Umling La Pass in Ladakh, at an altitude of 19,024 feet or 5,798 meters, is the second-highest motorable road in the world and the highest that civilians can regularly access. When BRO (Border Roads Organisation) opened this road to civilians in 2017, it became an instant bucket-list destination for adventure enthusiasts. In 2021, Umling Pass received the Guinness World Record certificate for being the highest motorable road in the world.
As of 2026, a newer route called Mig La has claimed the #1 spot technically, but Umling La remains the most accessible and well-documented extreme-altitude drive in India. If you are planning a trip to Umling La Pass in 2026, this guide covers everything from the 5 different routes to reach the pass, current permit requirements, accommodation options in Hanle, budget estimates, and critical safety considerations for traveling at 19,000+ feet.
Quick Facts – Umling La Pass 2026
- Altitude: 19,024 feet (5,798 meters)
- Distance from Leh: 350 km via Photi La route
- Distance from Hanle: 75 km via Photi La, 88 km via Nurbula Top
- Permits: No Inner Line Permit required, only environment fee (INR 500-1,200)
- Best Time: Late May to September
- Mobile Network: None beyond Hanle village
- Nearest Fuel: Karu (240 km from Hanle) or Tangtse (if coming from Pangong)
- Trip Duration: Minimum 2 nights in Hanle recommended
- Vehicle Recommendation: SUV/4×4 with high ground clearance
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why Visit Umling La Pass in 2026?
Umling La Pass is not just about claiming the bragging rights of reaching one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The 54 km long road passing through Umling La connects the villages of Chisumle and Demchok and took six years to be built by BRO under Project Himank. Hats off to the whole team of Project Himank, who took this daunting task of building up the road at such a staggering altitude. BRO had to give special training to all the workers for the construction of this road. Every hour workers had to come down to acclimatize themselves.
I cannot imagine the hard work undergone but well, the result is we now have one of the highest motorable roads in the world in India. The journey to Umling La takes you through the cold desert landscapes of Changthang, where you will witness surreal beauty that very few places on Earth can match. The entire region around Hanle, Photi La, and Umling La offers landscapes that look straight out of another planet.
As Umling La pass is near the Hanle village, you will be spending a couple of days in Hanle and hence will be exploring it as well. In Hanle village, apart from witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the cold desert, you can visit Hanle Monastery as well as the second-highest optical observatory in the world with an installed telescope of about 2.01 meters (6.5 feet) diameter. Hanle observatory is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and is situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters. The details of making a trip to Hanle are detailed in my comprehensive travel guide of Hanle.
Do I Need a Permit for Umling La Pass in 2026?
The permit situation for Umling La Pass has simplified significantly. As of 2022 onwards (continuing into 2026), permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including Umling La pass. You only need to pay the environment fee (also called green fee or ecology fee) and carry a receipt (soft copy or hard copy) of the payment.
Umling La pass is very near to the Line of Actual Control between India and China, which is why there were strict permit requirements earlier. However, towards the end of the 2021 season, authorities and army check-posts started allowing people to travel to Umling La Pass without the older Inner Line Permit system. Since 2022, many people have completed the journey to Umling La Pass successfully and no one is stopping tourists from visiting.
However, keep in mind that it all depends on your travel days if the army is allowing people or not during that time. They sometimes allow and sometimes restrict the movement of civilians in these border areas. It is highly likely that you will be allowed, but then there is a little risk that they might not. This is especially true if there are any border tensions or military operations happening in the region.
You can pay the Ladakh environment fee online now and do not need to get any stamps at the tourist information center at Leh. The fee structure as of 2026 is:
- Indian tourists: INR 500-600 per person for 15 days
- Bike environment fee: INR 1,200 for two-wheelers
- Vehicle green tax: INR 100-300 depending on vehicle type
In case you are visiting Umling La pass from the Demchok side (Route 5 detailed below), please prepare the permissions from the army for which you will need some good contacts in the army to get permission. Sometimes they allow from Demchok side without permission too. As I said, it all depends on the situation at the border.
What is the Altitude of Umling La Pass?
Umling La Pass is located at an altitude of 19,024 feet or 5,798 meters in the Indian Himalayas. This makes it the second-highest motorable road in the world that is accessible to civilian vehicles. For comparison, this is higher than the base camps of most major Himalayan peaks.
At this altitude, oxygen levels are approximately 50% of what they are at sea level. This is why proper acclimatization is absolutely critical before attempting Umling La Pass. Even people who have successfully traveled to Khardung La (17,582 feet) or Chang La (17,590 feet) can face severe acute mountain sickness (AMS) at Umling La because of the additional 1,500 feet of altitude gain.
How Do I Prevent Altitude Sickness at Umling La?
Well, the region of Changthang around Hanle and Umling La Pass is very scenic but at the same time, it is harsh, unforgiving, and difficult to survive, especially in winter. As it is at a very high altitude, the lack of oxygen makes survival difficult if your body does not acclimatize to its high altitude. Umling La Pass’s altitude of 19,024 feet comes under an extremely high altitude range.
