India Mountain Passes: State Wise, Facts and Highest Pass

India Mountain Passes as a crucial route through mountainous terrain, acting as a gateway to connect various regions within a country and with neighbouring nations for diverse purposes. This subject holds significance in UPSC Geography, with questions frequently appearing in the IAS exam. This article provides insights into the major mountain passes in India, serving as valuable information for candidates preparing for various Government exams.

India Mountain Passes

• India possesses a variety of landforms, including mountains and passes, which have historical significance.
• Mountain passes have been crucial in India’s history, serving as routes for trade, travel, and defence.
• As defence exams approach, candidates should concentrate on revising static GK, especially focusing on important mountain passes in India.
• These passes have been vital routes for centuries, making understanding them essential for success in the general knowledge section of exams.

List of India Mountain Passes

Mountain Passes in India have played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s history and culture, serving as vital routes for trade, pilgrimage, and military endeavours throughout the centuries. Today, they continue to be significant landmarks that draw tourists and adventure enthusiasts from around the globe. If you’re planning a visit to India, don’t miss out on exploring these remarkable mountain passes. Here are some of the notable ones:

• Zoji La (Pass): Situated in the Zaskar range of Jammu & Kashmir, this pass is traversed by the road route from Srinagar to Leh, carved by the Indus River. At an altitude of 3,528 meters above sea level, it remains closed for six months due to heavy snowfall and holds strategic importance in conflicts between India and Pakistan.
• Banihal Pass: Located in Jammu & Kashmir, it forms part of National Highway NO.1A, linking Srinagar to Jammu, and is also shaped by the Indus River.
• Shipki La (Pass): Found in the Himachal Pradesh region of the Himalayas, Shipki La Pass connects India with Tibet at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, serving as a significant trade route between the two nations.
• Bara-Lacha Pass: Also in Himachal Pradesh, it connects Mandi to Leh by road, traversing the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas. At 4,890 meters above sea level, it remains closed for six months annually due to heavy snowfall.
• Rohtang Pass: Cutting through the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang Pass connects Manali to the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. At an altitude of 3,978 meters above sea level, it remains closed for six months due to snowfall.
• Mana Pass: Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, it connects India with Tibet at an altitude of 5,545 meters above sea level, serving as a key route to Kailash and the Manasarovar.
• Niti Pass: Also in Uttarakhand, it connects India with Tibet at an altitude of 5,816 meters above sea level, and remains closed for six months annually due to snowfall, forming part of the route to Kailash and Manasarovar.
• Nathu La (Pass): Situated in Sikkim, it connects India with Tibet and was historically a significant trade route between India and China until the 1962 war. Reopened in 2006 for bilateral trade, it stands at 4,310 meters above sea level.
• Jalep La (Pass): Also in Sikkim, it provides passage to Bhutan and is shaped by the Tista River.

Facts about India Mountain Passes

• Dungri La Pass, also known as Mana Pass, stands as a high-altitude mountain pass, boasting the title of the highest motorable road, reaching an elevation of 18,399 feet.
• The Jawahar Tunnel was built beneath the Banihal Pass.
• Shipki La serves as a Himalayan pass, facilitating connectivity between India and China.
• Zoji La Pass provides a crucial link between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley.