Khardong La

About This Place

Khardong La or Khardong Pass at 5,359 m claims to be the world's highest motorable road. This pass on the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys.
Built in 1976, it was opened to public motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
Khardong La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hunder, in the area north of the pass.
Its geographical importance is primary to India as it connects to Thoise, the Airforce base that serves as a base for Siachen.

Location

Jammu & Kashmir

Best Time to Visit

Edit if you have been here..

Open Timings

The road is closed from approximately October to May due to snow and is often subject to long delays due to traffic congestion on narrow one-lane sections, washouts, landslides, and road accidents.

Govt. Guidelines

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) which can be acquired at the DC's office in Leh is required for tourists (not needed for Jammu and Kashmir citizens). Travelers are required to check in en route and must provide photocopies of the permits to be deposited at each checkpoint.

Languages Spoken

Hindi, Ladakhi, English.

Best Access

Airport : Leh
Railway station : Jammu Tawi
Bus stand : Leh

Commonly Visited From

Leh

Popular Route

Leh --> South Pullu Check Point --> Khardung La

By Road : This is the only option after Leh to reach Khardung La. One can hire a taxi to reach here. This is the route for the motor bike and bicycle enthusiasts.

Note:
1. Srinagar – Leh highway opens by the middle of May,
2. Manali – Leh highway opens in June

By Rail : No options.

by Air : No options.