Leh Ladakh-Top 12 Highest Motorable Mountain Pass To Visit In 2024
Let’s Explore Must Visit Highest Motorable Mountain Pass in ladakh
Ladakh is known for its unmatched beauty in the form of landscapes, monasteries, adventure routes , rivers and its high altitude passes. It is also known as the “Land of High Passes”. In this article you will explore Highest Motorable Mountain Pass in ladakh.
During your road trip you can experience loads of adventure , while crossing the high altitude passes. The passes in Ladakh region have their own importance as they connect region to region. Ladakh has some of the world’s highest passes which you can visit by the motorable road. These passes always have prayer flags that are flattering in the air and small shrines to seek the blessings.
Here are 12 Famous passes which you come across on your Ladakh trip, whether you take the route from Manali- leh highway or Zanskar route or take Srinagar Leh highway.
1. Baralacha La Or Baralacha Pass
Elevation : 16,500 ft
Between the section of Zing Zing Bar and Bharatpur, the second High Altitude Himalayan Pass on the Manali-Leh Highway is called Baralacha La. It is from the Lahaul Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti District.
Distance from the closest locations along the Manali-Leh Highway: From Zing Zing Bar, a steady 18 km ascent leads to Baralacha La, and a 2 km descent leads to Bharatpur.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-November is the ideal time to come.
2. Nakee La
Elevation : 15,547 ft
The third High Altitude Himalayan Pass between Sarchu and Whisky Nalla, Nakee La is located on the Manali-Leh Highway. It is a part of Ladakh area, which is located in the Leh District.
This picturesque route from Sarchu via the incredible 21 hairpin bend climbs of the Gata Loops will lead to Nakee La.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-November is the ideal time to come.
3. Lachung La
Elevation : 16,616 ft
On the Manali-Leh Highway, between Whisky Nalla and Pang, is the fourth High Altitude Himalayan Pass, or Lachung La.
Lachung La Pass, one of the most difficult routes in Ladakh, is recognised for its pure beauty and spectacular scenery. All tourists can enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains from the mountain pass. They also get to see natural beauty at its peak by visiting the pass. Lachung La Pass, which is decorated with Buddhist prayer flags, is one of Ladakh’s most popular mountain routes for trekkers.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-November is the ideal time to come.
4 Tanglang La
Elevation 17480 ft
The sixth High Altitude Himalayan Pass on the Manali-Leh Highway, Tanglang La, is located between the Debring and Rumtse stretches.
After crossing the Morie plains the elevation to the pass starts. You can see the snow covered mountains from a distance.one can ride through the clouds. On reaching the top there is a buddhist gompa covered with prayer flags. On the top you can frequently feel the sensation of wind. It feels like slapping your face.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-November is the ideal time to come.
5 Kela Pass
Elevation 18,600ft
It is the second highest pass after Umling la.Kela Pass on the way from Leh to the Pangong Lake. The highest public motorable road in the world, according to officials. and one of the Highest Motorable Mountain Pass in ladakh.
The 41-kilometer journey from Leh (Zingral to Tangtse) to the scenic Pangong Lake through the Kela Pass will be shortened by the road being built by the 58 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army.
The construction of this route will improve the socioeconomic standing of those living in the Lalok region of Ladakh, which is also crucial from a strategic perspective.
Time to visit : Mid-june to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
6. Chang la
Elevation : 17,688ft
The highest motorable mountain pass in the world is Chang La Pass. Crossing this pass is the ultimate test of your adventurous spirit.
The Chang La Pass is a test of your daring spirit and offers a fascinating experience in and of itself. Therefore, crossing this pass should be your initial action. The next thing you may do is take in the stunning surroundings. Make sure to take plenty of photos because you’ll cherish the memories forever. You will drive by the DRDO high-altitude workstation, which is also listed in the Limca Book of World Records, just before arriving at Chang La Pass.
Time to visit : Mid-june to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
7. Khardung la
Elevation 17,582 ft
It is one of the third highest motorable highways in the world, Khardung La is a fearsome route that thrills and exhilarates travelers. Khardung La, gives one a sense of being on top of the world. Khardung La, sometimes referred to as the “Pass of Lower Castle,” is the location of many motorbike, car, and mountain biking trips. It is a crucial component of the entire Ladakh Circuit because it links Leh Nubra Regions.
It serves as an entry point to the regions of Nubra and Shyok valley. Due to the fact that it is used to transport supplies to the Siachen Glacier, the mountain pass has great significance. It
provides breathtaking views of the valley and the winding roads that climb the mountain.
Time to visit : Mid-june to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
8. Umling La
Elevation : 19,024 Ft
Umling La Pass has surpassed Khardung La Pass to become the world’s highest motorable road. If you thought you’d seen everything Ladakh had to offer in terms of adventure, wait till you reach Umling La Pass. Driving on the Umling La Pass, as well as the journey to the Umling La Pass, is an unforgettable experience. this is the Highest Motorable Mountain Pass in ladakh.
The landscape surrounding the Umling La Pass is completely desolate, with no sign of humanity. You can feel the wind smacking your face from both directions as you travel through the pass. The views on the way to and from the Umling La Pass will keep you on your toes at all times. Of course, deciding to travel via this pass is no easy task. For the pass is as dangerous as it is beautiful. You will feel an unbelievable adrenaline rush while your heart beats rapidly. If you can conquer all of your fears, you will have the experience of a lifetime.
Time to visit : Mid-june to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
9. Shinku la
Elevation : 16,580 ft
This is the first pass that comes across your journey towards the Zanskar Valley.
The route starts from the Dracha. First road on this route was built by A retired government employee from Zanskar and was a crude road from Ramjak in Lahaul to Kargyakh in Zanskar via the Shingo La with his own cash and the assistance of local locals. He attempted to persuade the government to create the road, but when he failed, he opted to build it himself. LaterThe Border Roads Organisation took charge and black-topped the road. The pass usually remains buried under snow in the winter months of October to April, and remains prone to avalanches.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
10. Penzi la
Elevation : 14,000 ft
If you visit Zanskar valley then you must know the Pensi la pass. Situated in the Zanskar region of ladakh. This pass connects the Suru valley to Zanskar valley and acts as the gateway to the Zanskar valley.
From Pensi la pass you can see the Famous Drang Drung glacier. The Doda river flows in the Padum valley starting from this glacier.
The road is open only for three months because of the heavy snow.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
11. Fatu la Top
Elevation :13,479 ft
One can cross Fatula pass while traveling on the Srinagar- Leh highway or vice versa.
It is one of the two highest mountains between Leh and Srinagar.The other one is Namika la at the elevation of It is closest to Lamayuru. The Prasar Bharti serving relay station that is serving Lamayuru located on this Pass.
The Height of Fotu La pass is higher than Zozila but it is less dangerous than Zojila Pass.
Time to visit : Mid-May to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
12. Zojila Pass
Elevation : 11,649 ft
The pass is a vital link between Srinagar And Ladakh. It is also a gateway to the Dras region and Suru valley. The pass is strategically important for India, It was captured by the Gilit rebels in 1948 to take control over the Ladakh region. But it was recaptured by Indian forces. First time in the history of world Indian forces used tanks on such a height.
Sonmarg is just 15 km away from zero point. Which is a famous tourist spot. Time to visit : Mid- June to Mid-October is the ideal time to come.
