Nathu La Pass: India-China Border and Ancient Silk Route
Category: Geography → Mountain Passes → India-China Relations
Location
Sikkim
India–China border
Dongkya Range of Himalayas
Connects Sikkim with Tibet's Chumbi Valley/Yadong region
Altitude
Approximately 4,310 metres.
Historical Importance
Nathu La was an important route of the ancient Silk Route.
Strategic Importance
India-China border
Military significance
Trade and border trade
Strategic access toward the Chumbi Valley
Important Comparison
| Pass | Location/Significance |
|---|---|
| Nathu La | Sikkim–Tibet |
| Jelep La | Sikkim–Tibet region |
| Shipki La | Himachal Pradesh–Tibet |
| Lipulekh | Uttarakhand–Tibet/Nepal region |
UPSC Key Pointer
Nathu La → Sikkim → 4,310 m → India-China border → Chumbi Valley → Silk Route
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