Khardung La: India’s Highest Motorable Pass

At an official elevation of 5,359 m (17,582 ft), Khardung La (locally “Khardung Pass” or simply “K-Top”) is the highest motorable mountain pass in India and one of the most iconic high-altitude roads on earth. Connecting Leh city to the mesmerising Nubra Valley and further to the Siachen Glacier base, it is every traveller’s rite of passage in Ladakh.

Why Khardung La is Legendary

• The famous yellow signboard that reads “The Highest Motorable Road in the World” (even though a couple of passes in Tibet are now higher, the title still sticks in popular culture)
• Snow walls taller than cars from April to June
• Prayer flags fluttering wildly against a cobalt sky

Standing here, you feel you’re literally on top of the world.

Key Highlights & Experiences

• South Pullu & North Pullu Checkposts – ILP (Inner Line Permit) checking points
• World’s Highest Cafeteria – Maggi, tea, and oxygen cans served with a smile
• War memorial & small temple at the summit
• 360° views of the Zanskar, Ladakh, and Karakoram ranges
• Brochure-worthy bike photos – almost everyone stops for the victory pose

Practical Travel Information

• Best time to cross: Mid-May to September (pass usually opens by early May, closes by October–November)
• Distance & time from Leh: 39 km, 1.5–2.5 hrs one way (slow because of altitude & traffic)
• Permit: Free online ILP required (apply at lahdc-leh.nic.in — takes 5 minutes)
• Road condition 2025: 100% black-topped and smooth (thanks to recent BRO upgrades), but still prone to sudden snow or landslides
• Altitude sickness risk: Very real. Spend max 20–30 minutes at the top. Keep Diamox handy if prone to AMS.
• Taxi rates from Leh (2025):
  – Shared taxi (6-seater): ₹400–600 per seat return
  – Private Innova/Xylo: ₹6000–8000 full day (Leh → Khardung La → Nubra drop)
  – Bike rental in Leh: ₹1500–2500/day (Royal Enfield most popular)
• Facilities at the top: Toilets, army canteen, souvenir stall, oxygen cylinders available

Perfect Itinerary Options

• Day trip from Leh: Leave 7–8 AM, reach top by 10 AM, return by 2–3 PM
• Most popular: Leh → Khardung La → Hundar (Nubra) overnight → Diskit → Turtuk → back via Khardung La (2–3 day loop)

Khardung La isn’t just a pass — it’s a bucket-list milestone. The thin air, the crunch of snow under your boots, the endless mountain horizon, and that unbeatable feeling of having conquered the “roof of the world” will stay with you forever.

Pro tip: Start very early (6–7 AM) to beat the tourist convoy, get clear photos without 50 bikes in the background, and enjoy the summit in peaceful silence.