Sin-La Pass and Sarutal Bugyal

Why in news?

• Recently, Sin-La Pass of Pithoragarh and Sarutal Bugyal of Uttarkashi were declared 'Trek of the Year' by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.
• Its purpose is to promote adventure tourism.

Sin-La Pass:

• It is located at an altitude of 5495 meters in the eastern Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
• This pass connects Bidang in Darma Valley to Jolingkong Lake in Kuthi Yankati Valley.
• This trek is about 35 kilometers long.
• This snow-covered area has sightseeing places like Parvati Kund, Gauri Kund, Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and Panchachuli Base Camp.
• This pass was part of the ancient trade route for the Bhotiya people of Tibet.

Sarutal Bugyal:

• It is a high Himalayan grassland located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
• It is located at an altitude of 3,900 meters in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sarutal lake is among the bugyals here.
• From here, snowy mountain ranges including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kali Choti are visible.

Bugyal:

• These are alpine meadows or pasture lands found at an altitude of 3,300 to 4,000 meters above sea level in the Himalayan region.
• Bugyals are grassy areas between the snow line and the tree line.
• They are home to many endemic species of plants and animals
• They are considered the center of Himalayan biodiversity.