Jelepla Pass

Jelepla Pass (also spelt Jelep La) is an all weather pass between India and Tibet. Etymologically the term Jelepla is derived from Jelep meaning lonely and La...See more » Jelepla Pass (also spelt Jelep La) is an all weather pass between India and Tibet. Etymologically the term Jelepla is derived from Jelep meaning lonely and La meaning pass in Tibetan. The pass is in Sikkim and the route connects Lhasa to India. The pass is at an altitude of 4,267 metres (14,300 feet) above msl and is 46 metres (150 feet) in length. On the Indian side there are two routes to Jelepla, one through Darjeeling and the other through Kalimpong. The Kalimpong route is an ancient one which was responsible for the boost in the local economy due to the trading of wool and furs early last century. The pass was closed after the Sino-Indian War in 1962. It passes through the towns of Pedong in northern West Bengal, Rhenok ,and Kupup.The route from Darjeeling passes through the towns of Ari, Sendochen and Gnatong and finally to Pedong. The route is scenic with forests of rhododendronss blooming in spring. Numerous hamlets dot the bucolic surroundings which give a traveller a sybaritic experience. On the Tibetan side the pass leads to the Chumbi Valley of the Tibetan Plateau.See less »