Khardung La serves as the gateway to some of Ladakh’s most captivating and lesser-explored landscapes. A favourite among adventure enthusiasts and casual travellers alike, this legendary mountain pass is an unmissable highlight in any Leh Ladakh itinerary.
Located in the Leh district of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Khardung La towers at an impressive altitude of 5,359 meters, earning its reputation as one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Historically, it played a vital role as part of the ancient caravan route connecting Leh with Kashgar in Central Asia.
During World War II, this route was even considered for transporting war supplies to China. Built in 1976 and opened to public vehicles in 1988, Khardung La is now maintained by the Border Roads Organisation. Beyond its appeal to travellers, it holds immense strategic value as a vital supply route to the Siachen Glacier.
Renowned as one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Khardung La stands at an altitude of 5,359 meters above sea level.
For bikers on a Ladakh road trip, riding through Khardung La on the way to Nubra Valley is an unforgettable bucket-list experience.
The route passes by tiny, sparsely populated villages, offering glimpses of Ladakh’s remote and rugged lifestyle.
Once part of the legendary Silk Route, the pass holds immense historical significance.
Road conditions change with the seasons. In winter, heavy snowfall and landslides often lead to closures, while the best window for travel is from May to August, when the weather is comparatively straightforward.
Situated about 39.7 km from Leh, Khardung La is easily accessible by road. The closest airport is in Leh.
For adventure enthusiasts, riding a bike to Khardung La is one of the most exhilarating parts of a Ladakh trip. The route offers rugged mountain terrain and sweeping views of the Himalayas. The bike ride from Leh to the pass usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while a car journey takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes.
If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can opt for the daily bus service from Leh to Nubra Valley, which conveniently passes through Khardung La.
The ideal months to explore Khardung La are March to May and September to October, when the weather is relatively pleasant, and the pass remains open for travel.
March–May (Summer): Days are sunny with temperatures averaging around 21°C, while nights turn noticeably cooler, often dropping to 7°C or lower. This is one of the most comfortable seasons for a visit.
June–August (Monsoon): The pass usually becomes inaccessible during this period due to heavy and continuous rainfall, making travel risky.
January–February (Winter): Extreme winter conditions bring heavy snowfall, blocking access to the pass. Temperatures can plunge to a bone-chilling 30°C, making it unsuitable for tourists.
Distance from Leh: Approximately 39 km.
The first 25 km up to the South Pullu Checkpoint are generally smooth, with only a few uneven patches.
From South Pullu to the summit, the road becomes challenging with slush from melting snow, loose rocks, and occasional landslides.
On the descent towards Nubra Valley, expect rough conditions until North Pullu Post. Beyond that point, the road improves significantly.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Mandatory for all Indian citizens outside Jammu & Kashmir to travel to this protected region.
Foreign Nationals: Must secure a Ladakh Protected Area Permit before visiting.
Validity: ILP is valid for 3 weeks for Indians and 1 year for foreigners.
Cost: ₹20 per day as entry fee, with a total permit cost of around ₹500.
Altitude Precautions: Khardung La has very low oxygen and air pressure. Avoid running or heavy physical exertion to prevent altitude sickness.
Time Limit: Limit your stay at the pass to 15–20 minutes to reduce health risks.
Acclimatisation: Spend 3–4 days in Leh or a similar altitude location before visiting.
If Unwell: If altitude sickness symptoms persist during your ascent, descend immediately.
Vehicle Prep: Ensure your vehicle is in top condition before the climb.
Biking Tip: For those on a Manali–Leh bike trip, Khardung La is a dream detour but requires preparation for steep inclines, unpredictable weather, and carrying basic high-altitude medical supplies.
A backpack to protect your belongings from sudden weather changes.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at high altitude.
Pain relievers for headaches or minor aches.
A well-stocked first aid kit with basic medical supplies.
Durable, sturdy shoes suitable for rugged terrain.
Fully charged batteries for cameras, phones, and other devices.
Large fuel containers to ensure your vehicle doesn’t run out, as fuel stations are scarce.
Sunglasses and sunscreen lotion to protect against intense UV rays.
Diamox medication to help prevent or alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.
Light and easy-to-digest food packs; eat small meals frequently.
Snacks like chewing gum, energy bars, and chocolates provide quick energy boosts.
Portable oxygen cylinders are used as a precaution for altitude-related issues.
Extra warm woollen clothes and raincoats to stay comfortable in unpredictable weather.
Mobile Connectivity:
In this area, only postpaid mobile connections work reliably. BSNL and MTNL offer the best network coverage, followed by Airtel. These are the preferred service providers for consistent connectivity here.
Medical Facilities:
There are no medical centres or clinics directly at the pass. In case of any health emergencies, travellers must go to the nearest town, typically Leh, where the SNM Hospital is located. It’s strongly recommended to carry a well-stocked medical kit, including medicines like Diamox, Disprin, Dexamethasone, or Aspirin to help manage altitude sickness.
ATMs:
There are no ATMs available near Khardung La Pass. The closest ATMs can be found in Leh. On the Manali-Leh highway, the last ATM before reaching Leh is located in Manali. Recently, a State Bank of India ATM, known as the “World’s Highest ATM,” has been installed en route to Nubra Valley.
Petrol Pumps:
Leh has a functioning petrol station for refuelling. Within Nubra Valley, there is a hand-operated petrol pump in Diskit, the only petrol filling point in that area.
Traveller's Tips for Visiting Khardung La Pass
If you’re not confident driving yourself, consider hiring an experienced professional driver familiar with the challenging terrain.
Always carry medication to prevent and treat altitude sickness.
If symptoms of altitude sickness persist despite medication, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
There are no accommodations near Khardung La Pass itself; visitors should bring tents or plan to stay in nearby towns.
A valid travel permit is compulsory for entry; obtain it through registered travel agencies or the tourism department beforehand.
Have your vehicle thoroughly serviced before the trip, as road conditions worsen closer to the pass, requiring reliable transportation.
For bikers, wearing a mask is advised to protect against dust and vehicle exhaust, as many trucks emit smoke and tar on these roads.
If you’re booking a honeymoon trip to Ladakh, ensure your itinerary allows time for acclimatisation in Leh and includes a knowledgeable local guide, especially for visiting Khardung La, to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
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