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Crossing the Khardung La — India — Mountain
South Asia

Crossing the Khardung La

India

In short: Crossing the Khardung La is a 127 km mountain road trip in India, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in May – October. Highlights: Leh, South Pullu Check Post, Khardung La.

Distance
127 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
May – October
IconicHardSUV onlyMountainOff-road sectionsPermit required

Ladakh has more tricks up its sleeve than the drive in from Srinagar or Manali, a highway seemingly built from rock and ice struggles north across the 5,359 m Khardung La, said to be the world's highest motorable pass (at a similar elevation to Everest Base Camp). On the far side the Nubra Valley is a piece of suspended animation: a sandy basin dotted with Buddhist monasteries, sea buckthorn thickets, and occasional dromedary camels.

Practical notes
A permit from the Leh District Collector is required to cross Khardung La and should be obtained at least a day in advance. The road surface is rough and broken at altitude, with ice patches possible year-round near the 5,359 m summit. Altitude sickness is a real risk; acclimatise in Leh for at least two days first.
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Stops along the route

Leh — Departure — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Departure
Leh
The Ladakhi capital at 3,524m, a whitewashed town beneath a 9-storey palace ruin. Acclimatise two days before attempting Khardung La.
Hunder — Arrival — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Arrival
Hunder
Double-humped Bactrian camels roam sand dunes at 3,100m with the Karakoram rising behind them. The Silk Road made surreally tangible.

Things to Do

South Pullu Check Post — Landmark — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Landmark
South Pullu Check Post
The army checkpoint on the Leh side of the pass where Inner Line Permits are verified before the final climb to Khardung La.
Khardung La — Nature — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Nature
Khardung La
At 5,359m, one of the world's highest motorable passes. Prayer flags, army chai stalls, and views into the Shyok Valley far below.
Diskit Monastery — Landmark — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Landmark
Diskit Monastery
A 14th-century Gelugpa monastery above the Shyok-Nubra confluence, with a 32m Maitreya Buddha overlooking the valley's sand dunes.
Khardung La Souvenir Shop — Shopping — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Shopping
Khardung La Souvenir Shop
A small shop at Khardung La Pass offering souvenirs and memorabilia to commemorate your journey across one of the highest motorable roads.
Hunder Sand Dunes — Nature — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Nature
Hunder Sand Dunes
Unique white sand dunes in Hunder where visitors can enjoy camel rides and witness the stunning desert landscape amidst the mountains.
Shyok River Viewpoint — Scenic Viewpoint — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Scenic Viewpoint
Shyok River Viewpoint
A picturesque spot along the Shyok River offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Where to Eat

South Pullu Tea Stall — Tea Stall — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Tea Stall
South Pullu Tea Stall
A small tea stall at South Pullu Check Post offering hot beverages and light snacks, perfect for a quick break before ascending Khardung La.
North Pullu Dhaba — Local Diner — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Local Diner
North Pullu Dhaba
A modest eatery at North Pullu serving traditional Ladakhi meals, ideal for travelers descending from Khardung La.
Diskit Guest House Restaurant — Indian — Crossing the Khardung La — India
Indian
Diskit Guest House Restaurant
A restaurant in Diskit offering a variety of Indian dishes, providing a comfortable dining experience after visiting the monastery.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Crossing the Khardung La drive?

The Crossing the Khardung La covers 127 km from start to finish.

How long does the Crossing the Khardung La take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Crossing the Khardung La, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Crossing the Khardung La?

The recommended season for the Crossing the Khardung La is May – October.

Where does the Crossing the Khardung La start and end?

The Crossing the Khardung La runs from Leh to Hunder.

What are the main stops on the Crossing the Khardung La?

The Crossing the Khardung La passes through Leh, South Pullu Check Post, Khardung La.

How difficult is the Crossing the Khardung La to drive?

The Crossing the Khardung La is rated hard and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Crossing the Khardung La?

Yes — the Crossing the Khardung La includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Crossing the Khardung La?

Yes — the Crossing the Khardung La requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: A permit from the Leh District Collector is required to cross Khardung La and should be obtained at least a day in advance. The road surface is rough and broken at altitude, with ice patches possible year-round near the 5,359 m summit. Altitude sickness is a real risk; acclimatise in Leh for at least two days first.

Is the Crossing the Khardung La safe to drive?

A permit from the Leh District Collector is required to cross Khardung La and should be obtained at least a day in advance. The road surface is rough and broken at altitude, with ice patches possible year-round near the 5,359 m summit. Altitude sickness is a real risk; acclimatise in Leh for at least two days first.

What scenic tier is the Crossing the Khardung La?

The Crossing the Khardung La is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.