If you are into traveling and especially traveling to mountains, then you must have heard of terms like Highest Lakes in the world, Highest Motorable Mountain Passes in the world, Highest Motorable Roads in the world, and so on. Some of us must have dreamed of scaling the world’s highest roads or mountain passes one day after seeing others doing it or in the wake of our self-belief 🙂 🙂 …
Quick Info: As of 2026, Mig La Pass at 19,400 Ft (5,913 m) in Ladakh is the world’s highest motorable road, surpassing Umling La (19,024 Ft). India holds the top 4 spots on this list. Most of these passes are in Ladakh and require the Ladakh Environment & Development Fee (Rs 400/person + Rs 20/day + Rs 10 Red Cross/day as of 2026). A high ground clearance vehicle or SUV is recommended for all passes above 17,000 Ft.
If I drill down further into the niche of travel regions, those who travel within the Himalayas or in India must have come across one very popular spot in Ladakh claimed to be “The Highest Motorable Pass in the World, called Khardung La,” which is about 40 km from Leh. Well, that claim has been debunked multiple times now, and in this article, I will share the actual list of the highest motorable passes and roads in the world based on verified GPS and SRTM data. Keep in mind, this list has been updated for 2026 with the latest addition of Mig La Pass.
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Highest Motorable Roads or Mountains Passes infographic guide. If you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Is Khardung La Really the Highest Motorable Pass in the World?
The short answer is no. Many of us must have seen thousands of pictures over various websites and social media platforms with enthusiast travelers like us, including me, posing with the signboard of Khardung La Pass in Ladakh. We all have a great sense of achievement in our life being on the so-called “The Highest Motorable Pass in the world” 🙂 🙂 …
Well, frankly speaking, it is not a child’s play to travel approximately 18,000 feet from sea level and feel the top of the world. The thin air gives nightmarish situations if things get stuck at that altitude. If you are not aware of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it, I suggest you read about it before planning any high-altitude trip. However, for those of us who have scaled over Khardung La Pass and felt that we were on top of the world, I would like to pause here. I will break your heart a bit by wiping away the myths about the altitude of Khardung La Pass. Its title is falsely claimed to be the Highest Motorable Pass in the world. The actual altitude of Khardung La as per SRTM data is 17,582 Ft, not the 18,380 Ft claimed on the signboard.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to do a self drive to Ladakh, then make sure you are aware about the must have things to carry on a self drive trip to Ladakh. Also check out 7 useful tips for a self-drive to Leh Ladakh for first-timers.
What Exactly Is a Motorable Road or Motorable Pass?
Before going into the details of the world’s highest motorable passes or roads, we must first understand or settle on the meaning of “motorable pass or motorable road.” This is important because the ranking changes significantly depending on how strictly or loosely you define the term. A road or pass qualifies as motorable if:
- Any average experienced driver can drive or ride any car or bike like a hatchback, SUV, sedan, low-powered bike, high-power bike, etc. OR;
- Any average experienced driver can drive or ride an equipped motor vehicle such as only a 4×4 SUV, an ATB, or a hefty power bike, etc. OR;
- Any greatly expert driver can drive an equipped motor vehicle such as only a 4×4 SUV, or an ATB, etc.;
- Only army movement is allowed and is closed for civilians but still considered a motorable pass, or where anyone, at least a local native of that place can drive or ride over it with prior permits or permissions;
- Whether the road is metalled or tarred, or is it an unpaved road or dirt track with rocks on it but in drivable conditions at least for High GC vehicles or bikes, or the road is abandoned but once built.
So, you can see that the fact about being the highest motorable road in the world or the highest motorable pass in the world will depend upon how we define the motorable term.
How Do We Define It for This Article?
Hence, for the sake of brevity of this article, let us assume we define a motorable pass or motorable road:
As a road or pass where an average skilled local citizen / civilian driver or rider, with permits from army if required, can take an SUV car having high ground clearance (4×2 or 4×4) or an average powered motorbike irrespective of the fact whether the road is metalled / tarred or unpaved / dirt track as long as such a vehicle can be driven and maintain decent connectivity.
Also, to add to the myths, the data shown or written at most of these high mountain passes signboards or hoardings is not in compliance with the modern age technology GPS Devices or SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission). This observation is based on many reports over the Internet. Many people who have driven over these roads or passes with modern-age GPS systems have also found discrepancies. If you are interested, you can read more details of SRTM on Wikipedia.
What Are the Top 14 Highest Motorable Passes or Roads in the World?
Now, going by the above definition, let us brief ourselves with the Top 14 Highest Motorable Passes or Roads in the world whose altitude data points are measured in compliance with SRTM or with modern age GPS systems based on verified reports. I have linked the references at the bottom of this article. Keep in mind, 8 out of these 14 are in India, and 6 of those 8 are in Ladakh alone. That tells you how special the Ladakh region truly is.
