In Himachal Pradesh, the landscape is very interesting, and there is an endless variety to charm the eye. But nothing on the ordinary stages can compare in beauty and grandeur with the high Mountain Passes. These are narrow passages and are of paramount importance, when mountains are barriers against travel and trade. The utility of a Pass depends upon its elevation above lower land at either end, length of time in which it is free of snow, thus open to travel, and the type of area it joins. These Passes locally known as Jots and La are very important physical features.
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All these Passes have difficult terminal escalations, and exceptionally instantaneous permutations towards more environmental fragility. Himachal Pradesh is a God gifted land where, one can pursue any adventure such as mountaineering, trekking, rock-climbing, skiing, hang-gliding, hell-skiing, water sports (including white water sports), golfing, hunting, fishing and crossing of high Passes over one range to another. Thus Himachal suits everyone, every time and in every season. Some of the importance passes located in the state are given below :
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass forms the main gateway bet ul Valley and the rest of the Southern area of Kullu-Manali. Rohtang is a famous Pass across the Pir Panjal range on the National Highway to Leh being the world's second highest road point. Though not very high, only 3978 meters (13400 feet) it is one of the most hazardous Passes anywhere. Due to the heavy toll of lives, it is notorious for its sudden blizzards and snow storms which can overtake unwary travellers on or near the crest any time. The first Englishman to reach Rohtang Pass in A.D. 1820 Moore Craft who called it 'Ritanka Jot'. He was followed by a second expedition undertaken Dr. J.G. Gerard and Lord Elgin the then Governor General crossed it twice on the same day in A.D. 1863. The most conspicuous hills amidst snow capped mountain peaks, are the twin peaks of Gyephang at 6400 meters (21000 feet). The brown and silver dreamy landscape has a strange "lunar" quality. One feels "moonstruck" by its different ambience, remembering all the picture postcard landscapes seen earlier.
Kunjum Pass
Kunjum Pass provides the main approach to Spiti from-Lahaul. The Spiti area is separated by the great Kunjum Range from where the Spiti river originates. This Pass is situated at 60 km from Gramphoo towards Kaza, on the Gramphoo-kaza-Sumdo road. Unlike Rohtang, although it is more in height (4520 meters), yet it is safer and easier both in ascent and descent.
Sach Pass
The most convenient route for trekking into the famous Pangi Valley in Chamba district is thorough the Sach Pass (4395 meters). Killar having a helipad facility is 137 km from Chamba, and could be reached through this Pass. From here one route goes to Kishtwar (Jammu) while another finds its way to manali.
Baralacha Pass
The Baralacha Pass (Baralacha La) situated on Manali-leh road, about 75 km from Keylong towards Leh, is at an elevation of 4890 meters and nearly 8 km long. 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.
Manirang Pass
It has an elevation of about 5~35 meters. To cross_ Manirang Pass 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.
Bhaba Pass
It is located in Kinnaur district. 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, furthergradual 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.
Ghasutri Pass
It is located in Chamba in Chamba district. After walking upto Kalatop and then to Khajjiar, "the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh" or "the mini Switzerland", one has to move via Chamba (996
meters) to Chhatrari (1900 meters) and then to Chanderkup Tal (3450 meters).The steep slopes as well as snow on both sides of the Pass make it possible for the Gaddis and locals to slide down and this action is called ghasutriin local dialect and thus it named.
Kugti Pass
It is at an elevation of about 4961 meters in the Chamba region. From Kugti to Duggi caves (3354 meters) it is a green and panoramic Valley. The magnificent Kailash Peak is also visible from there.
Tempola Pass
It is situated at an elevation of about (4930 meters) in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. One has to walk along Yoche nullaha to the base of this Pass.
Inderhar Pass
It is situated at an elevation of about 320 meters. 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). During winter the frozen snow near the top makes it steep, however, during other time the Pass is not very difficult to cross. It is situated between Dharamshala and Chinota.
Talang Pass
Its height is about 4640 meters above the mean sea level 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.
Barla Jot
It is situated at the height of about 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. In descending along the Pandon stream one could bask amidst nature and also study the social system and peculiar customs of Gaddi tribe reaching Bara Banghal (2540 meters).
