At a mind-boggling altitude of 5,883 meters (19,300 feet), Umling La Pass isn’t just Ladakh’s highest—it holds the record for being the highest motorable road in the world. Located in the remote Changthang region, close to the Indo-China border, Umling La is where the Himalayas feel like the roof of the planet.
This is not a typical tourist stop—it’s a place of raw altitude, bone-chilling winds, and unmatched grandeur. But for those who dare to venture here, Umling La delivers a sense of achievement like no other.
Umling La is of immense strategic value. Constructed and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), it enables access to border villages like Demchok and Umling, allowing quicker movement for defense personnel in a highly sensitive region.
The road, part of Project Himank, showcases India’s engineering prowess at extreme altitudes. There were no roads here until a few years ago—just rocky terrain and high winds.
Distance from Leh: ~390 km via Hanle
Main Route (Leh to Umling La):
Leh → Upshi → Chumathang → Nyoma → Loma → Hanle → Photi La → Umling La
Alternate route from Tso Moriri also exists (via Charchagan La), but the most reliable is via Hanle and Photi La.
Altitude: 5,883 meters (19,300 feet)
Road Condition:
Leh to Hanle – mix of good and broken tarmac
Hanle to Photi La – steep and narrow mountain road
Photi La to Umling La – paved BRO road but extremely steep, oxygen-deficient and harsh
Gradient: Sharp inclines, tight bends, and high wind exposure
The air here has less than 50% oxygen compared to sea level, which makes even small tasks exhausting. Engine performance also drops significantly.
Ideal Season: Late June to September
Weather Windows: Dry days only—avoid if there’s snow, rainfall, or high wind alerts
Travel during daytime only; avoid early mornings or post-4 PM rides
Even in peak season, conditions can change rapidly. Always check with locals or BRO before planning Umling La.
Yes, permits are mandatory.
Indian Nationals only. Foreign nationals are not allowed beyond Hanle.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) must mention Hanle, and you’ll need additional special permission from the DC Office in Leh or army/border officials for Umling La. These permits are strictly monitored due to the proximity to the LAC.
Carry multiple photocopies and valid ID proofs. At Loma and Hanle checkpoints, you will be required to register.
This is extreme altitude territory—even acclimatized travelers can feel breathless, dizzy, or worse.
Precautions:
Spend at least 2–3 nights in Hanle or Tso Moriri before attempting Umling La
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or overexertion
Carry portable oxygen, especially if traveling with children or elders
Symptoms like headache, nausea, confusion, or breathlessness? Descend immediately
The highest BRO signboard stating: “Welcome to the highest motorable road in the world”
Lunar landscapes – dry, vast, and surreal, with mountains changing color with the light
Complete solitude – There’s no traffic, no honking—just the wind and your heartbeat
Extreme adventure – Not for the faint-hearted, this is the ultimate biker’s trophy
Panoramic views of Hanle plains and snow peaks—a rare sight only a few ever witness
Hanle Village & Observatory – India’s highest astronomical observatory, perfect for stargazing
Photi La Pass – A major climb before Umling La, another under-the-radar gem
Chumathang Hot Springs – En route from Leh, a good place to relax and rest
Loma Bend (Checkpoint) – Where the route to Hanle and Nyoma diverges
Fuel Up in Leh or Nyoma – There are no petrol pumps after Karu/Upshi. Carry extra fuel
Go with high-clearance vehicles or ADV bikes – Preferably in a group with backup
Avoid if unwell or unsure – Health comes first; Umling La is not worth risking AMS or oxygen loss
Start early – Leave Hanle by 6–7 AM and aim to return the same day
No facilities at the top – No dhabas, no shelters, and usually no network
Day 1: Leh → Chumathang → Nyoma (Night halt)
Day 2: Nyoma → Hanle (Acclimatization)
Day 3: Hanle → Photi La → Umling La → Return to Hanle
Day 4: Return to Leh via same route or detour to Tso Moriri (if time and permits allow)
Umling La isn’t just a pass—it’s the edge of the world. Standing there, every breath you take is hard-earned. Every view you see feels otherworldly. It’s not comfortable, not cozy, and definitely not easy. But it’s unforgettable.
For those who crave pushing boundaries, for whom altitude is a challenge not a deterrent, Umling La offers something few places can: the thrill of being on top of the world.
