Explore the highs of these mountain passes and the breathtaking views they have to offer.

India is blessed with the most diverse yet stunning geographical terrains. With that being said, the Mountains of India in the North are known for Protecting. From the Indian borders from Enemy nations and the extreme climate of the surrounding countries. The mighty Himalayas are the Crowning Glory of India.

However, they are not the only Mountains ranges across India. The list of Mountain Passes in India is Endless, and each pass is an entirely different experience in itself. However, we have handpicked the Top 7 Mountain Passes in North India that you should visit.  

Summers are the best time to visit Snow Clad or Chilly Mountain passes of India. Since the Winters are incredibly harsh at these high altitude mountain passes, the months of January to May are the best durations to visit.

7 Must-Visit Mountain Passes in North India every Mountain Lover should visit:

Rohtang La Pass, Manali:

At an elevation of 13,058 ft, this mountain pass is one of the highest ones, only accessed by Road. Travelers have to get a pass or entry ticket to visit the pass. It connects the Kullu Valley to Spiti and Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

The Best time to visit Rohtang Pass is from May to November, and one can experience snowfall even in summers sometimes because of the polar climate of the region. It was used as a trade route by the people who lived in the Pir Panjal Ranges.

Today, this beautiful pass looks like a niche carved in snowy fluffy mountains. However, it is a dangerous route to walk or trek and is advised to be driven by only. This is because of the heavy snow blizzards in the region. The word Rohtang has a scary origin as it is derived from the word ‘Ruh’ and ‘tang,’. In fact, which means a pile of dead bodies in the Persian or Farsi Language. 

Nathu La Pass, Gangtok:

Located in Sikkim, the pass is at an elevation of 14,140 ft. Situated at the borders of India and China. With China’s Yadong County on one side and the state of Sikkim and West Bengal on the other. This makes this mountain pass India’s high-speed and highly protected border mountain pass.

It also connects the small towns of Kalimpong and Gangtok. Nathu La originally means a whistling pass or listening ears pass. During heavy snowfall, the Pass is closed for tourists and travelers. The temperature drops down to -25 degrees Celsius.

Traill’s Pass, Uttarakhand:

At 17,400 ft, the Traill’s Pass in Uttarakhand is a popular trekking destination amongst travelers. Situated in the Himalayas, it sits right between the region’s Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks. It was called the Pindari Kanda Pass before. However, it is renamed Traill’s Pass. After the first British Deputy Commissioner of the region- G.W Traill.

One of the most challenging passes to cross. Even the British commissioner it is named after could not cross the pass back then. Trekking here is so famous that the nearby accommodations can often not handle the number of trekkers the destination receives every year.

Pensi La, Ladakh:

At 14,436 ft, the name of the mountain passes the Gateway to Zanskar Valley. It connects the Suru Valley to Zanskar Valley. The 240km Road stretch from the Kargil region to the Padum regio is open from May to October. The region witnesses very dense snowfall. It has a lot of military movement as Kargil is situated nearby. 

Zoji- La Pass, Sonmarg:

The pass in Ladakh connects Kashmir valley to Dras and Suru Valleys. The National highway of Srinagar and Leh passes through this mountain pass. It is located at an elevation of 11,575 ft. One of the most challenging Road passes. This mountain pass also has some of the most picturesque landscapes you can see as you pass through here.

Jelep La, Sikkim:

Jelep La is one of the three passes connecting or dividing the Indian and Tibetian terrain. The pass means’ Lovely Level Pass’ connects Sikkim and Tibet Through Lhasa. The pass will undoubtedly make you fall in love with the landscape of the region. As you can witness Rhododendrons blossom in full swing during the spring season around the pass. Small hamlets give the pass a very authentic mountain aesthetic feel.

Auden’s Col, Gangotri:

located at an elevation of 18, 010 ft, this mountain pass connects the Rudugaira Valley and Bhilangana Valley. John Bicknell Auden discovered the Mountain Pass in 1935. This mountain pass is one of the most dangerous ones in the Garwhal Himalayas.

The mountain pass has a lot of crevasses (deep open cracks in which trekkers can fall if not careful). After crossing Auden’s Col and Mayali Pass, one can trek to Kedarnath and Gangotri, both being important in Hindu Pilgrimage.

Going up the Mountains:

We are running out of breath by even thinking of these high-altitude terrains and are considering improving our trekking game. However, if you love trekking, we want to tell you- the mountains are calling you, and if you ask us, it’s a hard pass!

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