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Karakoram Pass
Some regions in India are very surprising and unique to our knowledge. What makes these sites more intriguing is that they are inaccessible and far away from the reach of the general population. One such location is the Karakoram Pass. Karakoram Pass, situated in the boundaries of India, China, and Pakistan, is only sometimes a spot everyone would visit. Even though, at one point in time, this was an important trading route and was also a part of the ancient Silk Route. Currently, this Pass is not in use. The unique location, topography and climate make it an intriguing location. If not anything else, this site surely needs our attention and importance.
If you are interested in learning everything about the Karakoram Pass, then keep reading this article. Here, I will mention every piece of information that you might need about this location. You will learn which state Karakoram Pass is in, where it is located, and a lot more. This will be a helpful read for you if you are interested in this particular spot.
Where is Karakoram Pass located?
The Karakoram Pass is located in the Karakoram Range and connects Leh in Ladakh in India to Yarkand in the Tarim Basin in China.
Karakoram Pass is located in which state?
The Karakoram Pass is located on the boundary of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the Xinjiang Autonomous region of China.
Overview
This is a necessary pass that connects two countries. If you are wondering which of the two countries are connected by the Karakoram Pass, then the answer would be India and China. It is one of the most critical passes in the Karakoram Range, 5540 meters above sea level. It is also one of the highest passes in terms of altitude. This Pass passes through two mountains and is about 45 meters in width. However, in 1,949, when Xinjiang became a part of China’s trade, it was shut down along with any movement on this Pass.
This area also lacks vegetation because the temperature here is extremely low. Due to Karakoram Pass weather, even animals fail to survive at this location. Many animals died along this Pass, so many bones are on the trail. The average temperature here remains around -10 degrees, and it is a very frigid climate for survival. Also, you would not find snow here because of the high wind speed. The roads here are also not motorable and remain closed from all sorts of traffic. The only motorable Pass here is the Khunjerab Pass on the PakisPakistan-Chinaer.
Historical Importance of Karakoram Pass
Strategically located, the Karakoram Pass is one of the most critical passes. It is also the most accessible route that connects Ladakh with the Tarim Basin. At one point in time, this Pass served as a vital trade route. This Pass contributed heavily to the flourishing of the ancient and historic Silk Route, another reason why this Pass holds so much importance. This Pass was the meeting point for traders who used to come from places like Yarkand, Kashmir, Tibet, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kashgarh and Central Asia.
The Karakoram Pass was the most popular way for traders to commute. This Pass is also a significant reason behind the flourishing of the culture of Ladakh. The culture of Ladakh, the food there, dance, and dress are results of the influence of this Pass. Until 1949, this was an important trade route, but after that, this Pass remained closed.
More about Karakoram Pass
The Karakoram Pass was closed for about 58 years, but a group of trekkers from India trekked to reach it. This is the most documented trek to this Pass, and this is also a milestone. The trail starts from Nubra Valley and then passes through some of the highest passes. It goes through Saser La at 5359 meters, Depsang La at 5415 meters and finally reaches the Karakoram Pass at an altitude of 5569 meters.
Reaching the Karakoram Pass is a real challenge because of its altitude and gradual ascend. The word Karakoram originated from the Turkic language and means “Black Gravel.” This also explains the rugged terrain of this area.
However, the authorities should open the Karakoram Pass as it would gradually ease tension between the two countries. This Pass is essential for Ladakh and its culture. However, this area is deprived of opportunities for development and growth due to inaccessibility. Also, in Xinjiang, a very important Buddhist site of pilgrimage is located, which is the Kumtura Caves. The origin of these caves goes back to the 5th century, and there is no other way to visit them.
The opening of this Pass would further boost Ladakh’s economy. It will eventually also revive the cultural ties between the two countries that existed long ago.
It is, after all, a really treacherous route for travellers. After the trek of 1868, few expeditions reached this site. Even after being a picturesque location, this is still a location that remains unexplored to date. This area is Located in an isolated area with a sparse population due to its rugged terrain. In 2016, a group of 11 members, namely Himalayan Heights Motorcycle Expedition, attempted to reach this location. They started their journey from Leh, went through the challenging landscape of Ladakh, and finally crossed the Chang La Pass to reach the Karakoram Pass. This is yet another milestone in achieving the Karakoram Pass, which will always remain important.
Wrapping Up!
Due to the lack of summers and extreme weather conditions, the Pass remains mostly inaccessible. Also, at present, the Pass is close to any traffic. Furthermore, the opening of this Pass can be fruitful for both the cries in different ways. Another issue is the need for more motorable roads at this location. Now that you know where Karakoram Pass is located, let me know what you think of this location. Isn’t the spot too exciting to visit? Even if visiting this spot is impossible, the location deserves some attention. After all, it is such a vital pass and a former trade route. Let me know if this article is helpful for you in learning about everything that you probably need to know about the Pass.
