Zoji La
Context
Avalanche near Zoji La on the Srinagar–Leh highway (NH-1)
Location and connectivity
Zoji La is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas.
Located between:
Ganderbal district
Kargil district
Connects:
Kashmir Valley (west)
Dras Valley and Suru Valley (northeast)
Further to Indus Valley
Lies on National Highway 1 (Srinagar–Leh highway)
Physical features
Elevation: ~5,008 m (16,430 ft)
One of the highest strategic passes in India
Second highest pass on Srinagar–Leh highway (after Fotu La)
Strategic importance
Vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh
Ensures:
Military logistics (especially for Ladakh region)
Civilian supply chains
Maintained by Border Roads Organisation
Etymology
“La” in Tibetan/Ladakhi = mountain pass
“Zoji La” roughly interpreted as:
“Pass of blizzards”
Linked to local legend of Du-Zhi-lha-mo (goddess of seasons)
Historical importance
During the First Kashmir War:
Captured by Pakistani forces (1948)
Recaptured by India via Operation Bison
Notable: first-ever use of tanks at such high altitude
Zoji La Tunnel
Zoji La Tunnel
Approved: 2018; inaugurated by Narendra Modi
Length: ~14 km
Significance:
All-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh
Travel time reduced from ~3 hours to ~15 minutes
Will be Asia’s longest bidirectional tunnel
Prelims practice MCQs
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Zoji La:
It forms part of the Great Himalayan Range.
It connects Srinagar with Leh via National Highway-1.
It remains open throughout the year due to advanced snow clearance systems.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Zoji La lies in the Great Himalayan Range and connects Srinagar–Leh via NH-1. It is not open year-round due to heavy snowfall.