Correct option is A
The correct answer is (A) Nathu La
Explanation:
• Nathu La is a highly strategic mountain pass located in the Himalayas along the international border separating the Indian state of Sikkim from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• Situated at an impressive altitude of roughly 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) above sea level, this pass historically served as a vital offshoot of the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between India and Tibet.
• Following the outbreak of the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the pass was completely sealed by both nations due to heightened military tensions.
• It was successfully reopened decades later in 2006 following a series of bilateral trade agreements, becoming one of the official border personnel meeting points and serving as a crucial land route for cross-border trade items.
• Furthermore, Nathu La plays an important role in religious tourism, acting as an alternative travel corridor for Indian pilgrims undertaking the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Tibet.
Information Booster:
• In the Tibetan language, the suffix 'La' translates directly to 'Mountain Pass'. Sikkim is also home to another prominent high-altitude pass known as Jelep La, which runs nearby and connects Lhasa in Tibet with India through the Chumbi Valley.
Additional Knowledge:
• Rohtang Pass (Option B): Located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, this vital pass connects the Kullu Valley with the high-altitude, arid Lahaul and Spiti Valleys.
• Shipki La (Option C): Situated in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, this border pass connects India with Tibet and is geographically significant because the Sutlej River cuts through the Himalayan range to enter India here.
• Zoji La (Option D): Located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, this high-altitude mountain pass cuts through the Zanskar range, serving as the lifeline that connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh in Ladakh.
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