Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass or Khardung La is one of the highest mountain pass situated in the Ladakh terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Tibetan language, the meaning of Khardungla Pass is ‘pass of nether edifice’.

On the Ranges of Ladakh this pass lies towards northern part of Leh. It is the entrance to the Nubra and Shyok valleys and also the illustrious Siachen Glacier. This pass is only 40 kms away from Nubra valley by road. This pass was constructed in 1976 and was opened for automobiles in the year 1988 and since then many expeditions of automobiles and mountain biking has been seen. Under the maintenance of Border Roads Organization, Khardungla pass is tactically important for India since this pass is used to take the supplies to the embattled Siachen Glacier.

The Khardungla Pass is at an altitude of 18,379 ft and it is believed to be the motorable pass at the maximum height in the world. For a visit of the Khardungla Pass in the Nubra valley one needs an Inner Line Permit which is obtainable from the office of the District Commissioner in Leh. The visitors will need at least six photocopies of that permit because, every check post will ask for a copy of the permit before allowing the visitors to go further. But even devoid of any permit visitors can take pleasure in the thrilling trek over the pass. The drive to Khardungla Pass offers a splendid view of the Leh’s countryside. From the peak one can see the gargantuan Karakoram Range which is lying towards the north side and straight opposite to the magnificent Himalayas towards the Leh. The view of the landscapes from the check post is also very charming.

During the trip to Khardungla Pass the views are purely outstanding with the beautiful snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas all about at a touching distance. The restful breath of the cool refreshing air of the mountains touching the face makes one feel simply awesome. It will make the visitors feel rejuvenated. The excitement of reaching the topmost pass in the whole world will charge up your emotions. But for the visitors it is better not to expose themselves very much and also for very long time at such a high altitude for safety reasons. In winter season, the temperature of this area drops to -40 degrees with approximately 10 ft of snow. In the summer season, the temperature hover about 20 degrees but the strange weather could unexpectedly turn worse again and it might become bitterly cold.

A trip to the Khardungla Pass is a lifetime experience and it is a must visit place for the tourists in Ladakh. The closest town is Leh which is well linked with Srinagar and Manali by road. From Leh, regular transport service to the Nubra valley passes above the Khardungla Pass. The best way to reach Khardungla Pass is by bike or taxi and for safety reasons the travelers should take an expert driver with them. During the trip altitude sickness is a common problem among the travelers. The travelers are suggested to take necessary medicines with them as along this route there is no medical facility available for urgent situation. The roads to the Khardungla Pass remains closed from October to May because of snowfall and also to avoid road accidents. The best time to visit Khardungla Pass is during the summer season from May to October as during this time the temperature is relatively favorable for the travelers.