Weather :

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Hills & Valleys

Time Required : 1 to 2 hours

Inner Line Permit : Fees: INR 20 per day
Total Cost: INR 50

Distance Between Leh and Khardung La : 39 kilometres

Altitude : 5359 metres

General Trivia :

  • The pass was once a part of the silk route, hence has got a huge historical importance. 
  • Khardungla is popular as the highest motorable roads in the whole world with an elevation of 5359 meters above sea level. 

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Also Refered As:

Khardzong La

Khardung La Pass, Leh Ladakh Overview

Khardung La, also known as Khardzong La, is a high mountain pass in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, near Leh. It serves as the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley. Khardung La is popular as the highest motorable road in India at an elevation of 5602 metres. However, contrary to the belief, its actual elevation is 5359 metres making Dungri La the highest motorable road pass in India.

Khardung La pass is a perfect getaway for adventure enthusiasts, peace seekers and mountain biking aficionados. An Inner Line Permit is required by the tourists to enter the pass and travel through it. Due to heavy rains and snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from October to May.

Khardung La was built in 1976 and was opened for public in 1988. The pass is very important for India as it is used to carry supplies to Siachen glacier. From the top, you can get picturesque views of the Karakoram range and the Himalayas.

Must Know Before You Visit Khardung La Pass

Tips :

  • The road conditions could be challenging, sometimes it remains closed during winters. So be precautious to check for possible delay due to heavy snowstorm or landslides on the way. 
  • There is limited network connectivity in the region
  • Lack of proper medical facility. So, carry a basic first-aid kit
  • The closest petrol pumps are located in Leh and Nubra Valley
  • Acclimatise for high altitude mountain sickness

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Khardung La Weather & Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Khardung La pass is between April to June and September to October. During summers, you will find the route less dangerous as the roads are dry. The sun shines bright with the temperature lingering at 21 degrees Celsius. However, nights can get cold when the mercury dips down to 7 degrees Celcius. Incessant rains and heavy rainfall from July to August and from November to February make Khardung La pass inaccessible. Often, the pass is even closed down during these months.

How to Reach Khardung La

The nearest town from Khardung La is Leh which is accessible by road from Manali and Srinagar. Also, direct flights operate between Leh and New Delhi. After reaching Leh, you can opt for daily buses that ply between Leh and Nubra valley via Khardung La pass. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi with an experienced driver or self-drive. Cycling or riding a bike is also preferred by tourists. At each checkpoint, photocopies of permits are required to be submitted.

Road Condition

Road condition is good for about 25 km on your way to the Khardung La pass until South Pullu. From South Pullu to Khardung La, you will encounter bad patches and broken roads. For around 14 km, the route condition deteriorates with slush and water streams caused by melting snow.

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