Known As The Land Of High Passes - These Are The 10 Best Passes To Check Out In Ladakh

Apart from its pristine beauty, Ladakh is known for its passes being known as the ‘Land of High Passes’ housing some of the highest motorable roads! They’re the reason why so many tourists from all over the globe come to Ladakh for road trips. Conquering these passes adds to the adventure of travelling so far; plus the beauty you get to see is an added bonus! We’ve compiled a list of the best passes of Ladakh that warrant a visit!

1. Baralacha Pass 

Situated at 4,890 m along the Leh-Manali Highway, this pass is covered with snow and is an absolute sight for the eyes! The scenic beauty just makes you stop and admire it. This is high mountain pass in the Zanskar Range and gives way to Lahaul district of Himachal and to Ladakh where it joins. Since the pass is mostly covered with snow, even during summers, it is advisable to cross it before noon. As the snow melts during the summers, the best time to traverse this pass is during April to October. 

2. Khardung La 

Known as the “Highest Motorable Road”, the famous Khardung La lies north about 39 kms from Leh and is the way to Shyok and Nubra valleys. Just the idea of being able to conquer this road seems to give people thrill and a rush! Also known as the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, from the top you get a picturesque view of the valley. A road trip to Ladakh is incomplete without it. The best time to visit is between May to October. 

3. Chang La 

At a height of 5,360 m, Chang La is claimed to be the second highest motorable road after Khardung La, and is named after Sadhu Changla Baba. There is a temple here that was made to commemorate him. The pass is the main gateway for the Changthang Plateau situated in the Himalayas and you have to cross it to reach Pangong Lake. After you reach the top, you’ll be very proud of yourself and can treat yourself with some garam garam Chai at the Tea Point. The best time to traverse this peak is during May to October. 

4. Zoji La 

Zoji La is located at an altitude of 3,550 m and lies on National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh. It's a significant pass as during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1947, it got detained by the Pakistani soldiers, but was seized back by the Indian army under Operation Bison. It stretches 434 Kms and is only accessible during the summers. The pass offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas with snow clad mountains stretching as far as your eyes can see! The best time to visit it is during May to October.

5. Taglang La 

Located at a height of 5,358m, Taglang is one of the highest passes and is positioned as a neighbour to the Leh-Manali highway. It's also home to the Changpa headsman, so you might spot them herding their flocks. You can enjoy the mind blowing views as you drive on the roads of the pass. It's recommended to traverse this with an experienced driver who knows the place well as some of the bends are dangerous. You can also visit the temple on the pass. The best time to visit the pass is during May to October.

6. Fotu La

Fotu La is the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh highway at an altitude of 4,108 m above the sea level. It leads to the Zoji La pass and is one of the two high mountain passes between Leh and Kargil, besides Namikala. The view you whilst travelling this pass, like the other mentioned passes, is absolutely breathtaking with snow clad mountains and Tibetan prayer flags flying in the air! As you move east, the highway descends a little and you can go down to Lamayuru. The best time to visit is June to October.

7. Namika La

One of the most important and the last pass before one enters the Kargil region, it's also known as the ‘Pillar of the Sky’ pass and is at a height of 3,699 m situated on the way to Mulbek Valley. You might find rock carvings of Maitreya Buddha here. The land is pretty much barren with a few snow clad peaks that are worth your while! The best time to visit is during the months of May to October, as usually in the winters it is difficult to get through because of the snowfall.

8. Pensi La

The Pensi La is the gateway to the Zanskar region. It connects the Suru Valley to Zanskar and is elevated at a height of 4,400 m. You can see the Suru River and the Drang Drung Glacier from the pass. The pristine beauty that you experience here with snow clad mountains, green vistas will leave you in awe. The lush meadow at the foot of the Pensi La is also used a camping spot. The Rangdum Gompa is about 25 Kms from the pass, so you can visit that as well. The pass remains open only for 5 months, between May and October.

9. Karakoram Pass

Situated in the Karakoram Mountain range, this hill pass lies in the middle of India and China. It is elevated at a height of 5,540 m and is the tallest path on the old caravan path between Leh and Yarkand which is in Tarim Valley. It's in the middle of two mountains and the width of the pass is approximately 14 ft. The place is very barren, there is no vegetation or snow to be found here as well because of the chilly wind which moves at a terrific speed. Overall, it's one of the lesser visited passes. 

10. Marsimik La 

This pass is about 20 kms from the beautiful Pangong Lake. It's one of the world’s highest mountain passes standing at an altitude of 5,582 m. This is one of the most barren and rockiest passes in Ladakh. The roads are full of sharp rocks so you have to keep your vehicle as slow as possible. Just 10 Kms beyond the pass, you can see the six-lane highway built by China all the way up to the border. This pass requires the Inner Line Permit which you can get from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh. You’ll be thrilled once you reach the top! The best time to visit is during May to September. 

So plan those road trips and take in all the glorious views!