Himachal shares a cherished portion of the western Himalayas that embraces picturesque landscapes, ancient temples, and the unique Himalayan culture. Apart from this, Himachal also holds a group of highest and toughest Mountain passes in the world.
A Mountain pass is a trail through the arduous mountain range or over a ridge. Have a quick look at the list of the glorious Mountain passes of Himalayas in Himachal and back your bags to leave for an anonymous travel.
In Himachal there are many passes which can either be reached by trek or connected by road. Thus making it a popular destination who wants to cross different passes either on trekking expedition or on road trip.
Some of the Passes in Himachal
What is a Mountain Pass?
Mountain Passes are the narrow passages between the mountain ranges, from where travellers can cross them. Earlier they were very important for trade between Himalayan Regions of Tibet and China with India. High altitude Himalayas generally covered with snow round the year, but in these passes during some part of the year there is no snow so that that traveler or trader can walk through them to cross the Himalayan Ranges.
What at Jot and La?
In local Himachally and Tibetan languages passes are also known as Jot and La respectively. Thus you will find many passes in Himachal Region named Jot and La at the end.
List of Mountain Passes in Himachal
Trekking Passes in Dhualadar Range
- Inderhar Pass
- Thamsar Pass
- Kalihani Pass
- Sar Pass
Trekking Passes in Pir Panjal Range
- Pin Parbati Pass
- Saraumga Pass
- Hamta Pass
- Kugti Pass
List of famous passes in Himachal Pradesh
Rohtang Pass: Rohtang pass is most famous pass of Himachal Pradesh also known as Rohtang La connecting Kullu valley to Lahaul and Spiti. Rohtang is a famous Pass across the Pir Panjal range on the National Highway to Leh being the world\'s second highest road point. Rohtang elevated at 3978 meters is high mountain pass and 51 KM from Manali.
Kunzum La: Kunzum Pass or Kunzum La pass connect Lahaul with Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. This pass is high mountain pass at an elevation of 4590 meters above sea level. This Pass is situated at 60 km from Gramphoo towards Kaza, on the Gramphoo-kaza-Sumdo road.
Baralacha La: Baralacha pass at an elevation of 4890 meters which connect Lahul and Spiti with Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir on Manali-Leh national highway. This pass is once consider one of the most high altitude motorable pass in the world. It is 75 kms from Keylong towards Leh. It is known the ‘Pass with cross roads on summit” and the roads from Zanskar, Laddakh, Spiti and Lahaul meet on the top of it.
Hamta Pass: Hamta Pass lies at an altitude of 4270 meters on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. This pass connect Kullu and Lahaul.
Borasu Pass: Borasu Pass at an altitude of 5450 meters is a high mountain pass in the Himalaya Mountains connecting Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Rupin Pass: Rupin Pass is a famous trekking pass connecting Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh with Dhaula in Uttrakhand at an altitude of 4650 meters.
Chanderkhani Pass: Chanderkhani pass connect Naggar with famous Malana village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh at a height of 3660 meters.
Barla Jot: Barla Jot pass is at the height of 4931 meters beyond Palampur. The journey has to be continued crossing Panhartu (3600 meters) first. Then it is 5-6 hours gradual climbing through forests and meadows to reach the top and descends to Bara Banghal (2540 meters).
Chanshal Pass: Chanshal Pass connect Rohru with Dodra Kwar of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Chanshal Pass elevation is 3750 meters, and seasonable road connecting Rohru and Dodra Kwar.
Jalori Pass: It is located at the height of about 3135 meters beyond Narkanda (2708 meters). Before reaching the Jalori Pass there is a Hatu peak (3136 meters) and from its top good view thrill for the onlookers.
