Ladakh is home to some of the most beautiful and majestic mountains in the world. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the stunning landscapes of the Karakoram range, Ladakh has it all. And what better way to experience these natural wonders than by trekking through one of Ladakh’s many mountain passes? There are numerous mountain passes in Ladakh, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges.
Whether you’re looking for an easy hike with breathtaking views or a more challenging trek that will take you to new heights, there’s a perfect mountain pass waiting for you in Ladakh.
Though there are a number of mountain passes in Ladakh, we have compiled this list of the top 10 passes to visit. These mountain passes are located in picturesque landscapes and provide spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Khardungla is the highest motorable mountain pass in the world, located in Ladakh, India. The pass is situated at an altitude of 18,380 feet (5,602 m) on the Leh-Manali Highway. It takes around 3 hours to reach the top of the pass from Leh.
The views from Khardungla are truly breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers all around. There are also many tourist attractions in the area, such as the Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake. If you're looking for an adventure in Ladakh, Khardungla is a great place to start!
After Nubra Valley, the next stop on our road trip was the Chang-la pass. Situated at an altitude of 5,360 m (17,580 ft), it is the second-highest motorable pass in the world. The name Chang-la literally means 'long pass' in Tibetan and it takes its name from the nearby village of Chang-thang.
The drive up to the pass was quite treacherous with lots of hairpin bends. But the views from the top were simply breathtaking! We could see snow-capped mountains all around us and the vast expanse of the Changthang Plateau.
After spending some time at the top, we started our descent and reached Leh by evening.
Tangtse is the third pass on our list of the top mountain passes in Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 5,065 meters (16,627 feet), it is located between Leh and Pangong Lake. The views from the pass are simply breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains and pristine blue waters as far as the eye can see.
The road to Tangtse is quite challenging, with narrow hairpin bends and steep drop-offs. However, the scenery more than makes up for the tough journey. If you're planning on visiting Ladakh, make sure to add Tangtse to your itinerary!
The Zoji La is a high mountain pass in the Indian Himalayas. It is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state, between the Leh and Kargil districts. The pass provides the only road link between Leh and Kargil. It is also a popular trekking route.
The Zoji La is situated at an altitude of 11,575 feet (3,529 m) above mean sea level. The pass lies on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH 1D), which is the main highway connecting Leh with the rest of India. The highway crosses several high mountain passes, of which Zoji La is the second highest.
The pass remains closed from mid-November to early April due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. During this period, only essential supplies are allowed to be transported through the pass.
Fotu La is one of the highest mountain passes in Ladakh, and it's a popular spot for tourists. The pass is located at an altitude of 4,400 meters, and it offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Fotu La is a great place to take photos, and it's also a popular spot for trekkers. There are many trekking routes that start from Fotu La, and you can also find some accommodation options near the pass.
Taglang La is the second-highest motorable pass in the world and is located in the Leh district of Ladakh. The pass is situated on the Manali-Leh highway and is at an altitude of 5360 meters. It offers stunning views of the Suru valley, the Zanskar range, and the Tibetan Plateau. The pass is usually open from June to October and is a popular tourist destination.
Rohtang La, situated at an altitude of 3,978 m, is one of the most popular mountain passes in Ladakh. It is also one of the most treacherous, as the road is often covered in snow and ice. The pass connects Leh with Manali and is therefore a popular tourist destination. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers before undertaking the journey.
The Karakoram La is one of the most popular mountain passes in Ladakh. It is located at an altitude of 4,934 meters and connects the Nubra Valley with the Shyok Valley. The pass is open from June to October and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Pensi La is one of the most popular mountain passes in Ladakh. It is located at an altitude of 4,400 meters (14,400 ft) and provides stunning views of the Himalayas. The pass is also known for its challenging biking trails.
The Umling La pass is located in the Ladakh region of India. It is situated at an altitude of 4,587 m (15,037 ft) and is the 10th highest mountain pass in India. The pass connects the Leh district with the Nubra Valley.
The Umling La pass is one of the most scenic passes in Ladakh. It offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and valleys. The pass is also a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers.
