Umling La Pass

Umling La Pass

Umling La Pass is officially the highest motorable road in the world, situated at a staggering altitude of 19,024 feet (5,798 meters) above sea level. Located near the village of Hanle in the Changthang region of Ladakh, Umling La connects the towns of Chisumle and Demchok, close to the Indo-China border. Built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Project Himank, this engineering marvel surpasses even Khardung La and Mana Pass in elevation. Riding or driving to Umling La is an adventure of a lifetime, offering a surreal experience amid Ladakh's raw, unspoiled beauty.

Best Time to Visit Umling La Pass

The best time to visit Umling La is from June to September, when the weather is relatively mild and the roads are open to travellers.

  • June – July: The safest months for road travel with moderate temperatures and clear skies.

  • August – September: Excellent time for adventure seekers and bikers, with the landscape at its most colourful.

  • Winter (October – May): The pass remains closed due to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and dangerous road conditions.

Note: Travellers need special inner line permits (ILP) from Leh to visit Umling La, which is a sensitive border zone.

Why Visit Umling La Pass

  • World’s Highest Motorable Road: Experience the thrill of conquering the highest drivable pass on Earth.

  • Ultimate Adventure Ride: A bucket-list destination for bikers and overland travellers from all over the world.

  • Breathtaking Views: Witness vast high-altitude deserts, colourful mountains, and clear blue skies unlike anywhere else.

  • Pride of India: Umling La symbolises India’s engineering brilliance and the resilience of the BRO.

  • Offbeat & Remote: The sense of isolation and silence enhances the mystical charm of Ladakh’s wild terrain.

Things to Do at Umling La Pass

  1. Adventure Drive/Ride: Ride your motorcycle or drive your 4x4 through one of the most challenging and scenic routes in India.

  2. Photography: Capture the dramatic high-altitude landscapes, prayer flags fluttering against the barren mountains, and the iconic Umling La milestone.

  3. Enjoy the Serenity: Experience the pure, thin air and complete stillness, an unforgettable spiritual calm.

  4. Visit BRO Milestone: A proud photo stop showcasing the elevation and significance of the pass.

  5. Acclimatisation Stop at Hanle: Stay a night or two to adjust to the high altitude before heading up.

Travel Tip: Due to the extreme altitude, visitors must acclimatise properly in Leh and Hanle before attempting Umling La to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Places to Visit Near Umling La Pass

  1. Hanle (60 km): Famous for the Indian Astronomical Observatory and mesmerising stargazing experience.

  2. Chisumle Village (40 km): The starting point of the Umling La route, surrounded by scenic valleys.

  3. Demchok Village (15 km): A border village offering stunning views and a rich cultural heritage.

  4. Tso Moriri Lake (170 km): A pristine blue lake surrounded by mountains and home to migratory birds.

  5. Nyoma (90 km): A small, peaceful town en route to Hanle, known for its monastery.

  6. Loma Bridge (65 km): A beautiful viewpoint over the Indus River, and a key checkpoint before entering the Hanle–Umling region.

  7. Puga Valley (150 km): Known for its geothermal springs and colourful terrain.