Consider the following statements regarding Khardung La Pass.
1. It is the highest motorable pass in India.
2. It is the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys.
3. It is situated to the North of Mount Godwin-Austen.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: C) Only 2

Explanation:

1. It is the highest motorable pass in India:
• This statement is incorrect because Umlingla Pass at 19,024 feet (5,883 meters), located in Ladakh, is the highest motorable pass in the world, and it surpasses Khardung La. Therefore, Khardung La is no longer the highest motorable pass in India.
2. It is the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys:
• This statement is correct. Khardung La is indeed a gateway to both the Nubra and Shyok Valleys in the Ladakh region of India.
3. It is situated to the North of Mount Godwin-Austen:
• This statement is incorrect. Khardung La is located north of Leh, in the Ladakh region of India, but it is not situated north of Mount Godwin-Austen (K2). K2 is in the Karakoram Range, which is farther to the northeast.

Information Booster:

• Khardung La Pass:
• Located in the Ladakh region of India, Khardung La is one of the most famous high-altitude passes in India. It was previously regarded as the highest motorable pass in India, situated at an elevation of 5,359 meters (17,582 feet).
• It is strategically important as it serves as a gateway to the Nubra Valley and the Shyok Valley, both of which are crucial areas in Ladakh.
• It is used to transport goods and supplies, particularly to military posts in the Siachen Glacier region.
• Khardung La is part of the National Highway 1 (NH 1), also called the Srinagar-Leh Highway.
• Umlingla Pass:
• Umlingla Pass, located in Ladakh, is now recognized as the world's highest motorable pass, standing at a staggering elevation of 19,024 feet (5,883 meters), surpassing Khardung La.
• Umlingla is part of the Ladakh region and connects the Chisumle and Demchok regions. It was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
• The pass is important for strategic defense purposes and has gained attention for its role in providing access to areas close to the India-China border.
• Mount Godwin-Austen (K2):
• K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). It is part of the Karakoram Range, which spans the border between India, Pakistan, and China.
• K2 is located far from Khardung La, and the two are not geographically close. While K2 lies further to the northeast of Khardung La, the two are part of different ranges, and Khardung La is not situated near Mount Godwin-Austen.