NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

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Which of the following passes is NOT on the Manali-Leh highway?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ANathu La
BRohtang La
CLungalacha La
DTanglang La

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Nathu La

Explanation

The Manali-Leh Highway is a strategic high-altitude road traversing the Western Himalayas, connecting Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh. It crosses several major mountain passes. Nathu La, in contrast, is located in the Eastern Himalayas.

Option Analysis:

Rohtang La Rohtang La: This pass is located in the Pir Panjal range. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh and serves as the starting point of the high-altitude section of the Manali-Leh highway.
Lungalacha La Lungalacha La (Lachung La): This pass is situated in the Zanskar range in Ladakh. It lies on the Manali-Leh highway between Sarchu and Pang.
Tanglang La Tanglang La: Located in the Zanskar range, this is one of the highest motorable passes on the Manali-Leh highway, situated shortly before the road descends into the Indus Valley towards Leh.
Nathu La Nathu La: This pass connects the Indian state of Sikkim with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is a major trade route in the Eastern Himalayas and is geographically distinct from the Manali-Leh circuit.

Key Takeaway: The major passes along the Manali-Leh highway include Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lungalacha La, and Tanglang La. Nathu La is located in Sikkim.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

Consider the following statements regarding the general characteristics of deserts: 1. They are characterized by low rainfall and scanty vegetation. 2. They are always associated with extremely high temperatures. 3. Agriculture is impossible in desert areas even if water is available. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. It covers a large part of North Africa. 2. It touches exactly three countries. 3. Its total area is more than double the area of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the physical landscape of the Sahara Desert: 1. It consists solely of vast stretches of sand dunes. 2. It includes gravel plains and elevated plateaus with bare rocky surfaces. 3. Some rocky surfaces in the desert can be more than 2500m high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following evidence suggests that the Sahara Desert was once a lush green plain?

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With reference to the climate of the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. The moisture evaporates faster than it accumulates. 2. The sky is typically overcast with heavy clouds. 3. Nights remain hot with temperatures staying above 30°C. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

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The correct option is

Nathu La

Explanation

Option Analysis:

Rohtang La Rohtang La: This pass is located in the Pir Panjal range. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh and serves as the starting point of the high-altitude section of the Manali-Leh highway.
Lungalacha La Lungalacha La (Lachung La): This pass is situated in the Zanskar range in Ladakh. It lies on the Manali-Leh highway between Sarchu and Pang.
Tanglang La Tanglang La: Located in the Zanskar range, this is one of the highest motorable passes on the Manali-Leh highway, situated shortly before the road descends into the Indus Valley towards Leh.
Nathu La Nathu La: This pass connects the Indian state of Sikkim with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is a major trade route in the Eastern Himalayas and is geographically distinct from the Manali-Leh circuit.

Key Takeaway: The major passes along the Manali-Leh highway include Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lungalacha La, and Tanglang La. Nathu La is located in Sikkim.