Important Mountain Passes of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh for UPSC Prelims

The northern Himalayan region of India—covering Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh—is marked by high mountain ranges, glaciers, deep valleys, and strategic mountain passes. These passes are high-frequency areas for UPSC Prelims, especially in mapping-based and location-oriented questions.

This blog gives a comprehensive revision of the most important mountain passes in J&K, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, exactly the way UPSC tests them.

Mountain Passes Near Siachen Glacier (Extreme North)

The Siachen Glacier lies near the India–China–Pakistan tri-junction and is surrounded by critical passes of the Karakoram Range.

Key Passes:

• Karakoram Pass
  Located east of Siachen; historically linked India with Central Asia.
• Aghil Pass
  Lies west of Siachen; connects to Xinjiang region.
• Kilik Pass
  Considered the northernmost point of India if PoK is included; otherwise falls in PoK.

Indira Col, south of Siachen, is officially considered India’s northernmost point in Indian-administered territory.

Passes in Ladakh Region

Khardung La Sector

• Khardung La
  Gateway to the Nubra Valley; lies in the basin of the Shyok River.

Srinagar–Leh Axis (Zanskar Range)

• Zojila Pass
  On the Zanskar Range; connects Srinagar with Leh; near Sonamarg and Amarnath route.
• Fotula Pass
  Lies east of Zojila on the Zanskar Range; mentioned in NCERTs.

Passes of the Pir Panjal Range (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Banihal Pass
  Located south of Anantnag; main gateway to the Kashmir Valley from Jammu.
  It is the only major all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India.

Mountain Passes of Himachal Pradesh

Western Himachal

• Rohtang Pass
  Near Manali; connects Kullu Valley with Lahaul–Spiti.
• Baralacha La
  Located near Keylong; source region of rivers Chandra and Bhaga (Chenab system).

New Strategic Route

• Shinku La
  Newly developed pass; connects Lahaul (HP) with Zanskar (Ladakh).
  Provides an alternative Manali–Leh route, bypassing Baralacha La.

Passes Near the Eastern Ladakh–Tibet Side

Some lesser-known but map-relevant passes include:

• Imis Pass
• Charding La
• Chang La

These lie closer to the India–Tibet border and are important for location-based prelim questions, even if not strategically highlighted.

Why These Passes Are Important for UPSC

• Frequently asked in Prelims (map-based MCQs)
• Linked with glaciers, rivers, valleys, and ranges
• Useful for GS I (Physical Geography)
• Often tested through pairing questions (pass–range, pass–valley, pass–river)

Quick Revision Tip

UPSC rarely asks passes in isolation. Expect questions like:

• Pass + mountain range
• Pass + valley or river
• Pass + state/UT connectivity

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