Umling La Pass, situated at 19,300 feet above sea level, claims the title of the world's highest motorable road. Nestled in Ladakh, this road stretches across 86 kilometres. It connects Chisumle to Demchok, near the Indo-China border. Built by the BRO under Project Himank, it offers an adrenaline-pumping ride for adventurers amidst the stark, snowy expanses of the Himalayas.
Umling La Pass is situated at an elevation of 19,300 feet in the stark yet striking landscape of Ladakh. It holds the title of the highest motorable road in the world. Carved out by the Border Roads Organisation as part of "Project Himank," this marvel of engineering stretches across 86 kilometres. The pass links the remote hamlets of Chisumle and Demchok near the Indo-China border. Its construction overcame significant challenges posed by the harsh terrain and thin air, setting a new benchmark for human perseverance.
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. 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.
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
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.
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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