Passes in Ladakh 2026: Complete Guide for Travellers
- BHASKAR RANA
- Mar 5
- 17 min read
Updated: Mar 21
The passes in Ladakh shape every road trip through this high desert. In local speech, the word “La” means a mountain pass, a point where the road climbs over a ridge before dropping into the next valley.
That simple word explains a lot about Ladakh. Nearly every route climbs one of the many mountain passes in Ladakh, whether you ride a bike, drive a car, or walk a long trail.
Most travellers cross several of these passes on the Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh highways. The road keeps rising, bending, and opening to wide valleys. Our guide walks you through the major passes one by one. You will see their height, routes, permits, best travel months, and the key road updates expected for 2026.
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Why Ladakh is Known as the Land of High Passes
Ladakh earns the name because the region holds many passes in Ladakh, each marked by the word “La.” In Ladakhi and Tibetan speech, “La” simply means a mountain pass. You hear locals say Khardung La or Chang La as if it is everyday talk. And it is. These passes shape how people move, trade, and live in this high cold desert.
Long before bikes and SUVs rolled up these roads, traders crossed these same passes with caravans. The routes linked Kashmir with Tibet and parts of Central Asia. Salt, wool, and silk moved through these heights on yak and horse caravans. Imagine the grit it took to cross such cold wind and thin air with goods on your back.
Those old paths now guide the roads we drive today. These passes link valleys and small villages that would feel cut off without them. Many of the best places to visit in Ladakh, from Nubra to Pangong, are only reachable by crossing one of these high roads.
We feel this link when we drive from Leh to Nubra or Pangong. The road climbs, prayer flags flap in the wind, and the air feels thin yet alive. That is the Ladakh pass experience travellers come chasing.
Map and Major Routes of Mountain Passes in Ladakh
Most mountain passes in Ladakh sit along four main road circuits that link valleys, lakes, and remote border towns. These routes shape how almost every Ladakh trip unfolds. Once you see the map clearly, planning the journey becomes far easier. Each road climbs over a few passes before dropping into another valley.
Road travel in Ladakh rarely moves in a straight line across a flat valley. The road keeps rising toward a ridge, then slips down into the next basin. That simple rhythm explains why passes appear again and again during the journey. And once you notice this pattern, the whole landscape starts to make sense.
Srinagar-Leh Highway
This is the classic entry road from Kashmir into Ladakh. The highway climbs Zoji La after Sonamarg, then rolls across high desert ridges. Later you cross Namika La and Fotu La before reaching Lamayuru and the Indus valley.
Manali-Leh Highway
The road from Himachal is wilder and far higher. After crossing Lahaul you climb Baralacha La, then the road snakes through stark plains toward Lachulung La and Nakee La. The final climb is Tanglang La, which opens the gateway to Leh.
Leh-Nubra-Pangong Circuit
This is the route most first time visitors take. The road climbs Khardung La to reach Nubra Valley, then travellers loop back toward Pangong Lake. On that leg you cross Chang La, another high pass guarded by army posts.
Changthang Circuit: Leh-Hanle-Umling La-Tso Moriri
Few travellers go this far east, yet the drive feels unreal. The route crosses Umling La, the highest motorable road on Earth. Special permits are needed because the road runs close to the border.
Most Ladakh itineraries mix two or three of these circuits in one journey. A standard ten day trip easily crosses eight to twelve passes. You climb one ridge, drop into another valley, and then the road points up again. That rhythm becomes the real story of travelling through Ladakh.
List of Major Passes in Ladakh Travellers Cross
Most travellers cross several Ladakh passes during a road trip through the region. Each pass sits high in the mountains and links one valley to the next, so your journey naturally climbs and drops across them. Some lie on the busy Srinagar and Manali highways, while others sit on quiet routes that only seasoned riders chase.
Khardung La: The famous gateway from Leh to Nubra Valley.
