Mountain passes are present all over the world. A mountain pass is defined as a navigable route over a certain ridge or mountain range. All over the world, it can be seen that mountain ranges act as a natural barrier while traveling. In this context, mountain passes play a key role in the war ,trade and both animal and human migration. If the elevation is comparatively low then it may be referred to as a hill pass. Normally it can be observed that mountain passes are formed by erosion through wind or water or formed between 2 volcanic peaks. Specifically in India, several mountains are present and so mountain passes are a common phenomenon here. 

Mountain passes

The term mountain pass normally refers to the path which is used by humans and animals to navigate through mountain ranges. There are several mountain passes throughout India. Some of the vital mountain passes in the Himalayan mountain ranges of India that cannot be ignored include the Shipki la Pass, Nathu La Pass Zoji La Pass, Bomdi La Pass, Shipki La Pass, etc. 

Indian mountain passes in and their function

The main functions of these mountain passes have been outlined in the following. 

  • In early times, the rugged and rough terrain of the Himalayan Mountain ranges made it increasingly difficult for travellers to enter India. The mountain passes within the mountain ranges acted as a solution to this major problem 
  • Often it can be observed that the mountain passes act as a gateway connecting India to its neighbouring countries. Hence, many of these mountain passes hold key strategic importance. 
  • The mountain passes are often referred to as ghats, notch, gaps, and saddles. 
  • The Khyber Pass is an important mountain pass within the Himalayan Mountain range. It was through this pass that Macedonia’s Alexander entered India with his army with intention of capturing it. Further Chinese travellers such as Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang entered India through different mountain passes connecting the subcontinent of India with China. 

Important Mountain passes in India

Mountain passes are present all over India. For instance, mountain passes are present in the Himalayas, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and so on. Some of the most important mountain passes have been discussed in the following. 

  • Jelep La Pass: The Jelep La Pass is located within the Chumbi valley The pass connects Lhasa (Tibet’s Capital) with Sikkim
  • Nathu La Pass: The Nathu La pass is entirely located in Sikkim. The Nathu La Pass is quite famous and is located at the border of India and China. The pass was reopened in 2006. The Nathu La Pass forms a section of the offshoot within the very old silk road. 
  • Qara Tagh Pass: The Qara Tagh Pass is located through the Karakoram mountains. It was known to be a subsidiary of the silk route. 
  • Shipki La Pass: The Shipki La Pass is located within the Sutlej gorge. It connects Tibet with Himachal Pradesh. This is the 3rd border post of India to carry out trade with China after Nathu La Pass and Lipu Lekh. 
  • Aghil Pass: The pass is located in Ladakh, specifically in the Karakoram to the north of Mount Godwin Austin. It connects the Xinjiang province within China with Ladakh. During the cold winters, the Aghil pass is closed.
  • Khardung La: Kardungla can be easily regarded as India’s second-highest motorable pass. It connects between the Siachen and Leh glaciers. Similar to Aghil Pass, this pass also remains closed during the cold winter months.
  • Baralacha La Pass: It is located within the Zaskar range which is again located in Himachal Pradesh. It acts as a connection between the Leh district present within  Ladakh and the Lahaul district present within Himachal Pradesh. 
  • Auden’s Col: The Auden’s Col is a famous pass that is located within Garwal Himalayas. This is in turn located within the Greater Himalayan ranges. It connects the Bhilangana valley with the Rudhugaira valley. 

Conclusion 

The entire article has been written on the main topic of mountain passes in India. Knowing what mountain passes are and the function of mountain passes is very important in Geography. Mountain passes are essentially pathways that help in passing different extensive mountain ranges. After the discussion on what mountain passes are and the core function of mountain passes, the different important mountain passes present throughout India have also been identified.