The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word GHATS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
G
H
A
T
S
More clues leading to the result GHATS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Asian mountain passes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case asian mountain passes = ghats.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GHATS mean?
GHATS noun- A descending path or stairway to a river; a ford or landing-place.
- A mountain range.
- A mountain pass.
- A steep ravine leading to the sea.
- A burning-ghat.