Ladakh owes its name to the high-altitude mountain passes that crisscross through its landscape and is rightly known as the 'Land of High Passes.' 'La' means Pass, and 'Dhak' means many. Offering breathtaking views and panoramas to all travelers, the numerous mountain passes of Ladakh make it a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The beautiful Ladakh mountain passes act as natural gateways to the land of alluring monasteries, serene lakes, and craggy mountains. Stok Kangri is considered the highest peak in Ladakh range, with an elevation of 7,742.
Most tourists across the world come to Ladakh for a road trip. It's all about driving past the crisscross passes and exploring the true essence of beauty. Mountain passes in Ladakh are popular, including Khardung La Pass – The highest Motorable Pass globally, Baralacha Pass, Chang La, Fotu La, Namika La, Tanglangla Pass, and Zoji La. As these passes are at extremely high altitudes in the mountains, the locals have built temples where fluttering prayer flags and hanging bells can be seen.
The Most Famous Mountain Passes in Ladakh
Khardung La Pass
This is claimed to be the world's highest motorable pass by BRO, aka Border Road Organisation. This mountain pass in Ladakh gets you entry to Shyok and Nubra Valley. Located roughly 40 km from Leh City, it lies at 18,379 feet above sea level, offering majestic views. It is easily accessible between May and October when bikers worldwide visit Ladakh to enjoy riding on this pass. For more information about Khardung La Pass!
Chang La Pass
Among the world's highest mountain passes, Chang La Pass is situated at 5360 m. It was named after Sadhu Changla Baba, and a temple is also dedicated to him. Visit here for surreal beauty, a tour of Tangtse Village, and views of the barren landscape and snow-clad peaks. The pass has a tea point managed by the Indian Army. If you are a biker, this pass is one of the real charmers of Ladakh road trips.
Baralacha La
Located in the Zanskar ranges, this is one of the most famous Ladakh mountains passes at 16,040 feet. This pass is a confluence of three mountain ranges – the Great Himalayas, Pir Panjal, and Zanskar. You can visit Baralacha La between April and October. Also, many treks start from this pass, like the ChandraTal Trek. To know more about this high-altitude pass in Ladakh, Baralacha La!
Taglang La Pass
At 17,582 feet above sea level, Tanglang La Pass is Ladakh's second-highest mountain pass. It is the neighbor of the Leh-Manali highway and is accessible through 21 Gata loops. It offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks, attracting many bikers and nature lovers. This pass has hairpin turns, so if it's your first time at Tanglang La, ensure an individual with experience accompanies you. If you want to know more, Taglang La Pass!
Zojila Pass
This pass connects Kashmir and Ladakh, 9 km from Sonmarg. It lies in the western part of the Himalayan mountain ranges on National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh. Zojila Pass opens in April and offers panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan Mountains. If you visit during peak winter months, you will find it inaccessible, but BRO extends traffic during most of the year, for more details about Zojila Pass.
Lachung La Pass
Elevated at 16,600 feet above sea level, this pass is located on the border of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir. Moreover, it divides the valets of Tsarap Chu and Tozay. This pass is only open for 4.5 months during summer. If you fall sick during your visit here, the causes might be the height, the rugged pathways, geographic status, etc. If you want to experience Lachung La Pass, you can plan your trip with the Leh Ladakh mountains tour
In search of the highest peak of Ladakh range, tourists visit this land of Earth. And the best part is that numerous mountain passes are located at such high elevations. You can book your adventurous tour to explore these mountain passes of Ladakh.
