Major Mountain Passes of Uttarakhand: District-Wise Complete List for Exams (2026)
Why Are Mountain Passes Important in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is bordered by Tibet (China), Himachal Pradesh and Nepal. Since ancient times, mountain passes (दर्रे) have served as trade routes, pilgrimage paths and strategic military corridors.
For competitive exams, questions are frequently asked about:
Mana Pass
Lipulekh Pass
Niti Pass
Kalindi Pass
Trail Pass
Lamkhaga Pass
Nelang Pass
Many candidates struggle because the passes are spread across different districts.
This district-wise list makes revision easier.
What Is a Mountain Pass?
A mountain pass is a natural route through a mountain range that allows movement between valleys, regions or countries.
Why Passes Matter
| Importance | Description |
|---|---|
| Trade | Ancient trade routes between India and Tibet |
| Defence | Strategic border access points |
| Pilgrimage | Routes to Kailash Mansarovar and Himalayan shrines |
| Exploration | Trekking and mountaineering routes |
| Geography Exams | Frequently asked in competitive exams |
Uttarakhand-Tibet Border Passes (District Wise)
Uttarkashi District – Tibet Border Passes
Uttarkashi shares a long border with Tibet and contains several important Himalayan passes.
| Pass | Height (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Thang La | 6079 m |
| Muling La | 5669 m |
| Nelang La | Noted Border Pass |
| Sangchok La | Border Pass |
Exam Fact
Thang La Pass (6079 m) is one of the highest passes associated with Uttarkashi district.
Chamoli District – Tibet Border Passes
Chamoli has the highest concentration of important Himalayan passes in Uttarakhand.
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Balcha Dhura | 5844 m |
| Mana Pass (Dungri La) | 5608 m |
| Kingri Bingri | 5550 m |
| Ghataralia | 5439 m |
| Koi Pass | 5425 m |
| Myudar Pass | 5091 m |
| Niti Pass | 5060 m |
| Shalshala Pass | 5000 m |
| Tanjun Pass | 4962 m |
| Lamlang Pass | Important Border Pass |
| Chorhoti Pass | Important Border Pass |
Why Mana Pass Is Important
Mana Pass is among India's highest motorable mountain passes and has historically connected India with Tibet.
Quick Facts About Mana Pass
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| District | Chamoli |
| Height | 5608 m |
| Near | Mana Village, Badrinath |
| Importance | India-Tibet Trade Route |
| Exam Frequency | Very High |
Mana Pass is one of the most asked mountain passes in Uttarakhand GK.
Pithoragarh District – Tibet Border Passes
Pithoragarh contains some of India's most strategically important passes.
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Lampiya Dhura | 5600 m |
| Levi Dhura | 5580 m |
| Mansya Pass | 5500 m |
| Lipulekh Pass | 5334 m |
| Darma-Navi Dhura | Important Pass |
| Untha Jayanti | Border Pass |
Why Lipulekh Pass Is Famous
Among all Uttarakhand passes, Lipulekh enjoys international importance.
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| District | Pithoragarh |
| Height | 5334 m |
| Connects | India-Tibet-Nepal Region |
| Famous For | Kailash Mansarovar Yatra |
| Exam Importance | Extremely High |
Thousands of pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar pass through the Lipulekh region.
Inter-District Mountain Passes of Uttarakhand
Many passes connect districts within Uttarakhand itself.
Uttarkashi – Himachal Pradesh Pass
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Srikanth Pass | Approx. 5137 m |
Uttarkashi – Chamoli Pass
Kalindi Pass
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5968 m |
| Connects | Gangotri and Badrinath Regions |
| Difficulty | Extremely Difficult |
| Famous For | Kalindi Khal Trek |
Exam Tip
Kalindi Pass is among the toughest and highest trekking routes in Uttarakhand.
Chamoli – Pithoragarh Passes
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Latu Dhura | 6389 m |
| Barahoti Pass | 5985 m |
| March Yoke | 5950 m |
| Topi Dhura | 4760 m |
Most Important
Latu Dhura (6389 m) is among the highest passes mentioned in Uttarakhand geography.
Chamoli – Bageshwar Pass
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Sunderdhunga Pass | 5550 m |
The pass is associated with the famous Sunderdhunga Valley trekking region.
Bageshwar – Pithoragarh Pass
Trail Pass
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5356 m |
| Connects | Pindari and Milam Regions |
| Famous For | Historic Himalayan Trade Route |
Trail Pass is frequently asked in Uttarakhand competitive exams.
Champawat – Pithoragarh Pass
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Lashpa Dhura | 5895 m |
Passes Located in Pithoragarh District
| Pass | Height |
|---|---|
| Sin La Pass | 5125 m |
Sin La connects parts of the Darma and Byans valleys and remains important from both geographical and strategic perspectives.
Top 10 Most Important Mountain Passes for Exams
If you have limited time, focus on these first:
| Rank | Pass |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mana Pass |
| 2 | Lipulekh Pass |
| 3 | Niti Pass |
| 4 | Kalindi Pass |
| 5 | Trail Pass |
| 6 | Latu Dhura |
| 7 | Lampiya Dhura |
| 8 | Thang La |
| 9 | Balcha Dhura |
| 10 | Sin La Pass |
One-Line Revision Table
| Pass | District |
|---|---|
| Mana Pass | Chamoli |
| Niti Pass | Chamoli |
| Lipulekh Pass | Pithoragarh |
| Trail Pass | Bageshwar-Pithoragarh |
| Kalindi Pass | Uttarkashi-Chamoli |
| Latu Dhura | Chamoli-Pithoragarh |
| Sin La | Pithoragarh |
| Thang La | Uttarkashi |
| Lampiya Dhura | Pithoragarh |
| Balcha Dhura | Chamoli |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most important pass in Uttarakhand?
Mana Pass and Lipulekh Pass are considered the most important due to their strategic and historical significance.
Which pass is used for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district.
Which pass connects Uttarkashi and Chamoli?
Kalindi Pass.
Which district has the highest number of mountain passes?
Chamoli district.
Which is the highest important pass in Uttarakhand?
Latu Dhura (6389 m) is among the highest listed mountain passes associated with Uttarakhand geography.
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