1. Mig La Pass – 5,913 Mtrs or 19,400 Feet (NEW #1)
The newest entry on this list, and now officially the world’s highest motorable road. In October 2025, BRO (Border Roads Organisation) completed the road over Mig La Pass on the 64 km long Likaru – Mig La – Fukche road in eastern Ladakh, surpassing their own previous record at Umling La. Mig La sits at a staggering altitude of 19,400 Ft (5,913 m) in the Changthang Plateau, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The road was built under Project Himank and connects the Hanle region with the border village of Fukche. As of early 2026, this road is primarily used for strategic military purposes and civilian access may require special permits. The road has been designed to withstand harsh winters and shifting glaciers. However, unlike Umling La which is now freely accessible to tourists, Mig La is still in the early stages of civilian access. I will update this section as more clarity emerges on permits and accessibility for tourists.
2. Umling La or Umlingla Pass – 5,799 Mtrs or 19,024 Feet
Until October 2025, this was the undisputed world’s highest motorable road. In 2017, BRO built and opened the road over Umlingla Pass connecting Chisumle and Demchok villages. Umling La Pass is about 105 km from Hanle Village and about 235 km from Leh. Earlier, civilians were not allowed to travel to Umling La pass.
Everyone had to wait until 2021 when the army and administration started issuing the permits for Umling La. As of 2026, no permits are required to visit Umling La pass. You just need to pay the Ladakh Environment and Development Fee (Rs 400/person + Rs 20/person/day + Rs 10 Red Cross/day). Umling La also holds a Guinness World Record for the highest motorable road.
The route you can take is Hanle to Photi La Pass to Photile Village (57 km). Then follow the route from Photile Village to Umlingla Pass for about 50 km at an altitude of 19,024 feet. You will come across two bridges / water crossings while going to Umlingla Pass from Photile Village. There is another route from Ukdungle village as well, but it is more of a dirt track. If you are planning a trip to Umling La Pass, then you must read my comprehensive travel guide to the Umling La Pass trip.
3. Road to Uturuncu – 5,777 Mtrs or 18,953 Feet
The road to Uturuncu above col is situated in Potosi, Bolivia which used to be considered as the world’s highest motorable road at a staggering altitude of 5,777 Mtrs or 18,953 feet until India opened up Umlingla. This route has attracted many cyclists all over the world and is considered the highest cyclable road in the world. The road was built to service a sulfur mine.
However, if you live in India and have been to the high villages of Ladakh and Spiti, then by looking at the pictures of roads to Uturuncu, you can judge that such roads are driven mostly by many local natives as well as tourists who are experienced drivers in such terrains of trans-Himalayas. You can read more on Uturuncu on the wiki link. A landslide blocked the road for motor vehicles at 5,550 Mtrs a few years back, but the road was motorable from Quetena to the col between Uturuncu’s two summits at 5,760 m.
4. A Road Uphill Mana Pass or Dungri La – 5,610 Mtrs or 18,406 Feet
Mana Pass or Dungri La is situated at the border between Tibet and India in the state of Uttarakhand. Civilians, though native to India, with prior permits from the army can travel up there to reach India’s second-highest motorable road and the fourth-highest motorable road in the world (updated ranking after Mig La’s addition).
Mana Pass or Dungri La, in itself, is at an altitude of 5,545 Mtrs or 18,192 Feet which is less than the altitude of Marsimik La (number 5 below). However, as per the Mana Pass wiki link, “The well-graded gravel-dirt road is higher on the Indian side than the new road on the Tibetan side, and rises to 5,610 Mtrs (18,406 feet) on the Indian side of the border, 250 Mtrs west of the low point of the 5,545 meters (18,192 ft) Mana Pass.” Hence, it can be considered India’s second-highest motorable road based on the assumption that it is still open. If you are interested in the Mana Village area, do check my guide to Mana Village, the last Indian village.
5. Marsimek La or Marsimik La – 5,582 Mtrs or 18,313 Feet
Marsimek La or Marsimik La is situated in Ladakh, India where civilians, though native to India, with prior permits from the army can travel and scale this daunting pass at an altitude of 5,582 Mtrs. Getting a permit to Marsimik La is a little easier in comparison to getting a permit to Mana Pass or Dongkha La.
The road to Marsimik La bifurcates through Pobrang on the way to Pangong Tso Lake and is about 20 km from there at a steep climb. People have scaled Marsimik La in their ordinary SUVs (4×2) or average-powered bikes in the past. The altitude mentioned here is according to SRTM. But you may find different sources of altitude for this pass in various articles over the Internet.
Hence, you can say that Marsimek La or Marsimik La is the second-highest motorable mountain pass in the world (after Mig La and Umling La, which are technically high altitude roads, not passes, and assuming that the road to Uturuncu mentioned above is also not a pass).
