Umling La, the World’s Highest Motorable Road: Here’s Why It Should Be In Your Travel List

Umling La, the World’s Highest Motorable Pass

Located in the heart of Eastern Ladakh, Umling La Pass, at an elevation of 19,024 feet (5,798 meters), surpasses the renowned Khardung La, claiming the title of the world's highest motorable road. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank, the Umling La Pass connects the remote villages of Chisumle and Demchok, near the Indo-China border.

Umling La was officially opened to the public in November 2021. The pass experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to -40°C in winters and oxygen levels dropping to 50% of sea level. Despite these challenges, the 86 km-long road has become a magnet for adventure enthusiasts seeking the thrill of high-altitude driving. If you are also an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, Umling La should definitely be on your travel bucket list.

How to Reach Umling La Pass?

By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a vehicle to start your journey towards Umling La.

By Road: Leh is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. You can drive to Leh from Manali or Srinagar, both of which offer scenic routes through the mountains.

Permits: Since Umling La is located near the India-China border, you will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit this area. These permits can be obtained from the District Magistrate's office in Leh or through authorized travel agents.

From Leh, you can choose three different paths to reach Umling La pass:

1. Leh – Hanle – Photi La – Umling La

This is the most preferred and straightforward route to Umling La Pass. Starting from Leh, the journey takes you through Hanle—a remote village famous for housing the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest in the world. The road then ascends via Photi La before reaching Umling La. A regular inner line permit for Leh is all you need for this road trip.

2. Leh – Hanle – Ukdungle – Umling La

For those seeking a quieter and more direct route, the Hanle–Ukdungle–Umling La path offers a slightly quicker alternative. This trail bypasses Photi La and takes you through Ukdungle, leading directly to the second river crossing en route to Umling La Pass. The same Leh permit applies here too, so no additional permissions are required.

3. Leh – Fukche – Koyul – Demchok – Umling La

The most scenic and remote of all the routes, this path from Leh to Umling La via Fukche, Koyul, and Demchok offers jaw-dropping views of the Indus River and the multicolored mountains of Ladakh. The route closely hugs the Indo-China border, with Demchok village—divided during the 1962 war—standing as a historical marker. Due to its sensitive location, this journey requires a special permit signed by the District Magistrate of Leh, and even then, access is not guaranteed.

Best Time to Visit Umling La Pass

The optimal time to visit Umling La is between May and mid-October when the roads are clear, and the weather is relatively mild. During this period, temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, making it suitable for travel. It's advisable to avoid the monsoon season, as roads can become dangerous and muddy.