Chang La: A high pass on the road to Pangong Lake.
Tanglang La: One of the tallest points on the Manali–Leh highway.
Baralacha La: Where three mountain ranges meet near Suraj Tal.
Fotu La: The highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway.
Namika La: A windy stretch locals call the pillar of the sky.
Zoji La: The dramatic entry pass from Kashmir into Ladakh.
Umling La: Among the highest motor roads you can drive today.
Lachulung La: A stark pass between Pang and Sarchu.
Nakee La: A quiet climb on the Manali highway route.
Pensi La: The pass that opens the road into Zanskar Valley.
Wari La: A remote link between Nubra and the Pangong side.
Marsimik La: A tough climb near Pangong Lake often attempted by serious riders.
Highest Motorable Passes in Ladakh
The highest motorable roads in India sit among the mountain passes in Ladakh, where thin air, rough land, and long roads meet. Riders and drivers chase these heights each year, yet the record story often causes confusion.
Old signboards, fresh surveys, and new roads change the numbers. So before you chase the highest road, it helps to know what is fact and what is travel folklore.
Many of the world’s highest roads run across Ladakh’s cold desert. Long highways climb past 5,000 metres with no trees and very little air. When we drive these roads, even a short walk feels tough. Your head feels light, your breath grows slow, and the land looks raw and vast.
For years, travellers believed Khardung La held the world record. A yellow signboard near the top once claimed 18,380 feet, and people proudly posed beside it. But later GPS surveys placed the pass closer to 17,582 feet.
The real record now belongs to Umling La, which sits at 5,798 metres or 19,024 feet and opened in 2017 after the Border Roads Organisation built the road.
Still, altitude numbers shift slightly depending on the source. Some maps rely on old surveys, while others use newer satellite data. Even signboards in the mountains sometimes round the figures. So treat those numbers as a rough guide, not a strict rule.
Altitude Comparison of Major High Passes
Pass | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Route |
Umling La | 5,798 m | 19,024 ft | Hanle – Demchok Road |
Khardung La | 5,359 m | 17,582 ft | Leh – Nubra Valley |
Chang La | 5,360 m | 17,585 ft | Leh – Pangong Lake |
Tanglang La | 5,328 m | 17,480 ft | Leh – Manali Highway |
Baralacha La | 4,890 m | 16,040 ft | Manali – Leh Highway |
Detailed Guide to the Most Famous Passes in Ladakh
The most famous passes in Ladakh shape almost every road trip across this cold desert. Each one feels different once you climb into thin air and see the land open wide. Some lie on busy highways while others hide in quiet corners near the border. Knowing what each pass offers helps you plan your route with far less guesswork.
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La stands among the most visited Ladakh passes, mostly because it opens the road from Leh into Nubra Valley. The climb begins soon after leaving Leh and the air grows thin within an hour. You reach the top at a wind swept ridge where prayer flags whip in the cold breeze and bikers gather for photos.
The road used to be rough for long stretches, but the Border Roads Organisation now keeps most sections in decent shape. Snow still lingers near the summit during early summer, and that gives the place a raw feel. We remember sipping hot tea from a tiny army stall while clouds rolled over the ridge.
Crossing Khardung La is rarely about speed. You drive slow, breathe slow, and take short breaks if the altitude hits hard. The reward waits on the other side where Nubra Valley opens into sand dunes and green villages.
Altitude: 5,359 m (17,582 ft)
Best time: May to September
Permit needed: Inner Line Permit for Nubra Valley
Road condition: Mostly paved with rough patches near the summit
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby: Nubra Valley, Siachen Glacier viewpoint, Diskit Monastery
Beyond biking over the pass, Nubra Valley opens up several adventure activities in Ladakh including quad biking on sand dunes and camel rides.
Chang La Pass
Chang La sits on the road between Leh and Pangong Lake, and almost everyone heading to Pangong crosses it. The climb feels steady at first, but the final stretch rises sharply through loose rock and snow walls. That is where you feel the height.