ThamsarJot
It has to be crossed if one takes journey from Dharamshala towards Manali. It is situated at an elevation of 4572 meters. One is 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.
Phirtse La Pass
Its elevation is about 5435 meters and it is not very difficult to ascend. One route also goes to Surichan La from here. It provides for an easy going in Zanskar Valley of Buddhist faith. Buddhist religion means to recite always "Om Mane Padme Hum" in this region.
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. Its top provides beautiful and charming view all around.
Pin Parbati Pass
It is situated at an elevation of about 5319 meters. To locate it numerous small lakes and streams have to be crossed. On its top the view of Kullu and Spiti valley is panoramic and enjoyable.
Jalori Pass
It is located at the height of about 3135 meters beyond Narkanda (2708 meters). Before reaching the Pass there is a Hatu peak (3136 meters) and from its top good view thrill for the onlookers.
Rangcha Pass
It is situated 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.
Famous passes and Jots in Himachal Pradesh
1. Basodan Chamba—Bhattiyat
2. Dulchi Mandi—Kullu
3. Bhubu Joginder Nagar—Kullu
4. Padri Chamba—Jammu
5. Jalori Inner & Outer Seraj in Kullu
6. Chauri Chamba—Kangra
7. Rashol Jot - Kullu
8. Pajanund Galu Mandi—Kullu
9. Khauli Galu Kullu
10. Jalsu Ka Jot Kangra—Chamba
11. Chandarkhani Galu Kullu
12. Tainti Galu Kullu
13. Baleni Jot Kangra—Chamba
14. Gharhu Jot Kullu
15. Sari Galu Kullu-Kangra
16. Waru Pass Kangra-Chamba
17. Shibaling Pass Kinnaur
18. Rohtang Pass Kullu-Lahaul
19. Bherianga Pass Kullu-Kangra
20. Hamtah Jot Pass Pir Panjal-Kullu-Spiti
21. Singoor Pass Kangra-Bharmaur
22. Indrahar Pass Kangra-Bharmaur
23. Tori Jot Kangra-Chamba
24. Sach Pass Chamba-Pangi
25. Ranjcha Pass Lahaul-Spiti
26. Shipkila Lahaul-Spiti
27. Kunzam La Lahaul-Spiti
28. Shi Jot Kullu
29. Rangchi Galu Kullu
30. Tamsar Pass Kangra-Bara Bangahal (Dhauladhar Range)
31. Shinka Pass Kinnaur -Gharwal
32. Burua Pass (Buran Ghati) Kinnaur-Gharwal
33. Rupin Ghati Kinnaur-Gharwal
34. Talang Pass Kangra-Chamba
35. Kathikukri Kullu-Kangra
36. Gairu Jot Kangra
37. Drati Pass Chamba-Pangi
38. Kalicho Lahaul-Bharmour
39. Khidala Galu Chamba
40. Nikora Pass Kangra-Bharmour
41. Animal Pass Kullu
42. Manali Pass Manali-Kangra
43. Bara Lachala Pangi-Rang, Lahaul, Bharmour
44. Tempo La Lahaul-Spiti
45. Chabia Pass Pangi Range-Lahaul, Bharmaur
46. Mulari Jot Lahaul
47. Kugti Pass Lahaul-Bharmaur
48. Shipting Bharmaur-Lahaul
49. Taintu Ka Jot Kullu-Kangra
50. Sara Umga Pass Kullu-Spiti
51. Shakarof Lahaul-Spiti
52. Asha Gali Kangra-Lahaul -Spiti
53. Nalgaon Pass Kinnaur-Gharwal
54. Duggi Jot Bharmour-Lahaul
55. Kamilaga Pass Kinnaur-Gharwal
56. Makori Jot Kangra
57. Lamkhaga Pass Kinnaur-Gharwal
58. Charang Pass Kinnaur-Gharwal
59. Pin Parbati Kullu-Spiti
60. Borsa Pass Kinnaur-Gharwal
61. Laluni Jot Lahaul-Spiti
62. Chobu Pass Bharmour-Lahaul-Spiti
63. Bhim Ghasutri Jot