6. Semo La – 5,565 Mtrs or 18,258 Feet
Semo La is situated in the central part of Tibet and sits at an altitude of 5,565 Mtrs or 18,258 Feet. According to the wiki link of Semo La, “Travellers use this route as an alternative access route to western Tibet and Mount Kailash, especially when mud makes access by the more southern route difficult.” Before the opening of Umling La, Marsimik La, and the road to Mana Pass or Dungri La, Semo La was quoted as the world’s highest motorable road to clear the myths that always surrounded Khardung La Pass 🙂
7. Photi La – 5,524 Mtrs or 18,124 Feet
Another entry from Ladakh, India. Photi La pass sits at an altitude of 5,524 Mtrs or 18,124 Feet. Photi La is about 40 km from Hanle in the Changthang region of Ladakh, further away from Tso Moriri Lake. This pass also falls on the route to Umling La, so if you are driving to Umling La from Hanle, you will cross Photi La first. As of 2026, no additional permit is needed for Photi La beyond the standard Ladakh Environment Fee.
Pro Tip: If you are looking forward to traveling to Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway, then do check our guide on planning a trip to Srinagar Leh Highway. For the Manali side, check our Manali – Leh Highway travel guide.
8. Dongkha La or Donkia La Pass – 5,486 Mtrs or 17,999 Feet
On number eight, we have Dongkha La or Donkia Pass situated at an altitude of 5,486 Mtrs or 17,999 Feet connecting Sikkim in India with Tibet. This pass is located in North Sikkim, and Tso Lhamo Lake or Cholamu Lake (14th highest lake in the world) is very near to it. Cholamu Lake is considered one of the origins of the Teesta River along with glacial lakes Khangchung and Gurudongmar Lake.
The Indian Army controls this pass, and you need special permits to visit it. Similar to the Mana Pass permit, it is hard to get the permits due to the proximity of this pass with the Tibet border. Also, the roads are not the best in shape towards this pass, so a High GC vehicle, preferably a 4×4, is required with good driving skills.
9. Kaksang La – 5,438 Mtrs or 17,841 Feet
Next in the list, we have another lesser-known entry by the name “Kaksang La” pass which is situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh at an altitude of 5,438 Mtrs or 17,841 Feet. It comes on the route from Mahe to Nama – Chusul – Pangong Tso when going over Hora La Pass which comes first as you start ascending from Mahe ahead of Chumathang near Tso Moriri.
On this route from Mahe to Nama – Chusul – Pangong Tso, there are two amazingly beautiful lakes by the names of Yaye Tso and Mirpal Tso as well which will take your soul away by their first sight itself. As of 2026, there are no Inner Line Permits needed for domestic tourists to visit these routes in Ladakh. You just need to pay the Environment and Development Fee. If you want to explore the DoW Maps of Ladakh and Changthang, they will help you plan this route better.
10. Suge La – 5,430 Mtrs or 17,815 Feet
Suge La is situated at an altitude of 5,430 Mtrs or 17,815 Feet in Tibet, about 110 km northwest of Lhasa. The road to the top is in decent condition, and after reaching the top, you get an amazing view of Chomo Gangtse mountain which stands at an altitude of 7,048 Mtrs. This pass is relatively less documented compared to the Indian passes on this list.
11. Chang La – 5,360 Mtrs or 17,586 Feet
Surprise, surprise, surprise !! 🙂 🙂 … Well, yeah, those of you who have been to Ladakh will be surprised to know that the Chang La pass is higher than Khardung La too as per the readings in compliance with SRTM or with modern-age GPS systems. Chang La is on the way to the majestic Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, India. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year as soon as the season in May – June starts after the opening of the Manali – Leh Highway or Srinagar – Leh Highway.
Since Leh has connectivity through the air as well, nowadays loads of tourists have also started visiting frozen Pangong Tso over snow-buried Chang La pass in winter too. Do not miss a black tea or tomato soup up there at the Canteen. You can read more about how to plan a trip to Pangong Tso Lake if you are planning to cross this beautiful pass.
12. Khardung La – 5,359 Mtrs or 17,582 Feet
Number twelve on the list is the falsely claimed highest motorable pass in the world named Khardung La pass, situated in Ladakh, India at an altitude of 5,359 Mtrs or 17,582 Feet. I am thankful for the stars that at least it made it in the Top 14 on this list after having so much hype around 😉 😀 …
Thousands of tourists travel every year to this mountain pass, and I assume that it may be one of the most clicked passes in the world for sure with maybe thousands of photographs produced every year by tourists over the Internet who visit Ladakh. Almost everyone who visits Ladakh does visit Khardung La pass and gets a picture clicked up there with its signboard. Khardung La is the gateway to Nubra Valley and is crossed by every tourist heading towards Diskit, Hunder, or Turtuk.
Almost all kinds of bikes or cars have traveled up there as the ascent is not that treacherous compared to some other even less altitude passes. Do not miss a black tea or tomato soup up there at the Canteen similar to Chang La. You can also get some souvenirs from the “world’s highest motorable road” shop up there at Khardung La 🙂 🙂
13. Taglang La or Tanglang La – 5,328 Mtrs or 17,480 Feet
The second last on the list is Taglang La or Tanglang La pass at an altitude of 5,328 Mtrs or 17,480 Feet which is located in Ladakh, India. It comes on one of the most beautiful and adventurous roads in the world, that is the Manali – Leh Highway. It is one of my favorite passes in Ladakh. The feeling of riding up Tanglang La on a motorcycle is something else, my friend.
