About Umling La Pass
The pass is more than just a road. It is also a testament to the spirit of adventure, offering bikers and thrill-seekers the ultimate high-altitude ride during your Ladakh tour. The journey to Umling La is a blend of breathtaking views and challenging routes. The sheer isolation of its surroundings, devoid of any signs of civilization, adds to the experience. It is famous not just for its altitude but for the experience it offers, surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
The ride to Umling La is a journey that promises an unparalleled sense of achievement. It offers panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, inviting photography enthusiasts to capture the raw beauty of nature. Despite its ruggedness, or perhaps because of it, Umling La beckons adventurers from around the globe. It promises an unforgettable adventure to all, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the ultimate road trip.
Umling La Pass Highlights
• When in Ladakh, head over to the scenic route leading to the Umling La Pass, which has recently been recognized as the highest motorable road in the world at an altitude of over 19,000 feet above the sea level
• Enjoy a ride through the 86 km long route of Umling La Pass on your motorbike, and feel the icy cold winds refresh you all the way to your very core
• Soak in the picturesque beauty of this otherwise barren land with no traces of civilisation
• For a more unique adventure, explore the villages of Chisum and Demchok, lying on the Indo-China Border and being connected by this stunning mountain pass
• Capture the breathtaking views of the Himalayas on camera at Umling La Pass.
How To Reach Umling La Pass
There are two main routes that you can take from different places in Ladakh to reach the Umling La Pass. The first route starts from Leh and ends at Hanle, and takes up to 9 to 10 hours for a journey of 275 kilometers. Alternatively, you can avail the route from Pangong Tso Lake to Hanle, which is a total of 176 kilometers and can take up to 4 to 5 hours.
From Hanle, the Umling La Pass is located around 105 kilometers away, and takes up to 2.5 to 3 hours to reach by bike or jeep.
Best Time To Visit Umling La Pass
The best time to visit the Umling La Pass is from mid-May to October, when the weather here is clear and the roads leading to the pass are open. The entire route to the pass remains covered in snow through the rest of the year, making it difficult and rather impossible to visit the Umling La Pass.
Umling La Pass Other Essential Information
Tips to keep in mind while visiting the Umling La pass
- It is essential to acclimatize yourself properly before heading to the Umling La Pass, since the pass is located at an altitude of 19,300 feet and is characterized by extremely thin air, thereby making AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) a common problem
- You are recommended to carry supplementary oxygen while visiting the pass which can be used in case of emergencies, since the air here is very thin
- It is advisable to carry an emergency first aid kit in your backpack as the medical services may take some time to reach you in case of any mishap.
- Pack enough warm clothes to stay safe from the freezing cold temperatures here
- Since there are no hotels or restaurants in the area, it is recommended to pack necessary snacks and other food items for the journey to Umling La Pass
- If you're taking on Umling La as part of your Ladakh bike trip, ensure your bike is well-serviced and capable of handling steep, rugged terrains, as mechanical support is extremely limited in this remote region.
Exploring the Hanle Village
The Hanle village, located just 105 kilometres from Umling La Pass, is the nearest inhabited settlement. It's home to the renowned Hanle Observatory, the highest of its kind in the world, perched at an altitude of 4,500 metres. The village also features the historic 17th-century Hanle Monastery and the scenic Hanle River Valley, once a vital part of the ancient Ladakh-Tibet trade route. If you're part of a Ladakh group tour, visiting Hanle will allow you to experience the region's cultural richness and stunning landscapes in an unforgettable way.
Capture the scenic views of your surrounding landscapes
Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Umling La Pass, since it is here where you can spend time capturing the amazing natural vistas in your camera lens. The region surrounding the Pass is barren, and bears no traces of civilization. Flanked by majestic mountains, and miles long arid land, you are sure to get some really stunning photographs here.
Enjoy A One-Of-A-Kind Drive On The Highest Motorable Road On Earth
Stretching across a distance of 86 kilometres, the Umling La Pass is undoubtedly the best place for a memorable drive. With ice-capped mountains surrounding you, and the sounds of the cool winds against your face, traveling across the Umling La Pass is nothing short of an adventurous experience.
Tourism Board Alliances
Umling La Pass FAQs
What is so special about Umling La Pass?
In addition to being the highest motorable road in the world, the Umling La Pass is located in an area where you cannot find any trace of civilization. Therefore, it is the best place to soak in the wonders of nature in its true essence.
How much time is required to visit the Umling La Pass?
Since acclimatisation is required to visit the pass, you need at least two nights and three days in hand. This way, you can stay at Hanle for a night before making a trip to the Umling La Pass by starting early in the morning.
Is a permit required for the Umling La Pass?
A special Inner Line Permit is required for the Umling La Pass.
Is Hanle Valley worth visiting during a Ladakh family tour?
Yes, Hanle Valley is definitely worth visiting during a Ladakh family tour. Located near Umling La Pass, Hanle offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its historical Hanle Monastery, the world’s highest observatory, and scenic landscapes, it provides a peaceful and educational experience for families looking to explore the less crowded, serene side of Ladakh.
What to Expect on a Ladakh 5-Day Tour Package?
A Ladakh 5-day tour package offers an exciting mix of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. You'll begin with exploring the vibrant Leh town, where you can visit iconic sites like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the local markets. You will also have the chance to explore the mesmerizing Pangong Lake and the magnetic hill.
For adventure seekers, your tour might include an exhilarating visit to Umling La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world at 19,300 feet. Whether you're driving or on a Manali to Leh bike trip, the journey to Umling La offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and an unparalleled sense of achievement. The trip will also take you to Nubra Valley, where you'll explore the sand dunes of Hunder and the unique double-humped Bactrian camels.
This package will also include visits to monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey, providing insight into Ladakh's Buddhist heritage. Whether you're traveling with family or as part of a group, you'll experience the best of Ladakh’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
What are the flight options for a Ladakh tour from Pune or Delhi?
- Direct Flights: Leh is well-connected to Delhi with daily direct flights operated by Air India, GoFirst, IndiGo, and Vistara. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, making it the most convenient option for travelers.
- Road Travel: For those seeking an adventurous journey, road trips from Delhi to Leh are popular during the summer months. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways offer scenic routes, though they are typically open from June to October due to weather conditions.
- Connecting Flights: There are no direct flights from Pune to Leh. Travelers can book connecting flights via Delhi, where they can catch a direct flight to Leh. This option is convenient and widely used.
- Road Travel: Alternatively, one can drive from Pune to Delhi and then proceed to Leh via road. This journey is extensive and requires careful planning, but it offers a unique experience of traversing diverse landscapes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date flight schedules, it's advisable to check with airlines directly or use flight booking platforms.
What is the best time to plan a Ladakh trip from Mumbai?
If you're considering organizing a ladakh trip from mumbai, make sure to plan the trip from June to September, when the weather is pleasant, most mountain passes are open, and the best time to visit monasteries and high-altitude lakes as well as partake in biking, trekking, and adventure activities while you are in the area. If you're considering the snowy experience, you can go to Ladakh during December-February, but be warned that it will take additional preparation as winter takes hold and access is more limited. The monsoon season is best avoided, with road travel risking landslides and delays.
What is the estimated cost of an Ladakh Tour Package From Kolkata?
The cost of a Ladakh tour package from Kolkata can be estimated depending on many variables, including the season of travel, type of accommodation, and activities associated with the package. A budget package can start from about ₹20,000 per person for basic hotels and transportation. You could expect a mid-range tour package which would include accommodations, transport, sightseeing and adventure activities, cost you anywhere from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per person.
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