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.
• 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.
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.
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.
Tips to keep in mind while visiting the Umling La pass
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A special Inner Line Permit is required for the Umling La Pass.
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.
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.
For the most accurate and up-to-date flight schedules, it's advisable to check with airlines directly or use flight booking platforms.
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.
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.