Like Khardung La, Taglang La is also incorrectly claimed to be the second-highest motorable pass in the world. However, now you are aware of what exactly the order of Chang La, Khardung La, and Taglang La is 🙂 🙂
14. Wari La – 5,312 Mtrs or 17,428 Feet
Last on the list is a desolate pass situated in Ladakh, India which is connecting the direct route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso and falls at an altitude of 5,312 Mtrs or 17,428 Feet. The climb to Wari La is so desolate that one can feel completely disconnected from the civilized world, especially when traversing the route from Agham village to Sakti village at the base of Chang La pass. Not even a single human soul to spot in miles. It is one of my favorite passes that I have ever been to.
Keep in mind, BRO does not prioritize Wari La, so road conditions can be unpredictable. A high ground clearance vehicle or a sturdy motorcycle is a must. I would only recommend this route to experienced drivers who have already done at least one Ladakh trip before. You can read more about the Nubra to Pangong direct route in my detailed guide.
Honourable Mention: Shipki La Pass in Himachal – 4,268 Mtrs or 14,000 Feet
Shipki La Pass is situated at the border between Tibet and India in the state of Himachal. Civilians are not allowed to travel up to Shipki La, and getting a permit from the army to travel to it is extremely difficult. The wiki does not have the correct altitude noted for this pass. DB has mentioned in the comments section below that they consistently measured Shipki La pass to be around 14,000 feet odd only. His comments prove my apprehensions were correct 🙂 …
So, it seems that Internet references require a lot of corrections. Taking it out of the main list and keeping it as an honourable mention as originally posted.
How Many of the World’s Highest Passes Are in India?
As of 2026, 8 out of the top 14 highest motorable passes/roads in the world are in India. Out of those 8, a remarkable 6 are in Ladakh alone (Mig La, Umling La, Marsimik La, Photi La, Kaksang La, and Wari La, plus Chang La, Khardung La, and Tanglang La if you go further down the list). Mana Pass / Dungri La is in Uttarakhand, and Dongkha La is in Sikkim. This makes India, and specifically Ladakh, the undisputed capital of high-altitude motorable roads in the world.
If you are planning a trip to experience these passes firsthand, I suggest you check our Ladakh itinerary by air or the Manali – Leh Highway guide to start planning. For fuel availability on these remote roads, do read the fuel availability guide for Ladakh.
What About Other High Roads in China, Tibet, and South America?
There may be many higher motorable roads or passes built up in China / Tibet / Andes like Ojos del Salado (6,646 Mtrs), Aucanquilcha (6,176 Mtrs), road to Luo La (5,593 Mtrs), Bodpo La (5,767 Mtrs), Jang Rang La (5,761 Mtrs), and others mentioned in the reference links below. But whether or not they were still motorable roads in the recent past is still not clear because most of them are either abandoned or not allowed for travel.
Hence, as per the definition we settled on in the article above, I am just enlisting them here for some remaining unknown or unclear myths and facts even on the above list too 🙂 🙂 …
What Safety Precautions Should You Take at High Altitude Passes?
Traveling to any pass above 17,000 Ft is not something to take lightly. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Acclimatize properly: Spend at least 2 days in Leh (11,520 Ft) before attempting any high-altitude pass. Read my detailed guide on AMS prevention and acclimatization.
- Carry oxygen: An emergency oxygen cylinder is a must for passes above 18,000 Ft, especially Umling La and Mig La.
- Fuel planning: There is no fuel pump beyond Hanle on the Umling La route. The nearest fuel is at Karu (Leh side) or Hanle. Carry extra fuel if doing the Changthang circuit.
- Vehicle check: A high ground clearance SUV (4×2 or 4×4) is recommended. Sedans can do Khardung La and Chang La but should not attempt Marsimik La, Umling La, or Mig La.
- Weather window: Most of these passes are accessible only from late May to early October. Always check the road status before departing.
- Mobile coverage: There is zero mobile coverage at most passes above 17,500 Ft. BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage in Ladakh overall, but do not expect a signal at the pass itself.
Conclusion
So, next time you think or say to anyone that you have been to Khardung La, which is the highest motorable pass in the world, then you know how many more passes or roads are still left for you to scale before feeling you have been to the top in the world by a motor vehicle 😉 😉 …
Now you know where you need to drive, ride, or pedal to reach the top of the world. Feel free to share this valuable information with all the travel freaks you admire or know. In the end, all I will say is that there is this travel bucket list for you that I have shared above, so start planning a trip to them, at least those which are in our Indian Himalayas in case you do not feel like going abroad 😀 😀
I hope this updated list of the world’s highest motorable passes and roads was helpful in clearing the myths. If you have any questions, suggestions, or corrections, feel free to post them in the comments section below. I will be happy to hear from you. Also, if you know your friends or family are planning a road trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them. For other details about traveling, discussions, and queries, please go through the DwD Community 🙂 …
Again, download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Highest Motorable Roads or Mountains Passes infographic guide. If you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
References Articles
Special thanks to the people/authors/sources mentioned in the below reference articles which have written about the highest motorable roads. Some of them collated data from various reports on the Internet and some cycled with their latest GPS devices and shared those readings all over the Internet in these articles.
