Important Mountain Passes in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh
| Pass Name | Location | Connects | Height (Approx.) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoji La | Ladakh | Srinagar – Leh | 3,528 m | Strategic route to Ladakh |
| Banihal Pass | Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu – Srinagar | 2,832 m | Important for NH-44; Jawahar Tunnel here |
| Sinthan Pass | J&K (Kishtwar – Anantnag) | Kishtwar – Kokernag | 3,748 m | Scenic route, tourism |
| Pir Panjal Pass | J&K (Pir Panjal Range) | Rajouri – Shopian | 3,490 m | Historic Mughal Road |
| Sadna Pass | Kupwara, Kashmir | Tangdhar – Karnah | 3,130 m | Near LOC, important defense point |
| Razdan Pass | Bandipora, Kashmir | Gurez Valley | 3,556 m | Key for Gurez accessibility |
| Namik La | Ladakh | Kargil – Leh | 3,700 m | On Srinagar-Leh highway |
| Fotu La | Ladakh | Kargil – Leh | 4,108 m | Highest point on Srinagar-Leh highway |
| Pensi La | Ladakh | Suru – Zanskar | 4,400 m | Gateway to Zanskar Valley |
| Khardung La | Ladakh | Leh – Nubra Valley | 5,359 m | Among highest motorable roads |
| Chang La | Ladakh | Leh – Pangong | 5,360 m | Strategic pass near Pangong Lake |
| Marsimik La | Ladakh | Near Pangong | 5,777 m | One of world’s highest motorable passes |
| Zanskar Pass | Ladakh | Zanskar – Lahaul | ~5,000 m | Connects Zanskar with Himachal |
| Imis La | Ladakh | Leh Region | ~5,200 m | Trekking and strategic route |
| Lanak La | Eastern Ladakh | Indo-China Border | - | Strategic importance |
📘 Important Points for Exams
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Zoji La and Banihal are crucial for connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh/Jammu.
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Khardung La was once considered the highest motorable road.
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Fotu La is the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.
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Pir Panjal Pass is used in the historic Mughal Road route.
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Sadna and Razdan passes are important for border areas.
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Many passes in Ladakh have strategic military value due to proximity with China and Pakistan.
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Pensi La is the gateway to Zanskar Valley.
❓ MCQs on Mountain Passes (JKSSB, JKPSC, UPSC Level)
1. Which of the following mountain passes connects Srinagar with Leh?
A) Banihal Pass
B) Zoji La
C) Khardung La
D) Sinthan Pass
🟩 Answer: B) Zoji La
2. Khardung La Pass is located in which Union Territory?
A) Jammu & Kashmir
B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Ladakh
D) Sikkim
🟩 Answer: C) Ladakh
3. Jawahar Tunnel is located beneath which pass?
A) Zoji La
B) Banihal Pass
C) Pir Panjal Pass
D) Razdan Pass
🟩 Answer: B) Banihal Pass
4. The pass connecting Kargil and Zanskar is:
A) Pensi La
B) Fotu La
C) Namika La
D) Zoji La
🟩 Answer: A) Pensi La
5. Which is the highest motorable pass in India as per recent data?
A) Khardung La
B) Chang La
C) Marsimik La
D) Zoji La
🟩 Answer: C) Marsimik La
6. Which pass lies on the Mughal Road?
A) Razdan Pass
B) Pir Panjal Pass
C) Sinthan Pass
D) Sadna Pass
🟩 Answer: B) Pir Panjal Pass
7. Razdan Pass is important for access to which valley?
A) Nubra
B) Zanskar
C) Gurez
D) Suru
🟩 Answer: C) Gurez