Important mountain passes in India-
1. Karakoram Pass
* Links Ladakh to Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China.
* Being at the Tri-junction of India, Pok and China, it is geopolitical importance to India.
2. Burzil Pass
* Between Srinagar and Gilgit, on Zanskar Range.
* Close to the LOC.
3. Zozi La
* Located on NH-1, between Srinagar and Leh.
* Separates Kashmir Valley and Dras Valley.
4. Bilafond La
* Meaning ‘Pass of the Butterflies’.
* Marks the end point of the LOC.
* Operation Meghdoot took place at Bailfond Pass, Sia La and Gyong La during 1984 Siachen Conflict.
5. Khardung La
* Links Leh to Shyok, Numbra Valleys and Siachen.
6. Pir Panjal Pass
* Connects Kashmir Valley to Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu.
* Also known as Peer Gali, lies on the Mughal Road.
7. Banihal Pass
* Located across Pir Panjal Range.
* Connects Jammu with Kashmir through Jawahar Tunnel under it.
8. Bara Lacha La
* Connects the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh UT.
* Located on the Zanskar range along with Rohtang Tunnel on Leh-Manali Highway.
9. Rohtang Pass
* Connects Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh.
10. Shipki La
* Located on NH-5 between Kinnaur (HP) and Ngari (Tibet).
* River Sutlej enters India through it.
11. Lipu-lekh Pass
* At the border between Uttarakhand and Tibet.
* Used for Mansarovar pilgrimage.
12. Diphu Pass
* Located at the tri-junction point of India, China and Myanmar.
* Lies on the McMohan Line.
13. Bum La
* Located at India-China border, near Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
* China intruded India through it in the 1962 War.
14. Nathu La
* Located at East Sikkim and Tibet border near Chumbi Valley.
15. Jelep La
* Located at East Sikkim and Tibet border.
* Nearly 4 km south of Nathu la.
16. Doka La
* Located at disputed tri-junction point of India, Bhutan and China.
* In Dokalam plateau a military standoff occurred between India and China in June 2017.
17. Haldighati Pass
* Located in Aravalli Range, connects Rajsamand and Pali districts of Rajasthan.
* Famous for Battle of Haldighati in 1576 between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Mughal emperor Akbar.
18. Bhorghat Pass
* Located on Mumbai to Pune Railway line in the Western Ghats
19. Palghat Gap
* Located between Nilgiri Hills and Anaimalai Hills to the south.
* River Bharatha Puzha (Nila) originates in the Palghat Gap.
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