Jelep La

Jelep La Pass is a high mountain pass located at an altitude of 13,999 feet. It lies in East Sikkim, between India and Tibet. The pass links Lhasa to India.

The word Jelep La is of Tibetan origin, meaning “the lovely level pass”. It is so called because it is the easiest and most level of all the passes between Tibet and Sikkim. Jelep La has been used by traders for centuries. The mesmerizing Menmecho Lake lies below the pass. At the Indian side, Jelep La has two routes. One runs through Kalimpong and the other through Gangtok. On the Tibetan side, the path stretches towards Chumbi Valley of the Tibetan Plateau. The route is at its scenic best during summer when wild flowers and rhododendrons bloom in the surrounding area. It is also dotted by tiny pristine hamlets along the way.