Zoji La
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Overview
Zoji La is a pass that links Srinagar with Kargil and Leh. The Zojila tunnel is being built under it to give all-weather access to Ladakh.
At about 3,500 m it is the gateway between the Kashmir valley and Ladakh on the Srinagar–Leh highway.
Snow blocks the pass for months in winter, cutting road links to Ladakh.
Indian troops famously used tanks at Zoji La in 1948. The Zojila tunnel, about 14 km long, is planned as one of Asia's longest road tunnels.
The pass is closed in winter.
It is one of the most dangerous passes.
Avalanches are common.
It links Sonamarg with Dras.
Geography and key facts
- Srinagar–Kargil–Leh route
- Zojila tunnel under construction
- About 3,500 m
- Tanks used here in 1948
- Zojila tunnel ~14 km
Why it matters for UPSC
Himalayan passes and the routes they serve are common map questions.
Note for UPSC
Links Srinagar with Kargil and Leh; the Zojila tunnel is being built under it.
Passes are often asked as state–pass pairs or in a north-to-south order; learn which places each pass links.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Zoji La yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mountain pass
- States / UTs
- Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
- Coordinates
- 34.261°N, 75.442°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.