Splash's Geography Pass Notes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Khyber Pass

For centuries the Khyber Pass has been used during invasions of the sub-continent of India. The first is believed to be that of Alexander the Great in 326 BC.

At its highest elevation, it is 1,074m (3,523ft) above sea level.

It has also been a key trade route, but it was not until the 20th Century that a railway and road were built.

Answer: Gotthard Pass

At 16 miles long, St. Gotthard pass lies at an elevation of 6,916 feet (2,108 metres).

The route existed in Roman times, but it was not until about the 13th Century that it became regularly used.

As well as road transport, the pass is crossed by a railway that opened in 1882.

The terrain tested engineers to the limit and they were forced to tunnel for long distances. In 2016, a new 35-mile (57km) tunnel for high speed trains was drilled. At that time the Gotthard Base Tunnel was the longest in the world.

Answer: Diamond Notch

The highest point at Diamond Notch is 2,671 ft (814 m) in the Catskill Mountains.

A three-mile hiking trail through the pass gives views of a waterfall.

Answer: Col de l'Iseran

The Col de l'Iseran is the highest surfaced route through the Alps.

You could drive it, or if you feel adventurous, it is a popular cycling route. You can start at an altitude of 815 metres and get to the top at 2,7770 metres after 48 kilometres. Just make sure you have good brakes for the downhill return.

Answer: Donner Pass

The Donner Pass at an elevation of 7,056 ft (2,151 m) is one of the most famous - or infamous - mountain passes in the USA.

In 1844 it was identified as an accessible route through the Sierra Nevada Mountains westwards to California.

Early travellers found it daunting as the window of opportunity to get though was not wide. In 1846, one party started out too late and in November found their path blocked by snow. Only 46 of the 81 reached California. Many of those who survived were reluctant to discuss how they managed when the food they carried ran out. Rumours of cannibalism persisted, though.

In 1868 the Central Pacific Railroad was built through the pass.

Answer: Currant Creek Pass

Currant Creek Pass is at an elevation of 2.891m (9,485ft).

Colorado State Highway 9 runs through the pass and is subject to closure through adverse weather in winter.

Answer: Tizi n'Tichka

At an elevation of 2.260m (7,410ft), Tizi n'Tichka is a busy road. It was built as a military route by the French in 1936.

However, between November and March it is subject to adverse weather through heavy snow and ice accumulation.

Answer: Glenshane Pass

The Glenshane Pass carries the main road route between Northern Ireland's two largest cities.

Ireland rarely has extreme weather, but if any route is going to be hazardous through snow in winter, it is the Glenshane Pass. (This quiz author writes from experience.)

Alongside the route is the Ponderosa Bar, which, at 288metres (946feet) claims to be the highest public house on the island of Ireland. The claim is disputed by a pub in Killarney, the Top of Coom, which claims an elevation of 1,045 feet.

Ozone Bar, Hong Kong, incidentally, claims to be the world's highest pub, at 1,690 feet. That's above the ground, though, and not above sea level.

Answer: Pass of Drumochter

The Pass of Drumochter carries road, rail, and cycle routes between Inverness in the north of Scotland via Perth to Glasgow in the central Scottish belt.

While the route was first used in prehistoric times, in the late 1720s a military road was built through the pass.

The highest point of the road is 460m (1,509feet) above sea level.

Answer: Nathu La

The pass stands at an elevation of 4,310m (14,140 ft) and is part of the Historic Old Silk Route through the Himalayas from Tibet to Bengal.

In winter, it is frequently blocked by snowfalls.