12 Famous Mountain Passes in Ladakh – Altitude, Routes & Highlights

Ladakh is known as the Land of High Passes for a reason—its dramatic landscape is carved by some of the highest and most breathtaking mountain passes in the world. These passes, locally known as La, connect valleys, lakes, remote villages, and ancient trade routes, each offering stunning views and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re traveling by bike, car, or on foot, crossing these passes is an integral part of the Ladakh experience.

This guide covers the 12 most famous mountain passes in Ladakh, including their altitude, routes, best visiting time, and what makes each one special.

? 1. Khardung La – One of the World’s Highest Motorable Passes

Altitude: 17,982 ft

Route: Leh ? Khardung La ? Nubra Valley

Best Time: May to October

Khardung La is one of Ladakh’s most iconic passes, once claimed to be the world’s highest motorable road. It connects Leh to the majestic Nubra Valley. Travelers love stopping at the top to enjoy panoramic snow-covered peaks, fluttering prayer flags, and the famous signboard marking its height.

Highlights:

Snow walls during early summer
Great for bikers
Stunning views of Leh and Nubra Valley

? 2. Chang La – Gateway to Pangong Lake

Altitude: 17,590 ft

Route: Leh ? Chang La ? Pangong Lake

Best Time: May to September

Chang La, the third-highest motorable pass, offers breathtaking views and connects Leh to the world-famous Pangong Lake. The steep ascent and icy conditions make it an adventurous ride.

Highlights:

Snow almost year-round
Hot tea served at Chang La Café
Dramatic landscapes

? 3. Taglang La – High Pass on Manali–Leh Highway

Altitude: 17,480 ft

Route: Sarchu ? Taglang La ? Leh

Best Time: June to September

Taglang La is one of the major passes on the Manali–Leh Highway, surrounded by vast barren mountains and cold desert scenery. It’s a favorite among bikers and road trippers.

Highlights:

High-altitude panoramic views
Smooth BRO-maintained road
Perfect photography stops

? 4. Baralacha La – Gateway to Lahaul & Zanskar

Altitude: 16,040 ft

Route: Jispa ? Baralacha La ? Sarchu

Best Time: June to September

Baralacha La is a majestic pass that lies at the intersection of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Zanskar. Surrounded by snow and glaciers, it’s also close to the beautiful Suraj Tal.

Highlights:

Close to Suraj Tal Lake
Snow-covered landscapes
ideal for photography

? 5. Fotu La – Highest Point on Srinagar–Leh Highway

Altitude: 13,479 ft

Route: Kargil ? Fotu La ? Leh

Best Time: May to October

Fotu La is the highest point on the Srinagar–Leh road. It offers smooth curves and stunning views of rugged mountains.

Highlights:

Smoothest high pass road
Radio relay tower at the top
Great views of Lamayuru Moonland

? 6. Namika La – The Pillar of Sky Pass

Altitude: 12,198 ft

Route: Kargil ? Namika La ? Leh

Best Time: May to October

Namika La is blessed with dramatic rock formations and panoramic views. Known as the “Pillar of Sky,” it forms part of the Srinagar–Leh journey.

Highlights:

Unique mountain shapes
Picture-perfect landscapes

? 7. Wari La – Offbeat Alternative to Khardung La

Altitude: 17,400 ft

Route: Sakti ? Wari La ? Nubra Valley

Best Time: June to September

If you want a peaceful, offbeat route to Nubra Valley, Wari La is perfect. The road is steeper and more challenging than Khardung La but offers unmatched solitude.

Highlights:

Minimal traffic
Stunning valley views
Great for experienced bikers

? 8. Zoji La – The Gateway Between Kashmir & Ladakh

Altitude: 11,575 ft

Route: Sonamarg ? Zoji La ? Drass

Best Time: May to October

Zoji La is a strategically important pass connecting Kashmir to Ladakh. The narrow road and steep ascent make it thrilling for travelers.

Highlights:

Snow walls early in the season
Gateway to Drass, the coldest inhabited region
Stunning Kashmir-Ladakh transition

? 9. Umling La – The Highest Motorable Road in the World

Altitude: 19,024 ft

Route: Hanle ? Umling La Pass

Best Time: July to September

Recognized as the highest motorable road in the world, Umling La is for extreme adventure lovers only. The oxygen level is extremely low, and the journey requires preparation.

Highlights:

World record altitude
Rare landscapes
Challenging terrain

? 10. Charchagan La – Hidden Pass in Zanskar

Altitude: ~16,500 ft

Route: Zanskar Valley

Best Time: July to September

This offbeat pass offers rugged terrains and spectacular views, making it popular among trekkers exploring Zanskar.

Highlights:

Remote and untouched
Great for trekking routes

? 11. Saser La – On the Ancient Silk Route

Altitude: 17,753 ft

Route: Nubra ? Saser La ? Siachen

Best Time: Restricted military zone

Saser La lies on the historical trade route linking Nubra to Central Asia. Today, it remains a restricted military region.

Highlights:

Historical significance
Gateway to Siachen Glacier

? 12. Kardung Pulu & South Pulu – Checkpoints to Khardung La

These are not mountain passes themselves but important checkpoints leading to Khardung La.

Highlights:

Permit checks
Snow-filled landscapes
Great photography stops

? Best Time to Visit Ladakh’s High Passes

May–June: Snow walls & cold winds
July–August: Safest & most accessible
September: Clear skies & fewer tourists
October: Risk of early snowfall

Most passes remain closed from November to April due to heavy snow.

? Tips for Crossing High Mountain Passes in Ladakh

Start early in the morning
Avoid halting at the top for more than 20–30 minutes
Stay hydrated
Beware of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness)
Check weather and road conditions
Carry warm clothing, even in summer
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition

? Final Thoughts

From the legendary Khardung La to the record-breaking Umling La, the mountain passes of Ladakh define the region’s adventurous spirit. Each pass has its own charm, challenges, and beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Ladakh, crossing these passes will add unforgettable memories to your journey—whether you’re a biker, photographer, road trip lover, or nature enthusiast.