- Wikipedia – Extreme Points of Earth
- Wikipedia – Mig La Pass
- Viewfinder Panoramas – Highest Pass List
- Passzwang – High Roads List
- Dangerous Roads – Highest Motorable Road Passes
Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the highest motorable pass in the world in 2026?
As of 2026, Mig La Pass at 19,400 Ft (5,913 m) in Ladakh, India is the world’s highest motorable road. It was completed by BRO in October 2025 on the Likaru – Mig La – Fukche road. However, civilian access to Mig La may be restricted. For tourists, Umling La Pass at 19,024 Ft is the highest motorable road that is freely accessible without special military permits.
Is Khardung La really the highest motorable pass in the world?
No. Khardung La’s actual altitude as per SRTM and GPS measurements is 17,582 Ft (5,359 m), not the 18,380 Ft claimed on its signboard. It ranks 12th on the list of world’s highest motorable passes. The confusion comes from the incorrect altitude data displayed on the signboard at the pass, which has been there for decades.
Do I need a permit to visit Umling La Pass?
As of 2026, no Inner Line Permit is required for Indian domestic tourists to visit Umling La Pass. You need to pay the Ladakh Environment and Development Fee which is Rs 400/person + Rs 20/person/day + Rs 10 Red Cross contribution/day. Foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). You can read the detailed Umling La travel guide for complete information on permits and routes.
How many of the world’s highest motorable passes are in India?
India holds 8 out of the top 14 spots on the list of the world’s highest motorable passes and roads. These include Mig La, Umling La, Mana Pass (Dungri La), Marsimik La, Photi La, Kaksang La, Dongkha La (Sikkim), and several others. Six of these are in Ladakh alone, making it the undisputed capital of high-altitude motoring in the world.
What is the difference between a motorable pass and a motorable road?
A motorable pass refers to a mountain pass that has a road crossing over it. A motorable road refers to any road at high altitude that vehicles can drive on. For example, Umling La is technically a road that crosses a high-altitude pass. The distinction matters because some entries on this list (like the road to Uturuncu in Bolivia) are roads going to a high point, not necessarily crossing a mountain pass between two valleys.
Can I drive a sedan to Khardung La and Chang La?
Yes, sedans and hatchbacks can drive to both Khardung La and Chang La, though cautiously. The roads to both passes are reasonably well-maintained by BRO. However, for passes above 18,000 Ft like Marsimik La, Umling La, and Mig La, you definitely need an SUV with high ground clearance. I would also recommend carrying a self-drive essentials kit regardless of which pass you are attempting.
What is the best time to visit these high-altitude passes?
The best window is late May to early October. June and September are ideal because the weather is relatively stable and all roads are typically open. July and August bring monsoon rains which can cause landslides, especially on the Manali – Leh Highway. Keep in mind, passes like Umling La and Marsimik La are at extreme altitudes, and even in summer, temperatures can drop below zero at night.
75 Comments
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Though Indian army has built up to 9300′ but riders of BRC Pune including a lady biker achieved and reached up to 18953′ where the board of 24BN ITBP is there. Shruti Singh is name of the Lady biker who recently completed her US 66 route solo ride. See her Instagram GIRL.ON.HIMALAYAN. I could have post her photo but you can get from BRC Pune.
dheeraj vai, is Umling La open for all now?
Umling La pass is open but right now should be closed of snow. You can go to Hanle with a permit and then travel to Umling La from there. The detailed travel guide is linked in the article above.
Hi there Dheeraj,
As a foreigner, what’s the highest motorable road I’ll be able to travel to on a motorcycle in the Ladakh region, without special permission from the Army : Chang La or Marsimek La?
Thx heaps
It will be Chang La, that will be the highest motorable road you can take.
One of the best and unbiased information i must say.
It was like a whole new knowledge for me after reading this…..
Congratulation Mr.Deepak and thankyou.
Thank you Amit.
Seems like the incorrect readings of Shipki La’s height is corrected in Wikipedia. Now Shipki La’s height is shown as 4,750 m (15,584 ft) in WikiPedia. However if we search in Google as “Shipki La, Wiki” it still shows that 18999ft height 🙂 . Now its clear that Shipki La isn’t highest motorable road 🙂
That is good to know finally 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
On my recently completed trip to Leh, I crossed couple of high mountain passes on my way, but there was no signboard of signify there names, One was from sumdo to karzok (tso moriri) and there was another one from Karzok ( Tso Moriri) to Tso Kar. Both of them were more than 5000 mtr, but I could not find out there names. Hope you can help me with them.