Hence, one needs to plan the journey extremely carefully to acclimatize properly and reduce the chances of acute mountain sickness. I highly recommend that you travel slowly and acclimatize properly before making the trip to Umling La Pass. Here is my recommended acclimatization schedule for Umling La Pass:
- Day 1: Arrive in Leh (11,500 feet), complete rest
- Day 2: Rest in Leh, local sightseeing only (Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace)
- Day 3: Short excursion to Sangam or Magnetic Hill, return to Leh
- Day 4: Travel to Pangong Tso (14,270 feet) via Chang La (17,590 feet)
- Day 5: Pangong to Hanle (14,764 feet) via Chusul
- Day 6: Rest day at Hanle, explore monastery and observatory
- Day 7: Umling La Pass day trip (19,024 feet), return to Hanle
This schedule gives your body 6 days to acclimatize before attempting Umling La. Do not rush this. I have seen many travelers who tried to reach Umling La within 4-5 days of landing in Leh and faced severe AMS symptoms including vomiting, severe headaches, and breathing difficulties.
Essential AMS precautions:
- Carry Diamox tablets (consult your doctor before the trip)
- Carry an oxygen cylinder with you for emergencies
- Start early morning (5-6 AM) from Hanle to avoid afternoon altitude effects
- Spend maximum 30-45 minutes at Umling La top, do not linger
- Descend immediately if you feel headache, nausea, or dizziness
- Stay hydrated throughout the journey
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before and during the trip
You can read more about AMS prevention in my detailed guide on acute mountain sickness and the importance of acclimatization.
Where is Umling La Pass Located?
The distance of Umling La pass from Hanle village is 75 km approximately if you follow the Photi La route or about 88 km from the Ukdungle – Nurbula Top route. Hanle itself lies at a distance of 275 km from Leh town of Ladakh district in Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Umling La is located in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh, very close to the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC). The pass connects the villages of Chisumle and Demchok, both of which are border villages with strategic importance.
Soon you will find it available on Google Maps as more people visit the place in the coming seasons. To get an idea about the directions, you can use my rough sketch of Google Maps directions for the Umling La Pass map below:
Disclaimer: The route direction map of Umling La has been hand-drawn by me considering the rough idea of maps. Please use it only for informational purposes and direction sense only. It will give you an idea about the location. I request if you have the KML file for the route of Umling La Pass, please do share it with me too so that it can help many other adventure folks looking to travel to Umling La Pass in coming years.
When is the Best Time to Visit Umling La Pass?
Well, considering you will have to traverse various rough roads, especially after Hanle, I will highly suggest that you make the trip to Umling La Pass at the end of the season around September. In early May, the Photi La Pass will have snow, so the route might not be open, and then it is more like snow melting time. By the end of May 2026, it should be fine to travel as you can see in my latest video. So, you can visit Umling La pass from the end of May to like end of September or early October at max.
But, late August when the monsoon resides in the North, and September month seems to be the best time to make a trip to Umling La Pass as roads will be in much better shape without the risk of snow. Here is a month-by-month breakdown:
- May: Early May is risky due to snow on Photi La. Late May onwards is usually okay but expect snow patches and slush. Road conditions are unpredictable.
- June: Good time to visit. Roads are mostly clear. Some water crossings may have higher flow due to snowmelt.
- July: Monsoon rains can create slush on dirt tracks and swell the water crossings. Risky if heavy rain hits the region.
- August: Late August is excellent. Monsoon is receding, roads are dry, water crossings are manageable.
- September: Best month overall. Stable weather, dry roads, clear skies, minimal risk. Highly recommended.
- October: Early October is possible but risky. Snowfall can happen anytime. By mid-October, the pass closes for winter.
In winter, it will not be possible to make a trip to Umling La Pass at all. So, from November to April, the roads to Umling La Pass will be snowbound. Even in early May, there is a lot of uncertainty as the snowbound roads are not actively kept open by the army and snowfall can happen on the way as well even if the road is open.
How Do I Reach Umling La Pass from Leh?
To reach Umling La Pass, you first need to reach Hanle village. There are two main routes to reach Hanle from Leh, and then from Hanle, there are five different routes to reach Umling La Pass. Let me explain each route in detail.
Route to Hanle from Leh (275 km, 9-10 hours)
Leh – Karu (36 km) – Upshi (13 km) – Kumdok (19 km) – Kere (53 km) – Chumathang (34 km) – Mahe (22 km) – Nyoma (25 km) – Loma (22 km) – Hanle (51 km) = 275 km
This is the general route to Hanle that most people take to visit this ever-beautiful place in Ladakh. You can reach in about 9-10 hours depending upon the number of breaks you take in between. The road is mostly tarred till Chumathang, and then becomes a mix of tarred and dirt sections till Hanle.
