Concept notes: Mountain passes are routes through mountain ranges or up to higher mountain areas. They are often used for transportation and are characterized by their elevation. In Jammu and Kashmir, several mountain passes are notable for their strategic and geographical significance. Changla Pass, located at an elevation of 5,360 meters, is the highest motorable pass in the region.
Explanation: Mountain passes are crucial geographical features that connect different regions, often serving as vital transportation routes. In the context of Jammu and Kashmir, several mountain passes are significant due to their strategic and geographical importance. These passes are often characterized by their elevation, which can vary widely depending on the specific location and the mountain range they traverse.
Changla Pass, located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is one such mountain pass. It is known for being the highest motorable pass in the region, situated at an elevation of 5,360 meters. This elevation makes it a challenging route to navigate, especially during the winter months when the pass can be closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.
The other options provided in the question are not mountain passes or do not match the specified elevation. Dras War Memorial is a memorial site, not a pass, and is located in the Dras sector of the Line of Control. Khardung La, while a high mountain pass, has an elevation of approximately 5,359 meters, which is slightly lower than the elevation specified in the question. Nubra Valley is a high-altitude desert valley and not a mountain pass.
Understanding the specific elevations and characteristics of mountain passes is crucial for geographical knowledge, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir where such passes play a significant role in connecting different parts of the region and facilitating transportation. Changla Pass, with its elevation of 5,360 meters, stands out as a notable feature in this context, making it the correct answer to the question.