Himalayan mountain passes were the backbone of trade among many Asian countries in medieval times. Then the greater part of Indian subcontinent, which includes today's Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh besides India, was connected to rest of the world with great Himalayan passes. These passes were trade routes for Indian silk, Indian spices and other goods. Today these passes are of great military importance. These high mountain passes serve as supply route for various military facilities like fuel and food. Also these high mountain passes are of great importance for tourism industry. Most of the major tourist's attraction in India, like Leh Ladalh, and various areas in Uttarakhand and Sikkim are approachable only through high mountain passes. Not all passes are reachable for a normal tourist because of treacherous weather conditions and high altitudes. Because of inaccessibility of many high mountain passes, few of these mountain passes have gained popularity among tourist because of their easy route and favorable weather conditions, of these top 5 mountain passes most popular among tourists are.
Khardung La (Khardung Pass): This is most famous pass among tourists circuit. This pass has the highest motor-able road in the world. Situated at a height of 18,380 feet, Khardung la is on an earlier silk trade route which connects Leh to Nubra Valleey. In Today's times, this highest mountain pass is of immense military importance to India as it connect Siachin glacier to Leh. Khardungla is just 40 Km from Leh. Almost every tourist going to Leh also visits this mountain pass. Khardung la is becoming more and more popular among bike enthusiasts.
Nathula (Nathu la): This pass is in Sikkim state in India. This is the most famous pass among all east Himalayan passes. Recently India and China have started this passes for purpose of trade. This pass is situated at an elevation of 14,140 ft. This pass is some 54 Km east of state capital Gangtok. One can see army establishment at both sides of this border pass. Beautiful peaks of Himalayan range and deep snow covered gorges make it a must visit for anyone who is travelling to Gangtok.
Rohtang Pass: This Himalayan pass gained its popularity because of its easy accessibility from Manali. Situated at an altitude of13,051 ft, Rohtang pass is 51Kms from Manali. One can enjoy snow throughout the year in Rohtang pass. During winter season state government runs a skiing school here. At one side of the pass one can see the Rohtang glacier while on the other side a deep gorge spreads making a valley. Entire area is surrounded by snow capped mountains and huge waterfalls can be seen at many places.
Baralacha Pass (Baralacha la): Situated in the Spiti district in Himanchal Pradesh on the famous route of Manali Leh, this mountain pass has most unpredictable weather conditions. This pass get heavy snow fall during winters making it impossible to cross. Today it is famous among motorbike enthusiast as it is starting point of many famous treks like Tso Moriri trek and Chandra tal (lake) and Surya tal trek.
Goecha La (Goecha Pass): Gateway to the third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga, This pass tests trekker's mettle. As this is not the usual motor-able road it requires good physical and mental effort to reach upto this eastern Himalayan pass. Situated in west Sikkim at an elevation of 16,207 ft, Goecha la is the base camp for mountaineers trying to reach to the top of Kanchenjunga. From state capital Gangtok, a trek to Goecha la needs 11 to 12 days of hard trekking. Goecha La is becoming popular among many Indian trekkers.
So friends if you are looking for an adventurous trekking experience or if you want to ride your Enfield bullet to conquer treacherous high mountain passes, you can choose from these five popular mountain passes.