Hi Sunil
They are Namashang La at an altitude of about 5300 Mtrs just before Kiagar Tso lake after crossing Sumdo and the other Polakongka La Pass pass at an altitude of 4966 Mtrs
Oh great…thanks..just makes a lot more fun knowing what you have done……driving through that terrain was fun…it was snowing that morning when we crossed it….some memorable clicks…
Wonderful Sunil, how about sharing some pictures with us or a brief travel tale with us.
Also, I know the tittle talks about the highest passes, but somehow I still want to mention Zoji la. I did cross a few passes on my trip, Khardungla, Chang La, Barlacha La, Tanglang La apart from the two you helped me with, but somehow Zoji has still captured my mindset the most. The high adrenaline access road and the beautiful scenery awaiting you once you reach the top…I don’t know but that was unbelievable in every sense.
Again I know it might be out of context on this page, but just wanted to mention it….
I completely agree with you Sunil, Zojila is one hell of a pass !! In fact, I have always loved Taglang La among all other passes I have been to so far.
Sure I’ll love to share it…Please let me know how?
You can read the step by step guide for posting the travel tale here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-tales/how-write-travel-tale-t3.html
Thanks.. Great feedback.. Now planning to to go to Bolivia to scale the highest motorable road..
Best of luck 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I’d like to congratulate you on your unbiased, informative and well-researched post.
However, I was at Shipki-La in 2015, and had the privilege of visiting the border itself (beyond which was no-man’s land, and then Tibet/China), accompanied by the Indian Army. We measured the altitude on multiple smartphones and a GPS watch, and it was consistently under 14,000 feet (I don’t remember the exact figure).
I know a smartphone isn’t the last thing in terms of GPS accuracy, but the rest of the measurements we took (at Rohtang, Kunzum, Chandertal etc.) were reasonably close to the claimed figures (within a hundred feet).
That said, the pass itself is glorious, and the army bunkers at the end of the road overlook a gorgeous range of mountains, most of which are in Chinese territory. Absolutely stunning.
Best regards,
db
PS – If you search for Shipki La on http://elevationmap.net/ and then zoom out and follow the road till the border, the elevation contours suggest around 4100m.
Exact location of Shipki-La (end of road) 31.826906471658255 N, 78.72334957122803 E
Thank you, DB for the suggestions. This proves my doubt too. I could not believe it as well and your findings prove my apprehensions were correct. It never looked like that much when I tried to go up though we returned after few KMs of Namgia Village. Wish one day will visit the region.
I will make the necessary amendment and link it back. I no longer need to update the picture now 😉
Thanks for the superfast response, Dheeraj 🙂
Thanks to you, article is updated as well 🙂
New Highest Motorable Road : Umilng la ( 19,000ft ) . Just watched its video in YouTube ( By Xtreme Moto Adventures ) . Umling La is in Ladakh between Chisumle and Demchok near Hanle
Thanks for the reminder, I need to update the blog post with it just got off my mind :).
Umling La pass is about 105 KMs from Hanle Village. If you have a permit to visit Hanle, then there is no extra permit required and if you are coming from Koyul side then you need to have a permit for passing Koyul as well. Refer DoW Maps for Hanle and Koyul routes: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang
The route you can take is Hanle to Photi La Pass to Photile Village (57 KMs) and then follow the route from Photile Village to Umlinga La pass for about 50 KMs at an altitude of 19300 feet. You will come across two bridges/ water crossings while going to Umlingla Pass from Photile Village. There is another route from Ukdungle village as well but it is more of a dirt track only all the way except few KMs.
The article has been updated with Umling La. I will write a detailed post with GPS coordinates of Umling La and how to reach Umling La in coming days. Thanks for reminders !!
Hi thanks for this article…I’ve seen many videos of what is claimed to be the highest motorable road (Khardung La – Manali to Leh) in the world and I think that apart from thinking they are reaching such a target, most people take this trip because of the beautiful scenery. If you had to choose, which of the above roads would you consider offering the best experience in terms of the scenery, experience of riding etc?
My boyfriend and I will be travelling on our own adventure bike later on this year and were thinking of doing this. We will get to India mid September. Do you think we will be risking finding this road closed? Do you recommend we choose another route?
Hello Deborah,
I will still suggest the roads in Ladakh are much beautiful than the actual destination and hence, will not shy away from the trip to Khardung La and Chang la if I have never been to these places. September is a very good time to visit Ladakh and you should be able to enjoy the journey with less tourists around you and vibrant colors of nature in Ladakh. There isn’t any risk of finding road closed in September.
Great article but unfortunately it just shredded the truth of my stories about having traveled the highest motorable passes in the world: It’s obvious I have not.
Oh well, my stories about Ladahk and my travels there make for good conversation with friends and family, so I’ll just keep telling them I have traveled them anyways, and hope they never question me, nor learn the truth!
Cheers, and Happy New Year!
Ted Spirakis
USA
Thank you Ted and yeah, I know it has happened to many of us too. Wish they had more accurate instruments at the time of installing those boards. But, like I said the above list is also not so accurate as there could be many unnamed or unknown passes still left.
