Sia La

Sia La
Location in Gilgit Baltistan
Sia La (Pakistan)
Elevation5,589 m (18,337 ft)
LocationKarakoram range, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
RangeEastern Karakoram Range
Coordinates35°34′55″N 76°47′33″E / 35.58194°N 76.79250°E / 35.58194; 76.79250

Sia La is a mountain pass situated on Saltoro Ridge, in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan some 60 km (37 mi) north-northwest of map point NJ9842 which defined the end of the 1972 Line of Control between India and Pakistan as part of the Simla Agreement. Sia La sits near the Chinese border and immediately northwest of the upper part of the vast Siachen Glacier, connecting that glacier to the Pakistani-controlled Kondus Glacier and valley to the west.

The Saltoro Mountains Range, of which western slopes are held by Pakistan and separated by the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) the higher peaks and passes are held by India all of which remain snowbound throughout the year, provides access to Siachen Glacier to its east through five passes, i.e., listed from south to north are Chulung La (5,800m), Yarma La (6,100m), Gyong La (5,640m), Bilafond La (6,160m) - also called Saltoro La, and Sia La (7,300m).