Khardung La
Ladakhpass Popular

Khardung La

One of the World's Highest Motorable Passes

Best TimeMay to October
Ideal DurationHalf day (from Leh)
Altitude5,359 m
Distance39 km from Leh (2 hrs ascent)
Best TimeMay to October
DurationHalf day (from Leh)
Altitude5,359 m
Distance39 km from Leh (2 hrs ascent)
Things to Do5 activities
Regionladakh · pass

About Khardung La

Khardung La (la = pass in Ladakhi), at 5,359m (17,582 ft) on the Leh-Nubra road, is one of the highest motorable roads on Earth - long claimed to be the highest, though nearby passes now contest that title. The pass marks the gateway from the Indus Valley to the Shyok and Nubra valleys, and was historically on the Silk Route caravan path to Central Asia. The pass is snow-covered most of the year, carpeted in Buddhist prayer flags and crowned by a small cairn, tea stall and army memorial. Reaching the pass from Leh is a 39-km ascent through dramatic scenery; even a brief stop at this altitude is exhilarating (and demands caution due to the thin air).

Photo Gallery

Things To Do

  • Photograph at the 5,359m pass marker
  • Prayer-flag panorama photography
  • Continue to Nubra Valley beyond
  • Mountain biking descent to Leh
  • Snow photography even in summer

How To Reach

Drive from Leh (39 km). Inner Line Permit required. The pass is open 9am-5pm and may close briefly for military convoys.

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