The summit area stays busy with travellers stopping for tea at the small army canteen. Oxygen feels thin here, so most people stay only a few minutes. We often joke that the tea tastes better simply because you earned it.
Once you descend from Chang La, the land slowly flattens into the wide Changthang Plateau. This stretch leads you closer to Pangong Lake, and the landscape changes from brown ridges to vast open plains.
Altitude: 5,360 m (17,586 ft)
Road condition: Narrow sections with occasional broken patches
Best time: May to October
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Permit: Inner Line Permit required for Pangong region
Nearby: Pangong Lake (54 km), Changthang Plateau
Tanglang La Pass
Tanglang La rises along the Manali Leh Highway and often surprises travellers with its quiet summit. Trucks rumble through this route every day, yet the pass still feels lonely at times. The climb from Pang side passes wide desert flats known as More Plains.
The road climbs steadily after the plains and then twists up to the top. Cold wind sweeps across the ridge and the sky feels unusually close. Standing there gives you a clear sense of how vast the Himalaya truly is.
Many riders stop here during long journeys between Manali and Leh. It breaks the route nicely before descending back into wide valleys.
Altitude: 5,328 m (17,480 ft)
Route: Manali Leh Highway
Travel experience: Long gradual climb followed by sharp high altitude summit
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: No permit required
Nearby: Pang Camp, More Plains
Baralacha La Pass
Baralacha La feels different from most passes because it stands where three mountain ranges meet. The road climbs steadily from Jispa and reaches a frozen world near the top. Snow walls often stand high on both sides during early summer.
One highlight nearby is Suraj Tal Lake. Its deep blue water sits quietly below the pass and looks stunning on a clear morning. Many travellers stop here before continuing towards Sarchu.
This pass also acts as a gateway to several trekking trails and remote valleys. The air feels colder here than many other passes along the highway.
Altitude: 4,890 m (16,043 ft)
Route: Manali Leh Highway
Best season: June to September
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby: Suraj Tal Lake, Chandra Tal access route
Note: Meeting point of Zanskar, Pir Panjal, and Great Himalayan ranges
Zoji La Pass
Zoji La guards the western gateway to Ladakh and connects Kashmir with the high plateau beyond. The climb begins after Sonamarg where the road cuts across steep mountain faces. Drivers must stay alert here because sections remain narrow and exposed.
The pass gained a reputation for difficult driving due to mud, fog, and sharp bends. Yet it also marks the dramatic moment when green Kashmir slowly fades into Ladakh’s dry mountains. That shift in scenery always feels striking.
Travel is improving slowly. The Z Morh tunnel now shortens the route near Sonamarg, and a larger Zoji La tunnel is under construction for the coming years.
Altitude: 3,528 m (11,575 ft)
Route: Srinagar Leh Highway
Road conditions: Narrow and muddy during snowmelt
Difficulty: Difficult
2026 update: Z Morh tunnel operational; larger Zoji La tunnel expected around 2028
Nearby: Sonamarg, Dras
Fotu La Pass
Fotu La marks the highest point along the Srinagar Leh Highway. The road climbs gently and the summit appears suddenly between brown mountain ridges. A small signboard marks the spot where travellers often pause for a photo.
From here the highway descends towards Lamayuru, one of Ladakh’s oldest monastery towns. The landscape begins to look almost lunar with strange rock formations.
This pass feels easier than most others because the road stays wide and smooth.
Altitude: 4,108 m (13,478 ft)
Nearby attractions: Lamayuru Monastery, Mulbek Gompa
Difficulty: Easy
Best time: May to October
Note: Highest point on Srinagar Leh Highway
Namika La Pass
Namika La lies not far from Fotu La and travellers usually cross both passes on the same day. The road winds through dry hills before reaching a quiet saddle between cliffs. Locals sometimes call it the Pillar of the Sky pass.
