Marsimik La

Trade routes of Ladakh (1878)

Marsimik La is located about 20 km (10 mi) northeast of Lukung, on the northwest tip of Pangong Lake. The campsite of Pamzal in the Chang Chenmo Valley is about 15 km (9 mi) from here. The ridge line of Marsimik La divides the basin of the Pangong Lake to the south from that of the Chang Chenmo River to the north.

About 4 km to the east is another ridge line with the pass Kiu La (also called Kangseng La). Via this pass lay 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:

This pass, though very high, is by no means difficult in summer. It is free from glaciers, and generally clear of snow during the summer and early autumn.[2]

The pass is on the shortest route from Lukung to Kongka Pass area some 45 km (28 mi) away, where the China-India Line of Actual Control runs. Within the vicinity of Marsimik La, the line runs at a distance of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the east on a sharp ridgeline.

The Marsimik La Road from Lukung to Pamzal, constructed by India's Border Roads Organisation, traversses the pass. It is regarded as one of the highest motorable passes in the world.[3]

• Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladak, Calcutta: Superintendent of Government Printing, 1890