Route to Hanle from Pangong Tso (176 km, 6-7 hours)
Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Man (9 km) – Merak (12 km) – Kakstet (4 km) – Chusul (24 km) – Tsaga La (33 km) – Tsaga Village (20 km) – Loma (23 km) – Hanle (51 km) = 176 km
There exists a direct route between Hanle / Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso as well, and in most general cases, you will always be doing it from the direct route of Pangong Tso to Hanle because you can exit Ladakh from Tso Moriri towards Manali – Leh Highway after visiting Hanle and Tso Moriri without coming back towards Leh.
Secondly, both Hanle and Tso Moriri are higher than Pangong Tso, so as per the acclimatization schedule, you should stay near Pangong Tso before spending the night at Hanle and Tso Moriri. Starting in 2021 end, no permits are required to travel on this route as well via Chusul. I think, though not 100% sure, starting in 2019, foreigners are also allowed to go beyond Man – Merak Villages as the DC office has started issuing permits to them for this route.
What are the 5 Routes to Umling La Pass from Hanle?
Once you have reached Hanle, you have five different routes to visit Umling La Pass. Umling La Pass is about 73 km from Hanle Village via the shortest route, so the distance from Leh to Umling La Pass is about 350 km. No permit is required to visit any place in Ladakh from the end of the 2021 season. You can refer to the maps for Hanle and Koyul routes.
Let me explain all five routes in detail with their difficulty levels and recommendations:
1. Hanle – Photi La – Photile – Umling La (75 km) ⭐ RECOMMENDED
Difficulty: Moderate | Road Condition: Mix of tarred and rough dirt patches | Time: 3-4 hours one way
This is the most general route to reach Umling La Pass from Hanle in comparison to all other routes. The route goes Hanle to Photi La Pass (16,900 feet) to Photile Village and then follows the road from Photile Village to Umling La Pass via Chisumle bridge at an altitude of 19,024 feet. You will come across two bridges or water crossings while going to Umling La Pass from Photile Village.
The road from Hanle to Photi La is about 30 km and has some tricky sections with loose gravel. After Photi La, the descent to Photile village is about 15 km on a better road. From Photile to Umling La top is about 30 km, mostly tarred in recent years but expect some rough patches.
Why I recommend this route: It is the most straightforward, has the best road conditions among all routes, and is the one most travelers successfully complete. If you are doing Umling La for the first time, stick to this route.
2. Hanle – Ukdungle – Nurbula Top – Umling La (88 km) ⭐ ADVENTUROUS
Difficulty: High | Road Condition: Dirt track till Nurbula Top, then tarred | Time: 4-5 hours one way
The road from Hanle to Ukdungle – Nurbula Top is almost a dirt track but unless it rains or heavy snow melts, the slush should not cause many issues. It is recommended to use a high-ground clearance vehicle to travel on these rough roads. Once you reach Nurbula Top, you will see tracks leading up to the tarred road from where you can easily reach Umling La Pass Top. Hence, you can do kind of both routes as a circuit.
However, the Nurbula Top route is more adventurous and in case of dry conditions of roads, would be fun. Do not attempt this route if it has rained in the last 24-48 hours or if you are not confident about driving on dirt tracks with no defined road.
3. Hanle – Bogge/Zursur – Nurbula Top – Umling La (72 km)
Difficulty: Very High | Road Condition: Trek route, barely a dirt track | Time: 5-6 hours one way
This route is a shortcut of route 2 and follows the Hanle – Nurbula Top trek route where there are dirt tracks that can be followed towards Zursur village. This road meets somewhere ahead of Ukdungle and before Nurbula Top. Again, it is a shorter route than Ukdungle one but significantly more difficult.
Not recommended unless you are an experienced off-roader with a support vehicle and satellite communication device. This route is for adventurers who have done multiple Ladakh trips and are comfortable with extremely rough terrain.
4. Loma – Koyul – Lekeng Yok – Chisumle – Umling La (116 km from Loma)
Difficulty: Moderate to High | Road Condition: Mix of tarred and dirt | Time: 5-6 hours from Loma
This route starts from Loma and runs parallel to the Loma – Hanle road on the other side of the mountain. It all depends if the army allows you on this route or not but Demchok in Route 5 is where more strictness is. So, you can follow this route till Koyul and then take a right turn to Lekeng Yok and then further to Chisumle Bridge and then from there go over to Umling La top. This is ideally the shortest route to reach Umling La from Leh (total 350 km from Leh).
Permit situation unclear: Since this route goes through sensitive border areas, the army check-posts may or may not allow you. Do not plan your entire trip around this route unless you have confirmation from locals or recent travelers that the route is open.
5. Loma – Dungti – Koyul – Demchok – Umling La (129 km from Loma) ⚠️ RESTRICTED
Difficulty: Moderate (road-wise) but High (permit-wise) | Road Condition: Tarred for most part | Time: 6-7 hours from Loma
Well, there are lots of ifs and buts for following this route because you will need special permission from the army to visit beyond Fukche towards Koyul and Demchok. Demchok is a border village on Indo – Tibet/China border, and half of the village lies in Tibet/China while the other half lies in India. Hence, getting permission to visit this village as a civilian is extremely tough and can result in a waste of a day in case the army does not allow you to go beyond check-posts at Fukche or Koyul.
