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The Tulimpati La is located in Ladakh region of Jammu and
Kahsmir. This pass opens up the route from the Nubra Valley of Ladakh
towards the Karakoram Pass. In the ancient times it used to be one of the
highest trade routes in the world for Yarkand in Central Asia.
Passage Through The Great Himalayan Region
After crossing the Nubra Valley, the route leads up the steep eastern
mountain wall. This route passes through a grand Himalayan region through
giant precipices, deep gorges, glaciers and moraines, desert river valleys
-- a route filled with majestic beauty.
On this barren mountainside, as in many other similar places in Ladakh,
there is not a drop of water, nor a sign of moisture or vegetation. The
desert monotony is relieved by the luxuriant wild rose bushes, laden with
blossoms of every shade of pink and deep crimson colors. The lonesome
surroundings enhance the brilliant colors.
The Tulumpati Chi rivulet forms a very narrow gorge. So a track has been
made over the Tulumpati La on a sheer smooth rocky cliff, and stonewalls
have been precariously balanced to form the track for goat, sheep and
horses. A steep trek of 2-km gains 2,500 ft of altitude and suddenly one
has reached the pass, which presents a glorious view.
To the west, there is a mighty mountain range, which protects the valleys
from the northern winds and spreads from the Shyok Valley to the Nubra
Valley. There are rocky mountain peaks with slopes so steep that snow
cannot lodge on them, while others with gentler slopes are covered with
snow. Below stretches the Nubra Valley, a barren desert except for oases
of greenery scattered all over the valley which seems to relieve the
dreariness of the sandy, flat river bed.