Bhaba Pass: Bhabha Pass is located in Kinnaur district of Himachal. To go across Bhaba Pass from Manali one is to go to Kaza over Rohtang Pass and Kunzum La first, then to Attargo (3250 meters) by reasonable easy walk of 18 km across Spiti river, then to Muth Jhullah (3811 meters), a 12 km distance, crossing Parahio riverat Sagnam, further gradual climbing of 14 km to Baldur (3963 meters) and finally walk to Pulti (3354 meters) a 14 km distance having easy gradient to Bhaba Pass.
Indrahar Pass: Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in dhauladhar range of Himalayas connecting Kangra and Chamba district, located at an height of 3200 mts. It is famous trekking destination during summers. The route goes from Dharamshala having a steady climb and has good view up to Triund (2975 meters). The descending is through villages and green fields and in between Manimahesh range is wonderful reaching Bharmaur (2195 meters).
Saach Pass: Sach Pass is a 4420 metres high mountain pass in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India on the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It connects the Chamba valley with the Pangi valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The most convenient route for trekking into the famous Pangi Valley in Chamba district is thorough the Sach Pass. From here one route goes to Kishtwar (Jammu) while another finds its way to manali.
Manirang Pass: Manirang Pass can be reached by crossing the Manessa Pass (3949 meters) located above the confluence of Ropa and Chuktayanjan rivulets, has to be crossed while walking 12 km distance from Ropa (2925 meters) to Panktil (4000 meters), beyond Kalpa.
Shingo La: Shingo La is a mountain pass in India, on the border between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh at an height of 5091 metre.
Shipki La: Shipki La is a mountain pass and border post with a dozen buildings of significant size on the India-China border. It is located in Kinnaur district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, and Tibet, China. The pass is one of India’s border posts for trade with Tibet. The pass is close to town of Khab.
Ghasutri Pass: This pass is is located in Chamba district. After walking upto Kalatop and then to Khajjiar, one has to move to Chhatrari (1900 meters) and then to Chanderkup Tal (3450 meters).
Talang Pass: Talang Pass is located at an altitude of 4640 meters and the route goes along the Talang nullaha through Supadhar (2500 meters) a place of Gujjar and Gaddis for summer. It is said that the name of this Pass has been dedicated to the local God Talong.
Rangcha Pass: Rangcha Pass is located at an elevation of 4400 meters. One has to trek it via Kardang (3500 meters) from Keylong ascending to the base of this Pass. While descending to Keylong (3340 meters) one has the opportunity to visit the historic old castle of Thakurs at Gondhla.
Tempola Pass: Tempola pass is located at an altitude of 4930 mts in Lahaul Spiti District. One has to walk along Yoche nullaha to the base of this Pass.
Debsa Pass: Debsa Pass is a 5360 metre high (17590 ft) mountain pass in the Himalaya mountains between the Kullu and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Pin Parbati Pass: Pin Parbati Pass connects Parvati Valley of Kullu with Pin Valley of Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Pin Parbati Pass is at 5319 metre high mountain pass. To reach this pass one has to cross numerous small lakes and streams and at the pass one can see majestic views of Kullu and Spiti Valley.
Takling La: Takling La or Parana Pass is famous trade route of pass connecting Spiti valley with Ladakh at an altitude of 5575 metre high mountain.
Parang La: Parang La is a parallel pass from Spiti valley of Himachal to Ladakh along with Takling Pass.
Jalori Pass: Jalori Pass is a high mountain pass connecting Banjar with Anni in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 3120 metre.
Kugti Pass: Kugti Pass is located in Chamba District at altitude of 4961 mts, the magnificent Kailash Peak is also visible from there.
Thamsar Jot: Thamsar Jot pass is located at an altitude of 4572 mts. One has to climb via Palampur to Panhartu Jot and further steep ascent to this Pass. From top one could have the enchanting view of Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti Valleys and numerous beautiful mountain ranges.
Chharpar Pass: It is situated at an elevation of 4980 meters from the mean sea level in Lahaul and Spiti beyond Keylong. It has a steep and difficult climbing from Keylong.