Not recommended for tourists: Unless you have strong army contacts or have obtained special written permission from the District Magistrate Leh, do not attempt this route. Most civilians are turned back at the first check-post.
Which Vehicle Should I Take to Umling La Pass?
Of course, higher ground clearance vehicles are preferable, and AWD or 4×4 ones will surely add much-needed comfort and peace of mind. The road ahead of Hanle towards Photi La and Photile has some tricky sections in between and then further to Umling La pass there are a couple of water crossings which could be nasty at times, especially later half of the day when snow melts faster.
I will highly recommend that you take high ground clearance vehicles if you wish to take the Ukdungle – Nurbula top route or even Loma – Koyul routes as those are all dirt tracks. I will keep my reservations for hatches and sedans going toward Umling La Pass as of now. Once BRO completes the road constructions and makes it fully tarred, it is better to then attempt Umling Pass on a hatchback or sedan. You should learn about the tips and tricks to drive on the rough roads in the Himalayas.
Recommended vehicles for Umling La in 2026:
- Best choice: Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Fortuner, Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Force Gurkha
- Good choice: Mahindra Bolero, XUV500, Hyundai Creta (with caution), Kia Seltos (with caution)
- Risky but doable (Photi La route only): Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Renault Duster, Hyundai Venue
- Not recommended: Hatchbacks (Alto, Swift, i10), Sedans (Dzire, City, Verna)
For bikers: Royal Enfield Himalayan and Classic 350/500 are the most common bikes on this route. KTM Adventure 390, BMW GS series, and Bajaj Dominar have also been successfully ridden to Umling La. Make sure your bike is serviced before the trip and carry essential spares.
Pro Tip: If you are doing a self drive to Umling La Pass and Leh – Ladakh, then make sure to read my article on 40 Must Have Things to Carry on a Self Drive Trip to the Himalayas
What is the Budget for Umling La Pass Trip?
The cost of visiting Umling La Pass depends on whether you are doing a self-drive, hiring a taxi, or going with a tour operator. Here is a detailed budget breakdown for 2026:
Self-Drive Budget (per person, group of 4)
- Car rental (Leh to Leh, 8-10 days): INR 25,000-40,000 total = INR 6,000-10,000 per person
- Fuel (approx 1,500 km total for Ladakh trip including Umling La): INR 12,000-15,000 total = INR 3,000-3,750 per person
- Accommodation (2 nights Hanle + 6 nights other places): INR 500-1,500 per night = INR 4,000-12,000 total
- Food (8-10 days): INR 500-1,000 per day = INR 4,000-10,000 total
- Permits & fees: INR 500-1,200
- Spare fuel & jerrycans: INR 500-1,000
- Oxygen cylinder rental: INR 500-1,000 per cylinder
Total per person: INR 18,500 to INR 38,000 (depending on comfort level)
Taxi Hire Budget (group of 4)
- Leh to Hanle to Umling La to Tso Moriri to Leh (4 days): INR 35,000-50,000 for SUV = INR 8,750-12,500 per person
- Accommodation, food, permits: Same as above (INR 9,000-23,200 per person)
Total per person: INR 17,750 to INR 35,700
You can check the latest Leh Ladakh taxi rates for detailed pricing.
What is the Recommended Itinerary for Umling La Pass?
To visit Umling La Pass from Hanle, I will highly recommend that you stay two nights in Hanle to make a trip to Umling La Pass from Leh. One day you can relax the night before visiting Umling La Pass at Hanle and the next morning leave early to give yourself ample time to visit Umling La Pass from Hanle.
It will also give you a chance to relax at Hanle and witness the mesmerizing beauty of Hanle and a star-studded night sky. Of course, an opportunity to capture shots of the Milky Way galaxy from your camera. Hence, I will recommend the following plan for the Umling La pass trip:
Day 1 | Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle (275 km, 9-10 hours)
- Start early from Leh by 6-7 AM
- Stop at Chumathang hot springs for a break
- Lunch at Nyoma
- Reach Hanle by evening (4-5 PM)
- Cover Hanle Monastery and Hanle Observatory
- Overnight at Hanle
Day 2 | Hanle – Photi La – Photile Village – Umling La Pass – Hanle (150 km round trip, 8-9 hours)
- Start extremely early, by 5-6 AM (this is critical for acclimatization)
- Reach Umling La Pass top by 9-10 AM
- Spend maximum 30-45 minutes at the top
- Descend immediately
- Return to Hanle by 2-3 PM
- If you are an adventure seeker and have experience in riding or driving on dirt tracks and bad roads, you can try to take the route from Ukdungle – Nurbula Top. A word of caution that this route is better to be only taken if you have skills to ride/drive in such terrain else stick to Photi La route which in comparison may be a little easier to ride/drive than Nurbula Top route.