The climb feels gentle compared to higher passes deeper in Ladakh. But the surrounding rock faces give the place a dramatic look.
The route nearby also leads to old Buddhist carvings that date back many centuries.
Altitude: 3,700 m (12,139 ft)
Route: Srinagar Leh Highway
Difficulty: Easy
Nearby: Mulbek rock carvings of Maitreya Buddha, Buddhist gompa
Lachulung La Pass
Lachulung La forms part of the famous five passes stretch on the Manali Leh Highway. Drivers cross it between the camps at Sarchu and Pang. The climb moves through barren ridges that look almost like another planet.
Most travellers cross it quickly during long highway journeys. Still, the high altitude reminds you to drive slow and stay hydrated. The pass works mainly as a quiet midpoint before the road reaches the vast More Plains.
Altitude: 5,059 m (16,598 ft)
Route: Between Sarchu and Pang
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Part of the Manali Leh five passes stretch
Umling La Pass
Umling La now ranks among the highest motorable roads in the world. The journey begins
from Leh and runs through the remote Hanle region before reaching the summit. The road climbs across a silent plateau where very few travellers appear.
Altitude here feels intense even for seasoned drivers. Facilities remain limited, and fuel or medical help sits many hours away. We advise travellers to acclimatise well before attempting the climb.
The pass lies near the Indo China border, so permits remain essential.
Altitude: 5,798 m (19,024 ft)
Permit: Protected Area Permit required
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Route: Leh → Hanle → Umling La via Chisumle Demchok road
Best time: June to September
Note: Built by BRO in 2017; extremely remote region
Pensi La Pass
Pensi La opens the gateway between Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley. The road climbs through green fields before reaching a snowy ridge near the summit. Views of the Drang Drung Glacier appear just beyond the pass.
This glacier stretches like a frozen river through the mountains and often surprises travellers with its size. The nearby Rangdum Monastery also offers a quiet stop before entering deeper Zanskar.
The pass feels remote but not overly difficult for careful drivers.
Altitude: 4,400 m (14,436 ft)
Route: Suru Valley to Zanskar
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby: Drang Drung Glacier, Rangdum Monastery
Note: Gateway to Zanskar Valley
Wari La Pass
Wari La offers a direct route between Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake without returning to Leh. Few travellers take this road, which makes the journey feel quiet and adventurous. The climb moves through rugged hills with long empty stretches.
The road surface remains rough in many parts, so drivers must stay patient. But the reward comes in the form of wide open views and very little traffic.
Travellers attempting the Nubra Pangong circuit often prefer this route for its raw mountain feel.
Altitude: 5,250 m (17,224 ft)
Route: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso direct route
Difficulty: Difficult
Best time: July to September
Permit: Inner Line Permit required
Best Time to Visit the Passes in Ladakh
The best time to cross the passes in Ladakh is between May and September when roads open and travel feels safe. Snow clears from the highways and BRO teams keep the routes in good shape.
That is when bikes, taxis, and buses move with ease across the high ridges. Pick the right month and the journey becomes far simpler. For a broader look at the best time to visit Ladakh, including festivals and weather patterns
Ladakh runs on seasons that feel strict and a bit stubborn. One month the roads open wide and the next week a fresh snow spell can shut a pass again. We have seen this on Tanglang La during early October, when a clear morning turned into a snow wall by noon. So timing matters a lot, and each season changes how these passes behave.
Summer / Peak Season (May–September)
Summer is the sweet spot for most travellers. Snow melts from the roads and BRO machines keep clearing the leftover ice along the high bends. Bikers love this time because the air feels dry and the views stretch for miles across bare brown mountains.
Road trips also run smoother in summer months. Guesthouses open across Leh, Nubra, and Pangong, so finding food and beds rarely becomes a worry.
