Marsimik La Explained

Marsimik La
Map:India Ladakh#India
Map Relief:0
Elevation M:5582
Elevation Ref:[1]
Location:Ladakh, India
Range:Himalaya

Marsimik La or Marsemik La, also called Lankar La, elevation 5582m (18,314feet) is a high mountain pass in the Chang Chenmo Range in the Indian union territory of Ladakh, 96km (60miles) east of Leh as the crow flies. Ladakh's route to the Chang Chenmo Valley traverses the pass.

Geography

Marsimik La is located about 20km (10miles) northeast of Lukung at the tip of Pangong Lake, and 15km (09miles) southwest of Pamzal in the Chang Chenmo Valley. The ridge line of Marsimik La divides the basin of the Pangong Lake from the Chang Chenmo River.

About 4 km to the east of Marsimik La is another ridge line with the pass Kiu La (also called Kangseng La). Via this pass lies the Ladakhi route to the valley of Chang Parma (also called Changlung Lungpa), leading to the Khurnak Plain in the middle of the Pangong Lake.

The description of Marsimik La in the Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladak (1890) states:

Sino-Indian border

The pass is on the shortest route from Lukung to Kongka Pass area some 45km (28miles) away, where the China-India Line of Actual Control runs. Within the vicinity of Marsimik La, the line runs at a distance of to the east on a sharp ridgeline.

Transportation

The "Phobrang-Marsimik La-Tsogtsalu-Hot Springs Road" (PMTHR) or "Marsimik La Road" via Phobrang-Marsimik La-Tsogstsalu to Hot Springs,[2] [3] This Marsimik La Road via Lukung to Pamzal, constructed by India's Border Roads Organisation, traverses the pass. It is regarded as one of the highest motorable passes in the world.[4] The other alternate route to Tsogtsalu is the 55 km long "Changchenmo-Tsogtsalu Road" (CTR) from confluence of Changchenmo & Shyok River to Tsogtsalu.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Google Maps Terrain for Marsimik showing elevation of circa 5590m La. Google Maps. 18 February 2016.
  2. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/jul/22/india-boosts-road-links-to-lac-standoff-points-2479299.html India boosts road links to LAC standoff points
  3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/forbidden-zones-in-ladakh-to-soon-welcome-tourists/articleshow/100512677.cms Forbidden zones in Ladakh to soon welcome tourists
  4. News: Amid Doklam standoff, MHA asks BRO to build stand-alone road for access to vantage points . The Indian Express . 23 August 2017 .
  5. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/epaper/delhicapital/2023/aug/03/et-poli/over-20-strategic-roads-close-to-lac-have-year-end-deadline/articleshow/102366166.cms Over 20 strategic roads close to LAC have the ear and deadline