Karakoram Pass

Karakoram pass is the highest pass (18,250 ft.) lying in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies on one of the highest trading routes in the world for Yarkand ( Central Asia). The route starts from Nubra Valley in Ladakh via Murgo, Burtso, Daulatbeg Oldi and finally leads to the Pass.

Karakoram pass

The region is absolutely barren with no vegetation. Temperature drops to -30 degrees and storms, blizzards and snowstorms rage throughout the year. From Daulatbeg Oldi, there is a 16km. long trek through the dry river bed. Bones of men and animals are silent reminders along the route that tell us of the hostile conditions that took so many lives.

Bones of men and animals on the way

One thing is clear; this route was extensively used for trade with Central Asia in olden times. Although the pass is not that difficult to traverse, but it is the thin air that makes crossing most difficult. At 5540 mts, this pass is formed by a saddle between two gentle mountain tops. Due to lack of summer snow or ice, the pass was open throughout most of the year. The pass currently remains close to vehicular traffic.