The Himalayas with its 2,400 km length and 400 km width stretching from the Karakoram in the West to the Namche Barwa in the East, is the highest mountain range in the world. It spans over several countries namely India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
A mountain pass can be termed as a narrow gap between two mountain peaks that provide a passageway across the mountain range. Its exact location is denoted by the most elevated location in terms of altitude within that route.
The mountain passes in the Himalayas are the gateways that connect India with Central Asia and also acts as a formidable barrier protecting the country from foreign invasion. It also plays a significant role in trade and migration.Major Passes of the Eastern Himalayas
Some of the major passes of eastern himalayas are in the state of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. They are as follows:
Sikkim
| Name | Connects |
|---|
| Nathula pass | Sikkim & Tibet |
| Jelep La | Sikkim & Bhutan |
Arunachal Pradesh
| Name | Connects |
|---|
| Bom Di La | Arunachal Pradesh & Bhutan |
| Dipher Pass | India, China & Myanmar |
| Chankan Pass | Arunachal Pradesh & Myanmar |
| Hpungan Pass | Arunachal Pradesh & Myanmar |
| Kumjawng Pass | Arunachal Pradesh & Myanmar |
| Yonggyap Pass | Arunachal Pradesh & Tibet |
Major Passes of the Western Himalayas
Some of the major passes of eastern himalayas are in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.. They are as follows:
Himachal Pradesh
| Name | Connects |
|---|
| Shipki La | Simla & Tibet |
| Rohtang Pass | Manali & Lahul |
| Bara Lacha La | Himachal Pradesh & Jammu and Kashmir |
| Debsa Pass | Kullu & Spiti districts |
Uttarakhand
| Name | Connects |
|---|
| Lipu Lekh | India, Nepal & Tibet |
| Mana Pass | Uttarakhand & Tibet |
| Mangsha Dhura | Uttarakhand & Tibet |
| Muling La | Uttarakhand & Tibet |
| Niti Pass | Uttarakhand & Tibet |
Jammu & Kashmir
| Name | Connects |
|---|
| Mintaka Pass | India, China & Afghanistan |
| Aghil Pass | Ladakh & China |
| Lanak La | India & China |
| Imis La | Ladakh & Tibet |
| Chang-La | Ladakh & Tibet |
| Khunjerab Pass | Kashmir & China |
| Parpik Pass | Kashmir & China |
| Banihal Pass | Jammu & Srinagar |
| Qara Tag La | India & China
across Karakoram Range |
| Pensi La | Kashmir & Kargil |
| Khardung La | near Leh, Ladakh |
| Pir-Panjal pass | across the Pir Panjal range,
Jammu & Kashmir |
| Zoji La Pass | Kashmir a& Leh, Kargil |
Famous Personalities associated with Himalayan Passes
- Alexander, the Great – The Macedonia conqueror came for his India quest through the Khyber Pass.
- Megasthenes – First Foreign Envoy to India.
- Fa Hein & Hiuen Tsang – Chinese pilgrims and travelers. Fa Hein was the first Chinese pilgrim who came to India
- Adi Sankaracharya – For strengthening Hinduism and for establishing the doctrines of Sanathana Dharma.
Recently in News:
Five agreed on Border Personnel Meeting points between India & China
- Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)
- Chushul Pass (Leh, Ladakh)
- Bom Di La Pass (Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh)
- Kibithu (Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh)
- Daulat Beg Oldi (Ladakh)
- Lipu Lekh Pass (Uttarakhand, proposed)
From June 15, 2020, onwards, there is an ongoing standoff between India and China about the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the de facto border between the two nations. It inevitably resulted in violent clashes between the soldiers of the two countries in the sensitive regions of Ladakh (Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Hot Springs) & Sikkim.
📝 SideNotes - :
- The Khyber pass in Himalaya connects which of the following countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan (Previous Year PSC Question: Confidential Assistant Grade-II/Various, 2013)
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