Since, you have been to these places even getting to these places is not a joke and take some beating.
Very very Happy New Year to you too 🙂
Why is Shipki La not even in the list? I guess it is the highest motorable road in the India. It is an altitude of 5,669 m (18,599 ft) on the India-China border. The border is no longer open for non-residents but is motorable and is used by the Army.
Yes, Navneet already pointed out in comments below, some confusions up there and hence it did not make up to the list. It will be soon.
Donkia La Pass is not a motorable road for sure. Can you please mention any example where it has been showed as such?
bhai you missed Shipki La here. It is at an altitude of 5,669 m (18,599 ft) and is motorable 🙂
Navneet bhai, I highly doubt on the elevation of Shipki La pass. It does not seem to be that high. Need to go through some facts here but yeah never realized if that could be at that height. I have went up to Namgia village and from there Shipki La is just 20 KMs. It was not even around 3200 Mtrs at that stage where Namgia is. So, let’s check out and update this article 😀
Damn your “Paar ki Nazar” 😉
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipki_La
dangerousroads.org/asia/india/1238-shipki-la-india.html
tarungoel.in/2012/06/26/shipki-la-the-road-less-traveled-the-permit-story/
Yeah bhai, it seems like so. Citing these references will add this, seems like even by knowing and almost going up there, never realized it to be that high 😀 😀
Seriously saying, even I did not know that but then I read an article which mentioned this. I did some research online ad found that to be true.
Here are a few more links.
thinkingparticle.com/blog/shipki-la-himachal-pradesh
pmfias.com/major-passes-india-himalayas-indian-sub-continent-khyber-pass-gomal-pass-bolan-pass-banihal-pass-shipki-la-nathu-la-jelep-la/
However I found another link which says that that “On India’s side, the Shipki La Pass is 15,000 foot tall.”
Sharing that link too. But this is the only link which says that and I dont know which one to believe.
mapsofindia.com/mountains/passes/the-shipki-pass.html
Theek bhai, I will add this to the list. But let’s carry the GPS sometime on our trip to find it out correctly 😀
Navneet bhai, have updated the list but still would like to go up there and verify about the altitude. Next time you plan, do take the altimeter to note its altitude 😉
I have gone through the article. You have mentioned that road to Uturuncu in Potosi, Bolivia as the highest motor able road in the world. But So far I know, it is not motor able. One can approach by cycle only in some stretch of this road. Mana pass though consider as motorable but can not approach by four wheeler. After one Km. from MANA village, the road is not approachable safely by a four wheeler. The motorable road should be that road which can be approached by a four-wheeler safely. Therefore this article requires to be modify as per the actual road condition.
Thank you Mukta. Please read the details provided in the article about Uturuncu, especially the last line. If you have been there after 2013 or have a valid source after that road conditions, I Will update the article.
Regarding Mana Pass being not motorable by car and by bikes only?? Well, we call them motorbikes, isnt? Some of the roads trucks cannot climb, so should we say there are not motorable. Also, as I clearly said in the article there is too much subjectivity with the word motorable, so given one’s baseline the data is above in the article. I have been to many of them above and most of them Photi La, Kaksang La have roads that puts heart in your mouth. Same is true for Mana pass and I also know friends who have done Mana pass by both bikes as well as cars 🙂
hello, I would like to know in which of above mentioned routes Army permits are required and what is the procedure for that, If you could ans in detail then it will be of great help. tanmaypisolkar@gmail.com plz drop me a mail.
Tanmay, where are you planning to travel? Ladakh or Sikkim or Uttarakhand?
Ladakh and uttarakhand
Recently, I have been to these terrains and extremely thrilled. The vehicle I drove was Endevour Ford. I don’t know how you can drive a sedan or a small car and be comfortable, as mentioned above. Highest points conquered……wow…
Ashish, it has been 7 years driving my dzire up there on these roads, the thrill is different 😉
Khardung La is 18380 feet, but, you mentioned 17582 ?
Its only 17582 as per survey by GOI and the claims of 18380 ft is actually false.
You have written a encyclopedia on Ladakh and now the highest navigable roads in the World. Mr Dheeraj.Sharma you have thankfully set the World records right regarding the highest mountain roads and hope the same is corrected on the tourist sign posts that are now all over the Internet.I was surprised to read that “Chang La” road is at a higher elevation than ” Khardung La” pass .Any way its not everyday that we humans traverse through some of the 12 highest motorable roads in the World and anxiously awaiting to travel over these mountain passes on my visit to Ladakh in July 2016.
Very true Rudolph, the joy is to enjoy this journey and even though these are not the highest motorable roads but passing by them is a proud moment in itself in one’s life.
Hi Dheeraj,
Great.
Good information. to know.
I recently visited Gangtok(North SIkkim too). Have visited Ladakh twice.
Most of the tourists are not aware of basic etiquettes. and so sad.. many of them are educated.
Ex: Throwing plastic bottles, plastic covers etc on road(literally wherever they want to throw).
