Khardung La
A high mountain pass on the road from Leh to the Nubra Valley. The sign at the top claims 5,602 m, and it is a pilgrimage site for motorcycle riders.
Khardung La lies about 39 km north of Leh and is the main route to the Nubra Valley. The pass sign reads “World's Highest Motorable Road, 5602 m,” but measured elevation is about 5,359 m, so the “world's highest” claim no longer holds. It remains one of the world's most famous high-altitude motorable passes and a must-stop for Royal Enfield riders. At the summit you'll find a memorial, a small shop, an army tea stall and an Indian Army checkpoint. On clear days you can see the Karakoram Range and the Indus Valley.
Limit your stay at the top to 20–30 minutes and avoid strenuous activity. Do not go up within the first two days after arriving in Leh. In winter and during rain or snowfall, the road often closes temporarily, and icy sections require a 4WD vehicle. Foreigners need a protected-area permit, which must be registered at the South Pullu checkpoint.
Opening hours
Open all day (subject to road conditions and military restrictions)
Nearby sights
- Sankar Monastery
- Shanti Stupa
- Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
- Leh Palace
- Central Asian Museum
- Leh Main Bazaar
- Phyang Monastery
- Hall of Fame, Leh