Monsoon (July–August)
Rain rarely falls inside Ladakh, but it does affect the approach roads. The Manali route sees landslides near Rohtang and Baralacha La during heavy rain spells. That can slow traffic for hours.
The Srinagar road usually stays steadier during monsoon months. Many travellers pick this route when they want a calmer entry into Ladakh.
Shoulder Season (October)
October sits in a quiet middle space between summer travel and winter shutdown. Tourist crowds thin out and the air turns crisp across the valleys. The sky also stays very clear, which photographers love.
But snow can return fast during this month. Tanglang La and Baralacha La sometimes close by mid October if storms arrive early.
Winter (November–April)
Ladakh in Winter locks most high passes under deep snow. Manali road shuts fully and only locals stay back in the cold desert towns. The silence feels almost unreal.
The Srinagar side remains partly open because the Z Morh tunnel keeps traffic moving towards Sonamarg. Zanskar stays cut off by road and people reach it by walking the frozen Chadar trail on the river.
Permits Required for Ladakh Passes
If you plan to cross several ladakh passes, you will likely need a permit for certain areas. Ladakh sits close to sensitive borders, so some valleys stay restricted. The rules sound complex at first, but once you know which passes need permits, the process becomes quite simple.
Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit when they visit restricted valleys beyond Leh town. Foreign travellers must apply for a Protected Area Permit in a few border zones. These rules help the army track visitor movement near international borders. And they also help keep fragile mountain areas under control.
Permit Requirements for Major Areas
Pass / Area | Permit Type | Who Needs It | Where to Get It |
Nubra Valley (Khardung La) | ILP | All Indians + Foreigners | Online / Leh DC Office |
Pangong Tso (Chang La) | ILP | All Indians + Foreigners | Online / Leh DC Office |
Umling La / Hanle | PAP + ILP | All visitors | Leh DC Office only |
Tso Moriri | ILP | All visitors | Online / Leh DC Office |
Standard highway passes (Zoji La, Fotu La, etc.) | No permit | — | — |
You can now apply for most permits online through the Ladakh tourism portal before reaching Leh. The system works well, yet we still suggest collecting printed copies once you arrive in Leh.
Check posts appear suddenly on remote roads, and officers often ask for physical copies. Carry at least five copies with you, because the guards keep one at many checkpoints.
Travel Tips for Crossing High Altitude Passes
Crossing mountain passes in Ladakh safely depends more on preparation than driving skill. Thin air, long empty roads, and sudden weather shifts can catch first time travellers off guard. Most problems begin when people rush out of Leh on day one, eager to tick a pass off the list. Give your body time, slow the pace, and the journey feels far easier.
Altitude is the real challenge here, not the road itself. We have seen riders breeze through Khardung La but struggle later because they skipped rest in Leh. Mobile signal fades once you leave town, so your route plan matters more than you think. A little planning before you roll out saves a lot of trouble halfway up a cold mountain road.
Acclimatise first: Spend at least two full days in Leh before attempting any high pass so your body adjusts to the thin air.
Watch for AMS symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, or sudden fatigue are common warning signs. Carry Diamox only if a doctor has advised it earlier.
Plan your fuel stops: Long stretches have no petrol pumps. Carry spare fuel when travelling between Sarchu and Pang or toward Hanle and Umling La. Budgeting for fuel, permits, and vehicle type all affect your overall Ladakh trip cost, so plan these figures before you leave Leh.
Prepare your vehicle well: A high clearance SUV or 4WD handles rough roads better. Keep a spare tyre, jump cables, and basic repair tools in the boot.
Start early each day: Most travellers cross passes before noon because weather shifts quickly later in the day. Morning roads are calmer and safer.
Expect weak phone signals: BSNL works in patches at a few spots, while Airtel and Jio often disappear outside Leh. Tell someone your route before leaving.
Choose the right vehicle: Sedans can manage Khardung La, Chang La, and Fotu La when roads stay dry. Remote passes like Umling La, Wari La, and Baralacha La suit stronger SUVs.
