Lipu-Lekh Pass facts for kids
The Lipu-Lekh Pass is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas. It stands at an elevation of 5,350 meters (about 17,552 feet) above sea level. This important pass is located in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, India.
It serves as a key border point between India and China, and it is also very close to the border with Nepal.
Contents
What is a Mountain Pass?
A mountain pass is like a natural gateway through a mountain range. Imagine a low point or a gap between tall mountains. These passes make it easier for people to travel, trade, and even explore across difficult terrain. Without them, crossing huge mountain ranges would be much harder!
Why is Lipu-Lekh Pass Important?
The Lipu-Lekh Pass has been used for centuries. It's a historic trade route between India and Tibet (which is now part of China). Traders would carry goods like wool, salt, and herbs across this pass.
It is also a traditional route for pilgrims. Many people use this pass to travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which are sacred places in Tibet. This journey, known as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, is very important to many faiths.
Location and Geography
The pass is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas. It connects the Kumaon region of India with the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet in China. The area around the pass is rugged and beautiful, with towering peaks and deep valleys.
Border Area and Discussions
Because of its location, the Lipu-Lekh Pass is in a region where the borders of India, China, and Nepal meet. This area has been a subject of discussion between these countries regarding the exact boundary lines. Countries sometimes have different ideas about where their borders should be, especially in remote mountain areas. They work to resolve these differences through talks and agreements.
Images for kids
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An 1879 Survey of India map showing the Kalapani territory as part of Kumaon, India
