A pass is a gap, or break, in high, rugged terrain such as a mountain ridge. A Mountain Pass forms when a glacier or stream erodes, or wears away, the land between areas of higher terrain. Passes often provide the easiest routes for people to travel across steep mountain ranges. For this reason, they have played an important role throughout human history in migration, trade, and settlement.
Most passes are flat at their summits and have the shape of a saddle. They can consist of very short, steep summits, or expansive valleys that stretch for kilometres. Often, passes sit just above the source of a river fed by precipitation and snowmelt.
Connects Srinagar to Gilgit and connects India to Central Asia.
Banihal Pass
Pir Panjal range
Connects Jammu and Kashmir valley. Jawahar tunnel and NH44 passes through this.
Zoji La
Zanskar range
NH1 passes through this which connects Srinagar and Leh
Khardung La
Ladakh range
Connects Shyok and Nubra valley
Chang La
Ladakh range
Himachal Pradesh:
Name
Range
Important notes
Baralacha La
Zanskar range
Connects Lahaul-Spiti to Ladakh
Shipki La
Great Himalayas
Satluj river enters in India through this.
Rohtang Pass
Pir Panjal
Connects Manali and LehAtal tunnel is built near Rohtang pass. It connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti. It is the longest highway tunnel in the world according to PIB.
Uttarakhand:
Name
Range
Important notes
Mana La
Great Himalayas
Way to reach Mansarovar and Kailash passes through this. This is situated on the border of India and Tibet.
Niti La
Great Himalayas
Located close to Mana La
Lipulekh
Great Himalayas
Located at the tri junction of India, Tibet and Nepal
Sikkim:
Name
Range
Important notes
Nathu La
Great Himalayas
Provides a way from Gangtok to Chumbi valley. A lot of trade between India and China happens through this pass. It also provides a way for Kailash-Mansarovar.
Jelep La
Great Himalayas
Other Passes in Northeast India:
Name
Place
Important notes
Bomdi La
Arunachal Pradesh
Connects to Tibet
Diphu Pass
Arunachal Pradesh
Located at the tri-junction of India, China and Myanmar.
