Khardung La

Want to enjoy some unexplored landscapes of Ladakh? You can use the Khardung La Pass as the gateway. It is quite popular among regular tourists and adventure seekers and is considered the highest motorable pass globally. Though it was built in 1976, public motor vehicles could access it from 1988. The pass is still used to carry goods to the Siachen Glacier.

How To Reach

Since there is no airport near Khardung La Pass, you have to book a flight till Leh and hire a taxi or bike to reach the pass. It will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can also use the bus service running from Leh to Nubra Valley, passing through the Mountain pass. You can also rent a bike and fulfil your dream of undertaking a bike ride to Ladakh.

Best Time To Visit Khardung La

You can plan your trip to Ladakh between September and October or from March to May and you soak in the beauty of the Mountain Pass. It is summer between March and May so you can expect an abundance of sunshine. The temperature is around 21oC, so you can expect a pleasant climate. Nights are colder than daytime and the temperature can drop drastically below 7OC. The incessant rainfall during June and August makes the Mountain Pass inaccessible. You have to deal with heavy snowfall if you plan your trip for January or February.

The Permit Required

Since Khardung La Pass is a protected area in Ladakh, you will need the Inner Line Permit to gain access to the area. It is mandatory if you are not a resident of Jammu and Kashmir. Foreigners need a Ladakh Protected Area Permit before visiting the Mountain Pass and the surrounding areas. The ILP is valid for three weeks for Indians.