Banihal Pass, Mountain pass in Pir Panjal Range, India
Banihal Pass is a mountain pass through the Pir Panjal range sitting at about 2,832 meters (9,300 feet) above sea level, running roughly 39 kilometers from Shaitani Nallah to Mundah. The route features steep slopes, rocky terrain, and alpine meadows in summer that turn to snow cover in winter.
The pass served as the main route connecting Jammu and Srinagar until 1956, when the Jawahar Tunnel was completed as an underground alternative. This tunnel shifted the primary traffic away from the mountain route and reduced the pass's importance for regional transportation.
The name Banihal comes from Kashmiri language and references the snow storms that frequently strike this mountain area. Visitors can still see how this harsh climate has shaped the sparse landscape and the way any structures here have been built.
The pass becomes blocked by heavy snowfall during winter months, making the Jawahar Tunnel the more reliable option for crossing between regions. The best time to visit is from May through September, when the route is generally passable and safer to travel.
The Zaban Glacier nearby stretches about two kilometers and feeds the Bachliri Stream, an important tributary of the Chenab River. This glacier serves as a freshwater source in the otherwise sparse mountain landscape and significantly contributes to the local water system.
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