kullu Valley with other valleys of the Lahaul-Spiti.
Nathu La Pass
One of the most important passes in India, the Nathu La Pass, is located at an elevation of 14,140 feet. The pass connects Sikkim with the Tibet region and was part of the ancient Silk Route.
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La Pass is another spectacular mountain pass in India. It connects Leh to Nubra Valley and the Shyok Valley.
Karakoram Pass
Karakoram Pass is important because of its geographical location, connecting India with China. The pass is bordered by India, China, and Pakistan, making it a place of extreme importance. It is located at 5,540 metres and holds significance in the ancient Silk Route.
Mana Pass
Mana Pass is another important pass in India. Due to its strategic positioning, it connects Uttarakhand to Tibet, which was once an ancient trading route.
Zoji La Pass
Zoji La Pass is a sense of pride when discussing certain mountain passes in India. It is because of their connectivity during extreme conditions. The Zoji La Pass successfully joins Srinagar to Leh.
Thamarassery Churam
Thamarassery Churam is the gateway to Wayanad, and this 12-km-long pass has nine hairpin bends. Churam is the Malayalam word for ‘mountain pass’.
Chang La
Another important pass in India is Chang La, one of the most beautiful mountain passes. The pass connects Leh to the renewed Pangong Lake.
Baralacha Pass
Baralacha Pass has different terrains and is one of India’s most scenic mountain passes.
Shipki La
Shipki La, a blend of history and culture, is not just a mountain pass but a symbol of trade and cultural exchange. It has been a key point for trade exchanges between India and China, showcasing the enduring significance of these mountain passes.
What is a mountain pass?
Mountain passes are not just natural routes that traverse through mountain ranges. They are lifelines that connect regions, allowing for the movement of people, goods, and transportation across otherwise inaccessible terrain. Some of these passes lie between two countries and have significantly shaped a country’s culture and history. They are strategic and key points in military operations for controlling and defending territories. Over the years, many of these mountain passes have become popular tourist destinations, offering scenic beauty and adventure opportunities.
A mountain pass is not just a connectivity route through a mountain range but also a gateway that connects different parts of the country, often playing a significant role in shaping the culture and history of the regions it links. Some passes also connect neighbouring countries for trade and cultural exchanges. In this article, we delve into India’s top 10 mountain passes. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
