Khardung La: World’s highest motorable road

Khardung La’ meaning ‘Khardung Pass’ is located in the mountain region of Ladakh in India. Khardung La is one of the highest motorable passes in the world with an altitude of 5359m. Khardung La is considered as the gateway to Nubra and Shyok valleys. The pass lies to the north of Leh and attracts a large number of bikers every year. Khardung La is maintained by BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and is a significant route for supplying goods to Siachen Glacier.

Khardung La is wrongly believed to be the world’s highest motorable pass. Local people claim its elevation to be 5602m, which is incorrect.[reference] Khardung Pass is accessible via Leh. Leh is the capital region of Ladakh and connects Srinagar to Manali via well-constructed road. One can voyage to Khardung pass on a motorbike, taxi, car and roadways buses. The ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the place is by travelling via Bikes. Throughout the year heavy tourist traffic is witnessed reaching one of the highest motorable passes through bikes.

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A popular practice with bikers in Khardung La is to experience Buddhism in Leh. There are many important Gompas like Thikse, Shey and Spituk Gompas.

Khardung La is a one-way road and different timings are allotted to the two sides for traffic. For travelling from Leh to Khardung La, the road is open from 9 am to 1 pm and for travelling from Khardung La to Leh, the road is open from 1 pm to 5 pm. Heavy traffic jams are witnessed due to high altitude, piles of snow and extreme weather conditions.

Khardung La lies on the sides of North Pullu and South Pullu, the two base camps. Motorists are advised to carry ILP (Inner Line Permit) to cross North Pullu and reach Nubra Valley while no permit is required for touring Khardung La. This permit can be obtained from DC’s office in Leh.

Motorists planning to visit Khardung pass are advised to take precautionary measures to fight altitude sickness, severe cold winds, extreme temperature and exertion. There is no one- route medical facility for emergency treatment. Petrol pumps are hard to find and bikers must stock petrol along with necessary medicines and food items. Consider these measures and enjoy the jaw-dropping views at Khardung La.