Zoji La Pass (3465m above sea level) This is a famous pass over the main Himalayan range on the Srinagar-Leh highway. As a matter of fact, this pass has often been termed as the gateway to Ladakh. On one side of this pass is the Kashmir Valley, while on the other side it leads to the Dras Valley of Ladakh. There is a panoramic view of snow clad peaks from the top of this pass.

Ladakh in barren splendour Credit: Discover India

The Zoji La pass is closed due to heavy snowfall at the beginning of the cold season. It is opened in late spring. It is one of the most dangerous passes in the Himalayas. After being closed by snow for half the year and being impassable in winter, ten meters of snow (33 ft) have to be cleared each year entirely by human effort to allow traffic to pass.

Digar La Pass
This pass also connects Leh to the Shyok (Nubra valley). It is situated at an elevation of about 6,000 m. The Digar La pass remains open for a longer time than the Khardong La pass. It is relatively easier to cross, though the route across the pass is longer.