- Overnight at Hanle
Day 3 | Hanle – Tso Moriri via Mahe (161 km, 5-6 hours)
- Start by 7-8 AM
- Reach Tso Moriri by afternoon
- Cover Korzok Monastery
- Overnight at Tso Moriri Lake
Day 4 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring – Taglang La – Rumtse – Upshi – Karu – Leh (220 km, 7-8 hours)
- Cover Tso Kar Lake and Taglang La (some part of Manali – Leh Highway)
- Reach Leh by evening
- Overnight at Leh
You can always refer to my most recommended and detailed itinerary for Leh Ladakh trip.
Where Can I Stay Near Umling La Pass?
As Umling La Pass is just a mountain top far away from civilization, the closest stay option or accommodation near Umling La Pass is at Hanle village where the stay will be available for tourists.
There is a well-known guest house in Hanle by the name Sonam Guest House which offers about ten rooms in all with a big dining room. Many of them have attached toilets and a few shared ones. It was also known by the name of Padma Homestay earlier. Sonam Dorjay is the guy who runs it while Padma is his wife.
Contact Details of Sonam Guest House, Hanle – Ladakh
- Contact Person: Mr. Sonam Dorjay
- Attributes: A very good friend of mine, knows Discover With Dheeraj and its vision very well, very down-to-earth local ready to support & help other locals of the village
- Contact Details: +91 9469224302 / sonamdorjay19@gmail.com
- Location: Hanle, Khaldo
- Pricing 2026: INR 800-1,500 per room per night (depending on season and room type)
Apart from this, you can stay at Milky Way Homestay or another recommended one Namdruk Homestay in Hanle by contacting +91-9419309751. Pricing for these homestays ranges from INR 700-1,200 per room per night in 2026.
Sonam Guest House Hanle, offers SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES to all the readers/followers of the Discover with Dheeraj website through our Destination Specialists. In order to avail the discounts, you can use the online booking form at the link: Book Here
What About Mobile Network and Emergency Communication?
The moment you leave Hanle village, you will lose any connectivity whatsoever to Umling La Pass and back. Recently, a BSNL phone tower has come up in Hanle, and at times phone connectivity is present in the village. However, do not rely much on it. There is one public satellite phone installed at a house in Khaldo village in Hanle. The home with a phone also offers homestay accommodation.
Emergency communication tips for 2026:
- Inform your homestay owner about your Umling La trip plan and expected return time
- Travel in a group of at least 2 vehicles if possible
- Carry a satellite communication device if you have access to one (Garmin inReach, Thuraya phone)
- Download offline maps before leaving Leh (Google Maps, Maps.me, OsmAnd)
- Army posts along the route can help in emergencies, note their locations
- GPS coordinates of Umling La top: 32.8729°N, 78.5731°E (for rescue purposes)
Where Are the Nearest Fuel Pumps to Umling La?
There is a new petrol pump now available at Tangtse, about 34 km before Pangong Lake. So, if you are coming from the Pangong side then that will be the petrol pump from where you should carry spare fuel.
The other petrol pump near Umling La is Karu (about 240 km) from Hanle and will come if you are coming to Umling La Pass from Leh. Nyoma has started getting fuel supply intermittently but do not rely on it.
You need to carry enough spare fuel with you to complete the trip. It also depends upon which route you are taking and add the required fuel based upon the added distance you need to travel from Hanle. Here is my fuel calculation for 2026:
- Leh to Hanle: 275 km, consume approx 25-30 liters (depending on vehicle)
- Hanle to Umling La and back: 150 km, consume approx 15-18 liters
- Hanle to Tso Moriri: 161 km, consume approx 15-18 liters
- Total fuel needed from Karu: 55-66 liters minimum
Recommendation: Fill your tank full at Karu (about 50 liters) and carry 2 additional jerrycans of 20 liters each (40 liters extra). This gives you a total of 90 liters which provides a safety buffer. You can read more about fuel availability in Leh Ladakh.
Karu is near Leh only, so no matter which route you opt for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri or Leh to Tso Moriri, you should carry some spare fuel. You may also find some fuel sold by villagers at Hanle or Chumathang as well but prices will be 1.5x to 2x of regular pump prices (INR 180-220 per liter in 2026).
What About Medical Facilities and ATMs?
As it is one of the remote places in Ladakh itself, you will not find anything major as medical aid near Umling La pass. You may need to visit the nearest primary care center at Hanle Village or Rhongo Village. Otherwise, army camps may help out in case of emergency medical aid. Hence, I highly recommend that you carry your medical kit for basic health issues and do not rely much on medical facilities near Umling La Pass.
There is an oxygen chamber up there at Umling La Pass but whether it will be functional or not will depend on your luck. Do not plan your trip assuming the oxygen chamber will be there.
The medical kit or first aid kit must always be present with you. Also, as you understand it is a very high altitude region, carrying an oxygen cylinder with you will be extremely helpful in dire circumstances.
ATMs: It is always better to carry cash with you from Leh as it has ATMs. Then in Nyoma, there is an ATM as well but it frequently runs out of cash. Carry at least INR 10,000-15,000 in cash for the Umling La trip to cover homestay payments, emergency fuel purchases, and food.
