Leh district · 5,359 m
Khardung La
The storied pass to Nubra: thin air, prayer flags in the wind and the Karakoram on the horizon.
Your Khardung La journey
Khardung La, planned gently around you
The storied pass to Nubra: thin air, prayer flags in the wind and the Karakoram on the horizon.
- 01
We begin with your Khardung La
Tell us what draws you here, who is coming and how you would like it to feel. Khardung La can be many journeys; we start with yours.
- 02
We find the right season
June to September is most reliable. We match your dates to the light, the roads and the quiet you are hoping for.
- 03
We set an unhurried pace
A stop of 15–20 minutes at the top, on the way to or from Nubra. At 5,359 m, the way you arrive matters, so acclimatisation is built in from the first day.
- 04
Then, Khardung La is simply yours
Stays chosen with care, permits and practicalities settled before you leave. All that remains is to arrive, and look up.
Tell us about your Khardung La journey. It takes three minutes.
Khardung La is the road gateway from Leh to Nubra, and for many travellers the highest point they will ever stand on. The sign at the top claims 5,602 m; modern surveys put it at about 5,359 m, and the title of 'world's highest motorable road' now belongs elsewhere. None of that matters much when you are standing among a thousand prayer flags with the Karakoram on the horizon.
The road climbs about 1,800 m in under 40 km. The air at the top holds roughly half the oxygen of sea level, so this is a place to visit, not to linger.
Why visit
- The crossing itself: one of the great high-mountain drives
- Views north to the Karakoram on a clear morning
- The road into Nubra Valley
Best time
June to September is most reliable. The pass is kept open much of the year, but snowfall in spring, autumn and winter can close it for hours or days.
How to reach
About 39 km from Leh, roughly 1.5–2 hours to the top, depending on traffic and the condition of the last stretch, which can be rough or icy.
Things to do
- Photograph the prayer flags and the view south over the Indus valley
- Have a quick hot tea at the café
- Watch for snow-fed waterfalls on the descent to Nubra
Suggested duration
A stop of 15–20 minutes at the top, on the way to or from Nubra.
Approximate costs
There is no fee for the pass itself. Checkpoints on the way to Nubra may check permits or fees.
Accommodation
None at the top. Stay in Leh or in Nubra Valley.
Transportation
Taxi, self-drive car or motorbike. Traffic queues form at the top in peak season, so go early.
Permits
No permit is needed for the pass, but the checkpoint at South Pullu checks documents for Nubra. Indian citizens: the Inner Line Permit was withdrawn in 2021, so carry valid photo ID; an environment or wildlife fee may still be collected online or at checkpoints. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit, arranged through a registered travel agent in Leh. Rules change often, so confirm with the Leh district administration before you go.
Weather and altitude
Cold and windy all year, often below freezing even in summer mornings. Snow can fall in any month.
Altitude 5,359 m.
Connectivity
Limited and unreliable.
What to carry
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves even in July
- Sunglasses: snow glare is strong
- Water and a snack
Practical tips
- Only cross after two nights acclimatising in Leh.
- Stay at the top no more than 20 minutes.
- Leave Leh by 7 or 8 am to beat traffic and weather.
- Check that morning whether the pass is open before you set off.
FAQs
- Is Khardung La really the highest motorable road?
- It used to be advertised that way, but measurements show it is about 5,359 m, and higher roads exist, including Umling La in eastern Ladakh. It is still one of the highest passes you can drive.
- Can people with heart or lung conditions go?
- Speak to your doctor first. The very low oxygen at the top can be dangerous for some conditions.