Numerous mountain passes in India have shaped the nation’s history, defence, and commerce for centuries.
From the Mighty Himalayas to the Western and Eastern Ghats, these natural corridors are vital links between regions, facilitating movement and adding beauty to India’s majestic landscapes.
Significance of Mountain Passes in India
Mountain passes in India not only play a crucial role as connecting routes but also hold immense strategic and economic importance for several reasons, such as
Strategic Defence Locations: Some major passes in India are natural barriers that act as military checkpoints critical to national security.
Facilitating Transportation: These natural gateways are integral to India’s road and railway network.
Promotes Tourism: Many mountain passes in India offer breathtaking views, attracting tourists who indirectly help support local economies.
Key Economic Corridors: Some important passes act as a vital link facilitating trade and commerce between two regions, or these regions may remain isolated.
Major Mountain Passes in India by Region
India’s diverse landscape features crucial mountain passes across different regions.
Below you will find complete details of major mountain passes in India located in regions like Leh and Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Northeastern India and South India.
Mountain Passes in Leh and Ladakh
| Name of the Pass | Elevation (m) | Connecting Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aghil Pass | 4978m | connects Ladakh with Xinjiang Province of China | Is a crucial link between Leh and Lahaul districts. Facilitates trade and military movements for India. |
| Bilafond La (saltoro pass) | 5,450m | connects the Union territory of Kashmir with China | One of the ancient Silk Road regions. It is located near LOC between India and Pakistan and serves as an important military post for India |
| Changla Pass | 5,391m | connects the Leh region in Ladakh with the Changthang region and parts of Tibet | One of the Highest motorable mountain passes |
| Dehra Compass | 5,450m | connects India and the Tarim basin of Xinjiang Province of China | Historical trade post between India and the Tarim basin |
| Fotu La | 4,108m | connects Kargil and Leh in Ladakh | Popular as the highest motorable pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway |
| Imis La | 5,300m | connects Ladakh and Tibet | A historical trade route between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent |
| Karakoram Pass | 5,540m | connects the Ladakh region of India to Xinjiang of China | A historical Silk Road site and an Important geopolitical border crossing |
| Khardung La | 5,359m | connects Leh to Nubra Valley in Ladakh | One of the highest motorable passes in the world and a vital supply route to Siachen Glacier |
| Kongka Pass | 5,171m | connects the Ladakh region of India to Tibet, China | situated in the LAC of India and China. Region that saw high military confrontations during the Sino-Indian War |
| Kaldang Kildang | 4,092m | connects Changthang region with Nubra Valley | A remote pass used primarily by local nomadic herders |
| Lanak Pass | 5,466m | connects southeastern Ladakh to western Tibet | Historically, a disputed border point between India and China |
| Lungalacha La | 5,059m | connects Sarchu and Leh in Ladakh | Situated on the Manali-Leh highway with dramatic landscape views |
| Marsimik La | 5,582m | connects eastern Ladakh to Tibet | One of the highest motorable passes near the Line of Actual Control with China |
| Namika La | 3,700m | connects Kargil and Leh in Ladakh | A key pass on the ancient trade route between Kashmir and Tibet. Also famous as one of the most challenging motorable road passes in India. |
| Parpik Pass | 5,570m | connects the union territory of Kashmir in India with China | Located at a trijunction of India. Significant for historical trade routes between Xinjiang province and northern Kashmir |
| Pensi La | 4,400m | connects Kargil to Zanskar Valley | Significant as the gateway to the Zanskar valley |
| Renzang La | 5,059m | connects the southern Ladakh region to Tibet | Site of a famous battle during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. |
| Sasser Pass | 5,411m | connects the Nubra Valley of Ladakh to Yarkand of Xinjiang province | Historical trade route on the ancient Silk Road |
| Shashi La | 4,264m | connects Lalung valley to Hagnis village of Kargil | Used as a remote pass primarily by local shepherds and trekkers |
| Shingo La (Shinku La) | 5,091m | connects the Zanskar region of Ladakh to the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh | a traditional footpath used by locals and trekkers |
| Sia La | 5,589m | connects the Siachen Glacier region of India to the Baltistan region of Pakistan | Strategic military pass near the Siachen Glacier conflict zone |
| Spanggur Gap | 4,900m | connects western Ladakh to Tibet | This pass divides Pangong Lake of China and Spanggur Lake of India. A Strategic pass between the Line of Actual Control between India and China. |
| Tanglang La | 5,328m | connects Leh to Manali | One of the highest points on the Manali-Leh highway. Known as the Gateway to Ladakh from Himachal Pradesh. |
| Umling La | 5,799m | connects Chisumle in eastern Ladakh to Demchok | The highest motorable pass in the world. |
Mountain Passes in Jammu and Kashmir
| Name of the Pass | Elevation (m) | Connecting Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoji La Pass | 3,528m | connects Kashmir Valley to Ladakh | strategic pass that provides vital supplies and connectivity to the Ladakh region |