Where Can I Eat Near Umling La Pass?
There will be no proper eating place or food joint around Umling La Pass but there is a small cafe that BRO runs in season time. You may find some snacks and tea up there at the cafe but do not depend on it being open.
The nearest food you may get will be at army posts, local village dhabas at Koyul, Demchok, and of course, Hanle. I will suggest taking packed food from Hanle village and if you are staying at Sonam Guest House or Namdruk Homestay, then better ask them to pack food for you. They will pack parathas, boiled eggs, and some fruits for INR 200-300.
I will further advise that as a contingency for such a remote location, it is better to carry some spare food in case you get a little late somewhere due to roadblocks or landslides. Carry biscuits, dry fruits, energy bars, and chocolates in your vehicle.
You should always carry your own water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and you can help save the Himalayas too. 🙂 🙂
Can I Go to Tso Moriri from Hanle After Umling La?
After visiting Hanle and Umling La, you can opt to go towards Tso Moriri from where either you can go back to Leh, or you can exit towards Manali via Manali Leh Highway. There exist three routes to reach Tso Moriri from Hanle: one via Mahe bridge, another via Salsal La, and the Kyon Tso – Nidar – Nyoma route. Below is the route which you can follow to reach Tso Moriri from Hanle via Mahe bridge:
Hanle – Loma (51 km) – Nyoma (22 km) – Mahe (25 km) – Sumdo (10 km) – Tso Moriri / Korzok (53 km) = 161 km
The other route goes via Salsal La near Chumur, whose permits are hard to come by, but if you can get them, then nothing gets better and more adventurous on your Ladakh journey. Below is the route that you can follow to reach Tso Moriri from Hanle via Salsal La – Chumur village:
Hanle – Salsal La (62 km) – Charchagan La (23 km) – Tso Moriri / Korzok (60 km) = 145 km
Finally, you can also take the third route between Tso Moriri and Hanle as Hanle – Salsal La – Kyon Tso 1 – Kyon Tso 2 – Thitzorbit La – Nidar – Nyoma – Mahe – Tso Moriri. This route is very less frequented among all three routes we discussed to reach Hanle and the chances of getting stuck in the marshes of Kyon Tso twin lakes are pretty high.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umling La Pass
Is Umling La Pass really the highest motorable road in the world?
Umling La Pass at 19,024 feet was recognized by Guinness World Records as the highest motorable road in the world in 2021. However, as of 2026, a newer route called Mig La has technically claimed the #1 spot, making Umling La the second-highest. That said, Umling La remains the most accessible and well-documented extreme-altitude drive that civilians can regularly attempt.
Do foreigners need special permits for Umling La Pass?
As of 2026, foreigners and OCI card holders are subject to more restrictions compared to Indian nationals. While domestic tourists can travel freely to Umling La with just the environment fee payment, foreigners may face restrictions at check-posts due to the proximity to the India-China border. It is best to check with the DC Office in Leh before planning your trip.
Can I visit Umling La Pass in a sedan or hatchback?
I do not recommend sedans or hatchbacks for Umling La Pass as of 2026. The road conditions beyond Hanle include rough dirt patches, water crossings, and loose gravel sections that require high ground clearance. While the Photi La route is getting better each year, it is not yet fully tarred. SUVs with 4×4 capability are strongly recommended.
How many days do I need for Umling La Pass from Leh?
You need a minimum of 4 days for just the Umling La segment: Day 1 Leh to Hanle, Day 2 rest at Hanle, Day 3 Umling La day trip and return to Hanle, Day 4 Hanle to Tso Moriri or back to Leh. However, I strongly recommend adding proper acclimatization days before attempting Umling La, making it a 7-8 day trip from Leh.
Is there any accommodation at Umling La Pass top?
No, there is no accommodation at Umling La Pass. It is just a mountain top with a signboard and a small BRO cafe (not always open). The nearest accommodation is at Hanle village, 75 km away. You must return to Hanle the same day after visiting Umling La Pass.
What is the temperature at Umling La Pass?
Even in summer months (June to September), temperatures at Umling La Pass can range from 5°C to 15°C during the day and drop to -5°C to -10°C at night. Strong winds make it feel much colder. Carry warm clothing including windproof jackets, gloves, and woolen caps even if you are visiting in August.
Can I do Umling La Pass on a bike?
Yes, Umling La Pass can be done on a bike. Royal Enfield Himalayan, Classic 350/500, KTM Adventure 390, and other adventure bikes have successfully completed this route. However, you need to be an experienced rider comfortable with high-altitude riding, rough roads, and water crossings. Carry essential spares and tools.
What happens if I get altitude sickness at Umling La?
If you experience altitude sickness symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness, breathing difficulty) at Umling La Pass, descend immediately. Do not wait or try to tough it out. The only cure for severe AMS is descending to a lower altitude. Carry oxygen cylinders for emergency use. The nearest medical facility is at Hanle village or army posts along the route.