And, at NJP railway station, there was a train with many CRPF staff(Going for an election duty, I guess).
I felt very bad after seeing them, doing similar things. (Throwing almost everything on railway platform).
I observed, there were few dustbins and really empty even after the train left(I believe, There were about 1000+ CRPF members in that train).
“No plastic campaign” is very much needed to keep the places clean(The high passes, where more people might start visiting).
Just similar to Dow causes, it would be good if “No plastic”/keep it clean awareness is available in DoW website.
Thanks,
– Rohith
Hi Rohith,
Thank you for suggesting it brother, I am moving this post under the thread of DoW Causes Feedback. We would definitely build somethign around it.. Yes, the heart bleeds to see such sad state of tourist mindset everywhere.
Marsimik is higher
xbhp.com/talkies/general-biking-discussion/33059-highest-motorable-passes-world.html
Dungri La (Mana Pass) gets an elemation of 18,406 ft on SRTM where as Marsimik La gets an elevation of 18,314 ft on SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission). So, Dungri La (Mana Pass) is higher than Marsimik La. Moreover, Dungri La is the Highest Motorable Mountain Road in World and Marsimik La is the highest Motorable Mountain Pass in World. 🙂
Mersmik la is 5620 mts….. As per my GPS on samsung mobile
@Dow
Whats your opinion on this? http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/highestpass.html
That is already covered in the article 🙂 …
Do we need to take permit to reach Mana pass ? We are planning to next week there in 4 wheeler. If permitted till where we can go ?
I read somewhere we need to take permission at SDM office, Joshimath and few places people suggested from Army.
Please suggest, what has to be done for this ?
Yes, you need to take permits and AFAIK, only army can allot permits for it.
I have a asome pick of ladaks on my sweet alto , no body goes to ladak by alto car (kanpur to delhi to ladakh )
If u interested send me mail
Hey iam planning to visit at leh in 1st week of Aug will u plz tell me will I get snow fall there while travelling anywhere?
Manish, snow will be present in just remains during that time.
Hey. I had messaged you a month ago about visiting leh. Now i am facing a problem. I wanna visit ladakh on the 12th of june. First of all how are the weather conditions out there?
I have a return ticket from leh to mumbai with a halt at srinagar on 24th. I need at least 12 days. But if i check the rates of mumbai to leh air tickets its about 20k. And thats way too expensive. please tell me the alternative ways to travel to leh on 12th june.
Sorry halt at amritsar* Please help me out with the same
Chirag, can you please share your travel plan from Mumbai to Delhi and then from ex. Delhi how many days do you have? Can you fly to Srinagar or fly out of Srinagar?
Can i share on fb with your name in courtesy.
Nikhil, please share the article link and we would be happy with any sharing 🙂 🙂
okay I sound sheepish you guys have listed it at 10th 🙁
But why have you guys not listed Khardungla in the list at whatever place you feel it rightly fits??
Like you already spotted, it is there but unfortunately not on 1 but on 10 😀
Now that you’ve penned it down, we soon have to start a “Save the Dungri La! Save the Marsimik La” campaign!
Ha Ha Ha, Madhu, spot ON but it ain’t that easy to get permits for Mana Pass and Marsimik La, many people may not travel I believe as they get more attracted by the beauty of Pangong Tso first 😀
Very true Dheeraj. 🙂
We just hope that it skips the eyes of Travel Magazines and above all else movies. There seems no explanation needed on how our hearts bleed when we even think about what happened to Holy Pangong post 3 Idiots. I haven’t been there in the past 2-3 years, but i can have a fair idea after learning from friends here & elsewhere. Everyone today is so reluctant to go to Off-Beats, that’s not a problem. But they wanna go Off Beats to freak out. That’s the problem. That’s one reason why I personally want most places to be kept secret or their access made really difficult. Some places are better left unknown than destroyed. That’s just my opinion.
The hysterical crowd going there and shredding those sanctuary’s virginity is one thing. But the deeper problem is, once something gets the crowd’s attention, so will it attract the commercial establishments’ attention as well. After that the Super Rich Mob will wanna own a piece of land there. That puts a greater risk for the locals there in most cases, most of them have to move out & above all else, the sustainability of that spot becomes a big question mark.
Given the nature of Mankind, we just keep taking more and more until that place says “I have nothing more to give” and move to the next.
Permissions et al are just only for a matter of time. Once the Govt knows there is revenue, it would relax anything. For eg., we know over half of Pangong belongs to China & we have access to it without even an inner line permit. Kargil, Natu La and even parts of Baramula, we can just get there.
I’m sure you won’t take it as I’m critiquing the article Brother. But the real issue here is, you and me journey to the Himalayas to get humbled. But the irony is, not everyone does so. They’d go any far to give them an ego boost.
In 100% agreement with you brother !! You have cracked the bottom line… Just hope that things remain good and roads remain as difficult as today so that it is not an easy access to everyone. I am very happy that army has controlled the movement through Chusul road too and Hanle, this will protect them for much longer period.