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Mountain Passes in Ladakh

Located on the NH 3 Leh Manali Highway, Lungalacha La Pass is famous as one of the easy-to-climb mountain passes in Ladakh. At a height of 16,600 feet, this pass in the Zanskar range separates the valleys of Tsarap Chu and Tozay. The pass offers a spectacular view of the rugged terrain and the secluded villages. You can marvel at the gorgeous landscape surrounding the pass that is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. It is one of the popular passes for trekkers and bikers. If you are not properly acclimatised, you may face high altitude sickness due to the height of this pass. The pass remains accessible between late May to mid-October. 

Altitude: 5,059 metres (16,600 feet)

At a height of 17,480 feet, Taglang La Pass invites you for an exhilarating biking or hiking experience. It is located on the way from Debring to Gya and promises awe-inspiring views of the rocky Ladakh mountains crisscrossed by sparkling streams of River Indus. You can indulge in photography and soak in some serene moments at this place, while the fresh mountain air brushes your cheeks.

At the pass, you can pay your get a glimpse of local culture in nearby villages like Sarchu and Upshi. Make sure you capture the panoramic views of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. It is traversed by the Manali Leh Highway and remains open between April to June. 

Altitude: 5,328 metres (17,480 feet)

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Zoji La is a high altitude pass in Kashmir that leads up to Ladakh via Srinagar. The pass connects Kashmir and Ladakh and is, therefore, an important stopover destination if you are heading to Ladakh. The pass is beautiful in its majesty- the cool winds that are always blowing here add to the zest of the mighty mountain view that confronts the eye when you step out onto the pass. 

There is always a hint of army presence when you are on this pass because of its history as a strategic location. 

The pass was captured by Pakistan during the 1947 war and since then has been a sensitive zone in Indian militaristic defence. The pass is a wonderful place to stop at for an hour or two when on the way to Ladakh. Its close proximity to Sonamarg adds to the popularity of the pass, and you can easily combine a visit to both places in one trip if you feel so inclined.   

Also known as the “Gateway to Zanskar”, Pensi La is one of the important mountain passes in Ladakh.  This mountain pass connects the Suru valley to the Zanskar valley and also acts as a watershed destination for the Suru River. This pass is essentially the beginning of Ladakh on the Srinagar route, and you can perceptibly see the landscape change hereon. 

The Pensi La pass features glorious views owing to its high altitude and spending some time here taking in all the natural beauty ensconced by silence is a wonderful experience. The pass is situated close to Kargil and you can combine visits to the two together. 

A lovely glacial lake and the Drang Drung Glacier also lie at close range to the Pensi La. If you wish to explore the region in greater depth, you can also visit the Rangdum Monastery which lies approximately 25 kilometers away from this pass.

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Altitude: 4,400 metres (14,436 feet)

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One of the most prominent mountain passes in Ladakh, Namika La is a thing of joy. Also known as the “Pillar of the Sky Pass”, it offers breathtaking views of the neighbouring peaks. The pass falls en route to the Mulbek valley and is a popular tourist stopping point on the way to Ladakh. There is a lot of scope for sightseeing in and around the pass.

There are the ancient rock carvings of Maitreya Buddha to be seen as well as a Buddhist Gompa. The pass connects Leh and Kargil and is one of the highest passes in the region. Stopping at this pass is a great way to signal your entrance into Leh Ladakh.

Altitude: 3,700 metres (12,139 feet)

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The highest pass on the Srinagar- Leh highway, the Fotu la is a magnificent place to visit during your trip bike to Ladakh and should be on the travel itineraries of all tourists. It is a beautiful pass and offers fantastic views of the mountainous neighborhood. Driving on the Fotu la pass is an experience of a lifetime- the wide open roads with little to no traffic and the mountains looking on making the drive an adventure in itself. 

Wild and chilly winds blow here all through the summer months and make the place a memorable one. Ladakh is a beautiful region and Fotu La embodies this beauty in a very majestic fashion. The tryst with nature that Fotu la brings you during your Manali Leh Srinagar bike expedition, will stay in your heart for a long time.

Chang La is one of the high mountain passes in Ladakh that fall on the way to Pangong lake. Renowned for being the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world, Chang la is a beautiful pass with beautiful views and driving across it is an experience that you will cherish all life long. 

The roadways are wide and often deserted, cool mountain breezes blow regularly, and its extreme steepness only adds to its adventurous ambiance. It is necessary to traverse this pass if you wish to visit the Pangong Tso lake as well as the Changthang plateau. 

Crossing the pass is a memorable experience not only because of the natural landscape but also because of the yak rides and the army tea stalls in the region. You can stop at the Chang Pass for a couple of hours and enjoy all of the different sights and sounds that it has to offer before driving onwards towards the Pangong lake. Also, you should not miss the camping at Pangong Lake, as it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your Ladakh tour.  

A must visit mountain pass in Ladakh, Marsimik La is famous for being the world’s highest motorable pass. You simply cannot miss the opportunity to drive through it when in Ladakh because this experience will be one of the defining moments of your trip to the region. There are a lot of things to do in and around the Marsimik la pass. Apart from visiting the beautiful glacial Pangong lake, you can also pay a very appealing visit to the hot springs near the pass. 

There is also the opportunity to visit the six-lane highway built by China which extends right up to the India-China border in Ladakh. The high altitude of the pass makes the views from here very special and driving here is a truly memorable experience. However, the condition of the roads of Marsimik la is sketchy at best and this makes driving here a very tricky task. It is best to hire an experienced local driver who knows how to tackle these roads when you decide to pay a visit to the Marsiik La.

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Altitude: 5,582 metres (18,314 feet)

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Undoubtedly, one of the best-known mountains passes in Ladakh, Khardung La is one of the best places to visit in Leh. The magnificent pass is one of the highest passes in the world and offers a glorious range of experiences to its visitors. The ride up to Khardung La itself is made up of exotic sights and sounds and is very memorable. 

If you intend to visit the Shyok and Nubra valleys, you must cross this pass to reach there. Another one of the most prominent and grandiose sites that you will come across when on the way to Khardung la is the Siachen Glacier. 

There are many trekking trails in Ladakh that also cross this pass. Bone-chilling winds are a constant feature of Khardung La and the mighty mountains all around add to the vibrancy of the experience. Drinking a cup of tea as you gaze upon the view is a simple experience but nonetheless a uniquely beautiful one. A trip to Khardung la is a once in a lifetime trip that you should not miss.

A formidable mountain pass in Ladakh, Saser La is a place that must be experienced to be believed. It is an impressive pass and a dangerous one, and crossing it is a thrilling experience that stays on in the memory for long. The pass connects Ladakh to the Yarkand County in China and provides visitors with a breathtaking experience. 

The roads along the pass are very rough and ready and driving across them is not an easy task. The steepness of the pass and the low-oxygen supplies there only add to the challenge. But for those who are able to overcome these obstacles and manage a ride through the pass, the experience is rewarding.

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Altitude: 5,411 metres (17,753 feet)

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Suggested Read: Manali to Leh Road Trip Guide