Khardungla Pass

Highest Motorable Road

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Overview

Located on the Ladakh range, about an hour and a half from Leh, this is the highest motorable pass in the world, and serves as a gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley.

Suggested Duration - 2 to 3 hours

What To Expect?

Feast your eyes on the stunning vistas of the snow-clad mountains, admire the fluttering prayer flags and get clicked with the signage of Khardung La.

Tips

The visiting charges are INR 20 per person.
The pass remains closed from July to August and November to February.
April to June and September to October are the best months to plan a visit here.
Carry sufficient food and drinking water.
Make sure you’re fit enough, as the oxygen levels are very low at this height.

Khardungla Pass, Ladakh Overview!

Khardungla Pass, perched at an impressive altitude of 5,359 metres above sea level, is often celebrated as the 'highest motorable pass in the world'. Nestled in the rugged terrains of the Ladakhregion in Jammuand Kashmir, this pass is a gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks, the thrill of the challenging drive, and the sheer sense of achievement make a trip to Khardungla Pass an unforgettable experience.

Highlights of Khardungla Pass	The pass offers breathtaking views of the Karakoram Range and the eastern part of the Indus Valley. The Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind add a vibrant splash of colour to the stark landscape. The pass also has a temple and a cafeteria, where travellers can rest and acclimatise to the high altitude.
Timings	The pass is open from May to October, subject to weather conditions. It's advisable to cross the pass before noon as the weather can get unpredictable in the afternoon.
Entry Fee	Free
Tips	Due to the high altitude, it's essential to acclimatise before the journey to prevent altitude sickness. Carry warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures can drop suddenly. Also, keep a check on the vehicle's condition as the road conditions can be challenging.
Require Time	3-4 hours
Restricted Items	There are no specific restricted items, but littering is strictly prohibited to maintain the pristine environment.

More About Khardungla Pass

The pass was built in 1976 and opened to motor vehicles in 1988. It has been a significant caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia for over 1000 years. Today, it's a strategic point for the Indian army due to its proximity to the Indo-China border.

Sightseeing Around Khardungla Pass

The Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and Bactrian camels, and the picturesque Pangong Tso Lakeare popular attractions near the pass.

Best Time to Visit Khardungla Pass

The best time to visit Ladakhis between May and October when the pass is open and the weather is relatively stable.

Adventure Activities at Khardungla Pass

The challenging terrain makes it a popular spot for adventure activities like mountain biking and off-roading. The pass is also a part of the route for the annual 'Himalayan Rally', the highest motor rally in the world.

Khardungla Pass Nightlife

Given its high altitude and remote location, Khardungla Pass doesn't offer conventional nightlife. However, camping under the star-studded sky can be a unique experience.

Restaurants in Khardungla Pass

There's a cafeteria at the pass that serves basic food and hot beverages. For more options, one needs to head back to Leh.

Nearby Tourist Spots in Khardungla Pass

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a treasure trove of attractions. The Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the Thiksey Monasteryare must-visit spots. The Magnetic Hill, where vehicles seem to move uphill due to an optical illusion, is another fascinating place near the pass.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Khardungla Pass

How to explore a place by yourself?

"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -

Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant

Learn The Public Transportation Routes

Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory

Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park

Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour

Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden

Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market

How to choose a destination to travel to?

Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :

Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities

Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them

Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there

How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :

Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.

Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling

Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities

Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved

When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice

Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination

Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates

Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy

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