Conclusion
This region near Hanle and Umling La Pass in Ladakh UT offers one of the most beautiful landscapes that you will ever see within Ladakh. Hence, if you are planning a bit of an adventurous trip and not traveling with family, I will suggest surely including Hanle and Umling La Pass in your trip plan.
This region of Ladakh is still a bit secluded, offering a different feeling and aura. The journey to Umling La Pass is not just about reaching the top, it is about the entire experience of traveling through the cold desert landscapes of Changthang, acclimatizing properly, respecting the extreme environment, and returning safely.
Key takeaways for your 2026 Umling La trip:
- Acclimatize properly, minimum 6-7 days before attempting Umling La
- Take the Photi La route if you are a first-timer
- Travel in September for best conditions
- Use SUV/4×4 with high ground clearance
- Carry spare fuel, oxygen cylinder, warm clothing, and emergency food
- Start early (5-6 AM) from Hanle
- Spend maximum 30-45 minutes at the top
- Budget INR 18,000-38,000 per person for the complete trip
I hope this travel guide will be useful for your upcoming trip to Umling La Pass in 2026 and other places within Ladakh. If you are interested in knowing more about the highest roads and passes in the world, you can check my article on the top 13 highest motorable roads in the world.
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And by the way, for any questions you may still have about your Umling Pass trip, feel free to post them under Ask A Question section of our website or leave a comment under this article. In the end, if you have been to Umling La Pass, kindly share your thoughts and other information you feel is worth sharing with other fellow travelers and will help them plan their trips to this highest motorable road in the world.
Last Updated: February 2026
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39 Comments
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Hi dheeraj,
I am planning to expedite this entire region in second week of Aug. Pl suggest if the inner line permit allows me to go to Umingla Pass.. Waitng for your reply
Aman
No Aman, Umling La pass is not allowed to be travelled by civilians. Even with permits, if by chance you get it, you will not be allowed to go beyond Hanle.
I have made a route map for Hanle to Umling-la using google satellite. I can say for sure if this is legit.
you can find it in the following link.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nQ5L8OFhqWSycO9cdnQ2QAtVO7l_deq1&usp=sharing
I am a beginner at this so pardon any mistakes.
I will make sure I make a more accurate GPS route for this if I happen to go there on my cycle :).
Thank you, should be helpful to others
Just when I thought I would reach out to my TripAdvisor (helped me previously with Spiti and Pangi) ,for this new pass , I get to know that this pass has been closed for tourists 🙁 . When can we expect this to open , if any idea ?
Rahul, it will not be open soon for tourists or civilians anymore. At least there is no hope in this season, may be next season but I am doubtful for that too.
Unfortunate. Have you visited Mana Pass ? Im somehow unable to find any related post for Dungri La.
No personally I have not visited Mana Pass.
Sir can a civilian go to umlingla, with the permit of hanle, and can we travel to umlingla in July starting
No Ruthwik, as mentioned in the article, Umling La pass has been banned for civilians starting from this year.
Hi Mr Dheeraj need your help regarding umlingla
Please let me know what help do you need
I’m planning to go umling la via bicycle.
is that possible? is anyone go there by cycle?
As far as I know, no one has done it by bicycle but I believe it will not be possible because Umling la pass is 105 KMs away from Hanle which is the place where you get food and stay option. So, doing 210 KMs in a day will not be possible on a bicycle.
@JAHID – we have common interest about cycling to Umling La, as mentioned by @DHEERAJ SHARMA it is not possible at the moment but as a cyclist/bikepacker i personally think that it can be done by bringing food, water, tent etc.. You just need to camp half way through it then ride out next morning for another hundred km.
Visit to Umling La Pass has been banned for civilians starting this season.
Even I am planning to go to Umling-La by bicycle.
I am a local so I hope I can get a permit.
No civilians are allowed to go to Umling La Pass
Hi there Dheeraj.
We are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh region in late June, early July 2018 and 1 of the POI that we’d like to visit is Umling La. What’s the likelihood that Photi La & Umling La roads will be open around 2 July 2018? We will be travelling on rented motorcycles.
From your article about it looks like the round trip from Hanle to Umling La via Photi La, and then Umling La to Hanle via Ukdungle is possible in 1 day. Is that correct?
Thx heaps
There is very high probability that Photi La, as well as Umling La passes, are open by the first week of July. Yes, you can visit Umling La and come back to Hanle in a day. So, you will be spending two nights in Hanle.
Thx. Yes, 2 nights in Hanle. Hopefully the weather will be fine & we’ll be blessed with clear night skies. Do you recommend doing the round trip & going up via Photi La & returning via Ukdungle, or would it be easier to go up and back via Photi La?
The road status changes every year, best will be to consult the BRO workers or locals while going over from Photi La side. The Ukdungle route is mostly dirt road/off road as of now.
Hi, sir
July last wk is good for umling la pass ?
Yes, it should be fine to attempt in last week of July.
Very helpful info for our planning. Thanks
Browin
Thank you, glad this info was useful for you.
Hello dheeraj
I m planng to visit leh around 3rd of may 2018.dis will b my 2nd visit.
