Trip to Khardung la pass
Faked highest motorized pass in the world
Khardung la prides itself in all promotional materials as the highest motorized pass in the world. It works as a magnet for tourists, but it has long been known that the indicated altitude of 5 602 m asl is wrong, and it quite significantly, and the right altitude is „only“ 5,359 m asl. This was confirmed by several independent measurements and can be confirmed also by your GPS. Thus it is not the highest at all and you can find higher also here in Tibet or even in Ladakh. When exploring the area, you will find out that the declared height is valid rather for a small glacier towering on the eastern side of the pass. Anyway, the trip to the pass is worth it. If you borrow and take with you a bike, you can then also ride down or continue on to Nubra valley on the other side of the mountains.
Oasis in the north of Leh
After the main road leading into Nubra Valley across Khardung la pass leave Leh, it rises for a long time slowly above the almost endless oasis extending a few kilometers beyond the town border. Far below you can see the top of Shanti Stupa. We recommend stopping at a suitable place in the oasis on the way back, getting out of the car and having a walk through this northern oasis.
End of the barren valley
The path rises tens minutes on the barren hillsides of Ladack mountains. Gradually open up the view into the end of this former glacial valley with a small pass to the north from it.
Look back
When viewed from the other side, you can nicely see how the road winds in very long twists, but with a low gradient (difference as compared to the alpine passes). The main reason to enable military and civilian truck convoys drive up to the pass.
Dodging
Speed of the descent to the pass depends significantly on how many military vehicles and trucks you meet.
In Khardung la (5 359 m asl)
After more than an hour drive and two altitude kilometers from Leh you are finally at the top of the pass. The change in pressure is great and thus your head can spin here during the first steps even if you are well-acclimated. There is also a small restaurant, so you can have a tea here. The pass is renowned for bad weather, but there are also days when the weather is quite good. Although signs proclaim that you are in the highest motorized pass in the world, do not believe it. For example Suge la is nearly a hundred meters higher.
View of the valley of river Shyok
The road drops considerably more directly to the other northern side. On the horizon is already visible Karakoram towering above the valley of the river Shyok.
View of mighty Karakoram
North part of Ladakh is its most mountainous parts due to Karakoram. Unfortunately, this area is much less accessible due to all sorts of restrictions, which is a great shame.
Above the pass
There are naturally a great number of prayer flags in the vicinity of the pass. Just ascent a few meters above and the outlook is very nice.
Short hikes from the Khardung la pass
From the pass you can make short hikes on both sides to the surrounding peaks. However, consider with a lot of unstable terrain
Ascent to Khardung la peak
Walk over Khardung la pass
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