High Altitude Mountain Passes of Ladakh

High Altitude Mountain Passes of Ladakh
Published Date: 6th Jul 2022

In this blog, we will present you with the high altitude passes in Ladakh and in which route they are located. Also, We will sharing the information on when these passes opens and closed by BRO team (Border Roads Organisation)


Ladakh Routes:

  • Manali to Leh
  • Srinagar to Leh
  • Leh - Nubra - Pangong route
  • Manali to Spiti

Manali to Leh Route:

1. Rohtang pass

Rohtang pass the first passes we cross when we start our bike trip from Manali to Leh or Manali to Spiti. After constructing the ATAL tunnel, we can skip this pass and ride to another side via the ATAL tunnel. Rohtang pass is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

The altitude of the Rohtang pass is 3,978 m (13,051 ft). Rohtang pass opens during Mid May and closes by Mid Oct based on the snowfall.

 

2. Baralacha la pass

The second pass we would be crossing from Manali to Ladakh route is the Barachala pass. It is the most key pass for the connection between Manali and Leh. This is the first pass to close in the season also the last pass to be opened. Many beautiful and less explored treks and expeditions start around here. 

The altitude of the Baralachala pass is 4,851 m (16,040 ft). Rohtang pass opens at the end of May and closes by Sep end based on the snowfall.

 

3. Nakee la pass

As we move from Baralacha la pass to Ladakh, the next pass would be Nakee la pass. The weather here is pretty most of the time.

Nakee La pass is situated at an altitude of 4.769m (15,647ft) above sea level in the region of Ladakh. Nakee La pass opens by mid of May and closes by mid of Oct.
 

4. Lachung la pass

After a few km of descent from Nakee La leads to Whisky Nala, We will again start climbing Lachulung La (16,500 ft) is the 4th high altitude Himalayan Pass on Manali-Leh Highway which comes between the stretch of Whisky Nalla and Pang.

Lachulung La is situated at an altitude of 5,059 m or 16,616 ft. Lachung la also open similar time close Nakee La.

 

5. Tanglang la pass

As we continue our ride towards, we will gain a little more altitude and visit Tanglang la pass. The weather here would be slightly and heavy winds. It is not very advised to spend more time here. We can click some photos and descend towards Pang for our lunch.

Taglang La or Tanglang La is located at an altitude of 5,328 meters (17,480 ft), is a high altitude mountain pass in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

 

Leh - Nubra - Pangong route

6. Kardung la pass

Kadunga La pass is known as World's highest motorable pass. India's most popular high altitude pass in also Kardung La only. It is on the bucket list of every biker and traveler. Khardung La is the gateway to Shyok and Nubra valleys. Placed on the Ladakh range, it is around 40 km from the Leh town. Kardung La is also known as the  ‘Pass of Lower Castle’. Bikers across the country will come here during the months from May to October. 

Kardung La pass is located at an altitude of 5,602 meters or 18,380 ft. Kardung La pass opens in May and closes by Oct mid.


7. Chang la pass

Chang La pass is the key between Pangong and Leh town. The only pass in this region which remains open almost throughout the year. 

Chang La pass is located at an altitude of 5,392 m or 17,688 ft. Chang la is open almost throughout the year.

Srinagar to Leh Highway route

8. Zoji la pass

Zoji las pass in the most famous passes and the first mountain pass from Srinagar to Ladakh. 

Zoji La pass is located at an altitude of 3,528 m or 11,575 ft in the Srinagar - Leh highway.


9. Namika la pass

Namik La or Namika La is the second pass in the Srinagar - Leh highway towards Leh town.

Namika La pass is located at an altitude of 3,700 m or 12,139 ft in the Srinagar - Leh highway.

 

10. Fotu la pass

As we ride towards Leh town from Srinagar, After climbing some more altitude we will reach Fotu La pass. We can get really good clicks on our cameras here.

Fotu La is located at an altitude above 4,108 m (13,478 ft) from sea level.

 

Manali to Spiti route
 

11. Kunzum pass

Kunzum is the gateway between Chandratal/Kaza and Manali. It is pretty difficult to pass to clear the snow after winter. Kunzum is one of the last highland mountain passes to open after winter. Tourists will get quick access to Chandratal and Spiti trips once the Kuzum pass opens.

Kunzum pass is located at an altitude of 4,551 m or 14,931 ft in the Ladakh and Lahul region. Kunzum pass opens at the end beginning on June and closed Sep end.

 

 

 

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