Suggested Road Trip Routes Covering Ladakh Passes
Most road trips across Ladakh passes follow a few tried routes that link Leh with Nubra, Pangong, and the Changthang plains. These drives work well because the roads climb over key high passes and then drop into valleys with fuel, food, and beds.
Pick the route that fits your days and your nerve for high roads. Each one lets you cross several ladakh passes without rushing the journey.
Manali → Leh → Nubra → Pangong → Tso Moriri → Manali
This is the full Ladakh loop many riders dream about. You start in Manali, climb the long road to Leh, and then fan out to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. After that the road bends south to Tso Moriri before it circles back toward Manali. The loop crosses many high passes and keeps the ride varied every single day.
Srinagar → Leh → Nubra → Pangong → back to Leh
Many travellers pick this route for their first Ladakh drive. The climb from Srinagar feels steady and gives your body time to adjust to thin air. From Leh you ride to Nubra over Khardung La and then continue to Pangong Lake. The road returns to Leh again so you finish the loop where most guesthouses and flights sit.
Leh → Hanle → Umling La → Tso Moriri → Leh
This circuit cuts deep into the wide Changthang plains. The road moves from Leh to Hanle, climbs the wild road to Umling La, and then bends toward Tso Moriri. Few places in Ladakh feel this empty or this raw. You need an inner line permit for this drive, and July to September offers the most stable road.
Leh → Nubra → Wari La → Pangong → Leh
This route suits travellers who dislike backtracking the same road. You first ride from Leh to Nubra Valley, then climb the rough road over Wari La. From there the track drops straight toward Pangong Lake without returning to Leh. It feels quieter than the usual road and shows a very different slice of Ladakh.
Conclusion
Ladakh earns its name as the land of high passes for a simple reason. Every road here climbs, twists, and finally spills over a dramatic mountain saddle before dropping into another stark valley.
When you travel through these passes in Ladakh, the journey becomes the story. One moment you are sipping tea at a small army café, the next you are staring at miles of bare peaks and prayer flags snapping in the cold wind.
And that is the charm of these roads. Each pass has its own mood, its own weather, and its own view. Drive slow, respect the altitude, and let the road lead the way. The passes will show you Ladakh at its raw, honest best.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many passes are there in Leh, Ladakh?
Leh and the wider Ladakh region have more than twenty high mountain passes, though travellers usually cross around ten on popular road routes. These include Khardung La, Chang La, Tanglang La and Zoji La. Many others lie on remote army roads or trekking paths that most visitors never see.
Which is the highest pass in Leh Ladakh?
The highest motorable pass in the Ladakh region is Umling La, rising above 19,000 feet near the India–China border. The road opened only a few years ago and quickly drew attention from riders and road trip fans. Khardung La was once thought the highest, but Umling La now holds that title.
What range passes through Ladakh?
Ladakh sits between three great mountain systems: the Karakoram Range, the Zanskar Range, and the Ladakh Range. These ranges shape the land and create the high passes travellers cross by road. When you drive here, every pass you climb is part of one of these rugged Himalayan ranges.
Is Khardung La Pass open?
Khardung La usually stays open from May to October, when the roads remain clear of heavy snow. In winter the pass may close for short periods after snowstorms, though the Border Roads Organisation works fast to reopen it. Always check local road updates in Leh before starting the drive.
What is the new pass in Ladakh?
The newest high pass drawing attention in Ladakh is Umling La, reached by a recently built road in eastern Ladakh. The route climbs higher than any other motor road in the world. Because it lies near a sensitive border area, travellers must carry permits and follow army checkpoints.
Which pass is near Pangong Lake?
The main pass you cross on the way to Pangong Lake is Chang La. The road from Leh climbs to this icy saddle before dropping toward the lake basin. Most travellers stop briefly at the top for tea, photos and a quick breath before continuing the drive to Pangong.
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