khardung la pass

Khardung La Pass Ladakh: Details Information you should know

You are looking to know more about Khardung La Pass in Ladakh. And searching on the internet for authentic information about the destinations of Ladakh like Khardung La Pass.

Don’t worry, I am here to guide you by providing authentic information about Ladakh’s art, culture, and destinations. I stay in Ladakh and have visited all the regions of Ladakh and I have full knowledge about Ladakh.

Either you are a tourist, a student, or any normal person who wants to learn more about Khardung La Pass in Ladakh. I will provide you with the authentic insights of Ladakh.

Khardung La Pass or Khardungla?

The word “Khardung” is the name of a mountain in Ladakh and the name of the mountain is usually named after the nearest village or region in Ladakh, the word “La means pass in Ladakhi and Tibetan Language. So, Khardung La Pass or Khardungla what is its real name? its actual name is “Khardungla” and its literal meaning is Khardung Pass.

Khardung La Pass Located

Khardung La is located in the north of Leh, in the union territory of Ladakh. It is a mountain that comes in the Ladakh Mountain Range. Which is approximately 38 kilometers from Leh Market. If you start your journey from Leh market to Khardungla top, it will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes depending upon weather and traffic conditions.

Khardung La Pass connects

khardungla pass connects Nubra Valley

Khardung La Pass is considered strategically very important for the Indian army because Khardung La Pass connects Nubra Valley and Siachen Glacier to rest of the India.

It was built in 1976 to hold the position against Pakistan and China. After 13 years the road was opened to the general public in 1988. It is not only strategically important for India but it is also important in terms of tourism for Ladakh.

Khardung La Pass Altitude/Height

I have read many article that claims that Khardung La Pass is the world’s highest motorable road. But it’s not true. Because the elevation/altitude is just 5,359 m (17,582 ft) above sea level. There are many Passes which are above Khardung La.

It is true when the road was built back then in 1976, Khardung La Pass was the world’s highest motorable road. Now many roads have been constructed by the Border Road Organization (BRO) which surpasses Khardung La Pass as the world’s highest motorable Road.

Khardungla Pass Oxygen Level

khardung la pass oxygen level

As we all know that when the altitude of a place goes up the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere goes down. You know that the elevation of Khardungla Pass is 5359 meters (17,582 ft) above sea level, which is why the oxygen level of Khardungla Pass is also low. The oxygen level at Khardungla Pass is about 0.49 atm, which is 49%. It’s not recommended for tourists to stay more than 20 minutes at the top of Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass Temprature

The average elevation of Ladakh is 3000 Meters above sea level and Ladakh is considered a cold desert. Because of that the temperature is lower than in plain areas of India. As we discussed the altitude of Khardung La Pass above, is 5,359 m (17,582 ft) above sea level.

Usually, the temperature in high passes is very low. The average temperature of Khardungla Pass in summer is 20°C. During the winters, the average temperature of Khardungla Passla is around -40°C.

Average TemperatureMonth of TravelSeason(s)
15°C April to JulySummer
7°CAuguest to SeptemberMonsoon
-15°C Oct to MarchWinter

What is Khardung La famous for?

Khardung La is famous for its stunning landscape, one can find snow at Khardung La Top almost throughout the year. It is also known as the gateway to Nubra Valley because it is the only route that connects Nubra Valley to Leh. These are the following What Khardung La is famous for?

  1. Stunning landscape
  2. Unpredictable snowfall
  3. Beautiful selfies
  4. Adrenaline rush

How to reach Khardong La Pass

How to reach Khardong La Pass

Khardung La Pass is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world. If you want to visit Khardung La Pass, you can visit from Leh which is approximately 38 KM from Leh Market. You can rent Bikes, hire a taxi or you can reach Khardong La Pass by your own vehicle.

Best time to visit Khardung La Pass

If you’re wondering what time will be the best to visit Khardung La Pass. It is always recommended to visit Khardung La Pass before checking the weather updates and guidelines of the UT Administration of Ladakh. Khardung La Pass is almost open throughout the year if the weather conditions are good. You can visit any time of the year.

You may read “Ladakh or Khardung La Pass is closed during winter” on other websites, but it’s wrong because Ladakh is accessible throughout the year via air. Once you reach Leh you can visit almost every single destination in Leh Ladakh in winter.

So, it depends on you, if you want to experience summer vibes in Khardung La Pass you can visit in summer or if you want to enjoy winter and snow you can visit Khardung La Pass in winter as well.

Things to Carry to Khardung La Pass

If you are visiting Khardung La Pass whether it’s in summer or winter you should keep in mind what things to carry. Because it is located in a high altitude area you have to carry certain things which are very important to consider. These are the following things you should carry while traveling to Khardong La Pass:

  1. Sunglasses
  2. Sunscreen
  3. Cozy Wears
  4. Water bottle
  5. Snacks like dry fruits
  6. Power banks for charging your electronic devices
  7. Medical aid box
  8. Cash

FAQ

Is Khardung La Road open in winter?

Yes, throughout the year the roads are open, they may close because of only really bad weather.

Is Khardong La Pass the highest Motorable Pass?

No,  Umling La in Ladakh is the highest motorable road in the world.

How far is Khardung La from Leh?

Approximately 38 kilometers.

When should I visit Khardungla pass?

Anytime summer or winter.

Conclusion

In this article, I have shared my experience and knowledge about Khardung La Pass Ladakh. How important is Khardung La Pass for India?

The oxygen level of Khardung La Pass, Things to carry while visiting Khardung La Pass in Ladakh, and other important and authentic insights about KhardungLa.

I hope you have also gained knowledge about Khardungla Pass. Feel free to send feedback or if you have any questions you can ask.

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