A mountain pass located in Ladakh, Umling La Pass is the highest motorable road in the world, located at an elevation of 19,024 feet above the sea level and must be part of your Ladakh trip. It was constructed as part of “Project Himank” by the Border Road Organization. Surrounded by scintillating mountains and high-altitude attractions, the Umling La Pass offers an experience unlike any other.
Gaining the title of being the highest motorable pass in the world, the Umling La Pass is situated at an altitude of over 19,000 feet above the sea level. A paradise for mountain and biking enthusiasts, the pass boasts of some of the most adventurous turns and thrills.
Stretching over a distance of around 86 kilometres, the Umling La Pass connects two quaint hamlets, namely the Chisumle and Demchok villages, both of which are located on the Indo-China border. Furthermore, the pass overtakes the Khardung La Pass to become the highest motorable road in the world, a seemingly impossible task that has been made possible by the BRO, or the Border Road Organisation as part of their “Project Himank.”
Besides its immensely special route and adventurous possibilities, what makes this pass special is the fact that the region surrounding the pass is devoid of any kind of civilization and lies completely barren. This also makes the Umling La Pass a place to admire the true beauty of nature, with the cold mountain winds, little to no vegetation and vast stretches of variegated rocky mountains covered in snow.
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
• Indulge in a photography session here, and capture views of the ice-capped mountains in your lens
• 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
How To Reach
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.
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Best Time To Visit
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.
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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 characterised 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 mishappening
- 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
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Exploring the Hanle Village
The Hanle village is the nearest civilised settlement located near the Umling La Pass, at a distance of 105 kilometres. It is home to the Hanle Observatory, which is the highest observatory in the world, at a height of 4,500 metres above sea level. You can also find the 17th century Hanle Monastery here, or explore the Hanle River Valley, which used to be a part of the ancient Ladakh-Tibet trade route.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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