| Pir Panjal Pass | 3,490m | connects Kashmir Valley with Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu | It is one of the popular trekking destinations in J&K, Famous for its high altitude lakes and meadows. |
| Banihal Pass | 2,832m | connects Banihal town with Qazigund town | A famous link connecting two regions in Jammu. Known as a gateway to the Kashmir valley |
Mountain Passes in Himachal Pradesh
| Name of the Pass | Elevation (m) | Connecting Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohtang Pass | 3,978m | connects Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti Valley | Renowned as one of the scenic Landscape passes in India Gateway to Leh and the Ladakh region, and a strategic route for the Indian army troop movements |
| Shipki La | 3,930m | connects Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh to Ngari Prefecture in Tibet, China | One of the limited trade routes between Tibet and India |
| Baralacha La Pass | 4,850m | connects the Lahaul district to Leh in Ladakh | Important connecting point on Manali-Leh Highway |
| Kunzum Pass | 4,551m | connects Lahaul Valley to Spiti Valley | One of the highest motorised passes A Famous tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Serves as an entry point to Pin Valley National Park |
| Saach Pass | 4,4414m | connects Chamba Valley to Pangi Valley | Offers breathtaking views and is a major tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh |
| Pin Parvati Pass | 5,319m | connects Parvati Valley to Spiti Valley | Known as a popular trekking route |
| Jalori Pass | 3,120m | connects Satjuj valley and Tirthan valley | Famous for its scenic beauty, and a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers |
Mountain Passes in Uttarakhand
| Name of the Pass | Elevation (m) | Connecting Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mana Pass | 5,545m | Connects the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand to Tibet | One of the highest vehicle accessible passes in the world |
| Lipu Lekh Pass | 5,115m | Connects India and the Tibet region and is located near the trijunction with Nepal | An important pilgrimage route for Kailash Mansarovar |
| Niti Pass | 5,086m | Connects India and the Tibet region | Once an important ancient trade route between India and Tibet. Currently serves as a strategic military pass for the Indian Army |
| Traill’s Pass | 5,300m | Connects the Kumaon and Garhwal regions | Known as one of the most challenging trekking passes in India |
| Borasu Pass | 5,450m | Connects Har ki Doon valley to Kinnaur valley | An ancient trade route between India and Tibet |
| Muling La Pass | 5,669m | Connects Pithoragarh district with Nepal | A Strategic military pass for India located at the trijunction of India, Nepal and Tibet |
| Kungri Bingri Pass | 5,540m | Connects Chamoli district to the Tibet region | One of the ancient trade routes used by Bhotiya traders One among the 22 border passes used between India and China for trade |
Mountain Passes in the Northeastern States of India
| Name of the Pass | Elevation (m) | Connecting Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bomdila Pass | 2.217m | connects Bomdila town with the rest of the state, Arunachal Pradesh | A popular tourist attraction, renowned for its breathtaking scenic views of Gorichen Peak |
| Sela Pass | 4,170m | connects Tawang region to Dirnang and Guwahati | A popular tourist destination and also a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists |
| Bum La Pass | 4,633m | connects the Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh with Tibet | A Historic site of the 1962 Sino-Indian War A designated site for the Border Personnel Meeting(BPM) for the Indian and Chinese Army |
| Diphu Pass | 4,587m | connects Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar | Known as the disputed tripoint border of India, China and Myanmar Strategic pass to access the eastern Arunachal Pradesh |
| Pangsau Pass | 1,136m | connects Arunachal Pradesh with Myanmar | A crucial part of the Stillwell road that connects India to China through Myanmar during World War 2 |
| Nathu La | 4,310m | connects Sikkim with the Tibet region | One among the three trading border posts between India and China |
| Jelep La | 4,270m | connects Sikkim with Tibet | An ancient trade route connecting Sikkim and the Lhasa region |
Mountain Passes Located in Southren India
| Name of the Pass | Elevation (m) | Connecting Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palghat Gap | 140m | connects Tamil Nadu with Kerala through the Western Ghats | A major geographical break in the Western Ghats that serves as a vital gateway for railway and road transport between the two states |
| Shencottah Pass | 181m | connects Tenkasi, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, with Kollam district in Kerala | A crucial pass for both rail and road networks between the both states |
| Thamarassery Pass or Thamarassery Churam | 800m | connects Kozhikode and Wayanad districts | Historically, one of the important spice trade routes for British empire in India. Also famous for its scenic, lush green hills, cascading streams and thrilling hairpin bend roads |
| Bisle Ghat Pass | 840m | connects Hassan district with Dakshina Kannada district and the Netravati valley of Karnataka | One of the unique passes that runs through dense Western Ghats forests with high biodiversity |
| Charmadi Ghat | 150m | connects the Chikmagalur district with the coastal Karnataka region | A crucial western ghats passageway that provides a road link between Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur regions. A famous go-to place for challenging drivers and bikers, for its stunning views and 25 hairpin bends. |