Dis tmy I plan are as follows…..
Delhi to manali
Manali to jispa
Jispa to pang
Pang to tso moriri
Tso moriri to hanle
Hanle to umling la
Umling la to hanle
Hanle to pangong tso
Pangong to leh
Leh to Kargil
Kargil to kashmir
Kashimir to jammu
Jammu to delhi.
I hv doubt on is it possble pang to tso moriri
N hanle n umling la.can online permit be mangeable?
Plz let me knw
I will not suggest you to make this plan as it is highly prone to AMS and also Manali – Leh Highway will not be open during that time. It will be much better to go from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side. You may not be able to do Umling La pass in early season as BRO will not have any incentive to clear the snow from it.
Julley,
I have planned the below road trip in rented bike
June 8 – Leh arrival flight and rest
June 9 – Leh – nubra
June 10 – Nubra to pangong
June 11- pangong to hanle
June 12 – Hanle unmingla hanle
June 13 – Hanle to Leh
June 14 – Leh to sarchu
June 15 – sarchu to manali
June 16 – manali rest and evening to delhi
1. I will rent a bike in Leh to roam Leh – nubra – pangong – hanle – unmingla – hanle – Leh
2. Can i take the same bike to manali or should i take a HP registered bike to manali from Leh
3. If I take a HP registered bike , how much should i pay for the one way trip. (Leh to manali) apart from daily rental charges? (any approximate cost ) Is it possible to pay only the rental charges as i will drop the bike in manali?
Thanks in advance
srinivasan G
Hey Srini,
I will highly recommend to add one day more of rest in Leh before moving to Nubra Valley. You must be acclimatized well before you start climbing and enter remote belt of Ladakh.
1. That is fine, you can refer: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
2. You can drop the bike at Manali but it will cost a lot of money for drop charges. Better go by shared taxi else if OK with cost like 12-15K for drop charges, go with it.
3. No HP bike will be available in Leh. Leh bike drop charges will be around 12-15K.
Also note, you are trying the tour in June when it will be snow on high mountain passes and highly likely the road to Umling La over Photi La will not be accessible.
Hi thanks for your reply
As the bike charges for dropping are more i will take a shared taxi.
But i heard shared taxi start at 2 or 3 am and do a one day ride to leh?
I dont wanna miss the visuals in the road?
will they do a two day ride to leh such that i will be able to c the places en-route?
If so how much will they charge. 3 of my friends are also accompanying me.
I will rest for one more day to acclimatize
if unmigla is not open i will try to do hanle karzok and karzok to leh instead
Well, you can opt for HPTDC bus as well thattakes a halt at Keylong. Also, many types of shared taxies run, one with travellers other with locals. The one with locals are the one that run that ways but you can find travel partners and make a trip with them.
Hi vargis ji.
Myself and 3 of my friends are planning a bike trip to cover manali – leh -manali. ( 2 bikes with pillion) The itinerary is below. Tell us whether it is feasible.
June 3 manali to sarchu
June 4 sarchu to leh
June 5 Leh to hanle
June 6 hanle – Umlingla – tsomorri
June 7 Tsomorri to Pangong
June 8 pangong to Nubra
June 9 Nubra to Leh
June 10 Leh to sarchu
June 11 sarchu to manali
1. Is hanle – Umlingla – tsomorri possible ? in one day
2. tsomorri to pangong in one day possible?
3. should i have buffer days???
4. We are first time riders in this route
Is this schedule ok or should i change the places – routes – and dates tooo????
Thanks in advance
Hey Sri,
Considering if I have never been to such route, I will avoid the hard core route like Umling La and that too too early to attempt in early June. Still you want to go about it, I suggest following
June 3 manali to sarchu
June 4 sarchu to leh
June 5 Leh rest day, inner line permits
June 6 Leh – Nubra Valley
June 7 Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso
June 8 Pangong Tso – Leh/Upshi
June 9 Leh/Upshi to Hanle
June 10 Hanle – Umling La – Hanle (provided spare fuel)
June 11 Hanle – Tso Moriri (provided spare fuel)
June 12 Tso MOriri – Sarchu (provided spare fuel)
June 13 Sarchu – Manali
I will recommend changing the dates to either July or September if possible
It will be much better that you check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of website. There had been about 600+ entries of the people planning their trips in last couple of seasons which helped them have better visibility for finding out travel partners. You can filter entries based on the preferences you have and increase chances of visibility. Hence, kindly explore DoW Travel Calendar and also post your entry too. This will help you find other fellow travellers looking for company and increase probability of finding your post by others too.
You can also post a DoW Travel Calendar entry by using the Main Menu and clicking on Submit New Event option in it. Here is the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/dow-travel-partners-calendar/
Well detailed one bhai. Thanks for this.I Really appreciate.
Thank you bhai for appreciating, yeah, it took some effort to come up with it 🙂
Very helpful & complete information.
Thank you bhai, glad you really found it helpful. Means a lot and ensures your hard work has paid off 🙂