Best months
Per-day budget
₹720–1,350/day
Getting there
Khardung La is a mountain pass in the Ladakh region at 5,359 m, connecting Leh to the Nubra and Shyok River valleys. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, though there are several higher passes in Ladakh itself. The pass is 39 km from Leh and is crossed by almost every traveller visiting Nubra Valley. The road was originally built by the Indian Army in 1976 for supply access to the Siachen Glacier. Khardung La is not a destination in itself but a transit point — the attraction is the experience of being at 5,359 m, the views of the Ladakh range from the top, and the sense of crossing one of the world's most famous high-altitude roads.
Plan your trip to Khardung La Travel Guide
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
The drive from Leh to Khardung La is a steep climb of 39 km with 55+ hairpin bends. The road is narrow and unpaved in sections. The pass has a small army post with a tea stall and a parking area. The view from the top spans the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. The Khardung La cycling challenge is popular among adventure cyclists — the 39 km climb from Leh (3,500 m) to the pass (5,359 m) takes 4-6 hours on a bicycle. The alternative route to Nubra via Wari La (5,291 m) was built to reduce traffic on Khardung La.
The landscape on the Leh side of Khardung La is barren brown and grey mountains with scattered green patches near the Nubra side. At the pass, prayer flags and a signpost mark the elevation. The light in the early morning (before 8 AM) gives the best views of the surrounding peaks. The descent into Nubra Valley reveals the green Shyok River valley appearing suddenly after the brown barren pass. The Khardung La top has a small cafe and a souvenir shop.
How to reach
Khardung La is 39 km from Leh on the road to Nubra Valley. Shared taxis from Leh to Nubra pass through Khardung La (₹500-800 per person). Private taxis from Leh to the pass and back cost ₹3,000-4,000. The pass is open from May to October. The road condition varies year to year and sections can be in poor condition — check current timings and fares with the Border Roads Organisation (bro.gov.in) for pass status and the Leh taxi union for current fares before travel. The pass is a transit point — there is no accommodation at Khardung La. The nearest accommodation is at Leh (39 km) or at Diskit in Nubra (80 km). The nearest airport is Leh.
What a day costs
| Shared taxi Leh to Khardung La | ₹500–800 |
| Tea at the pass top | ₹20–50 |
| Oxygen cylinder (small) | ₹200–500 |
| ILP permit (free) | ₹0–0 |
When to go
June to October is the season. July-September offers the best weather with clear skies and the least snow on the pass. May-June — the pass opens but sections may still have snow. October is clear but cold. November to May — the pass is closed due to heavy snow. For the best driving conditions, August-September is ideal. For the clearest views, early morning crossing (before 9 AM) is recommended.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Acclimatize in Leh
Arrive in Leh. Rest for 2 days to acclimatize to 3,500 m altitude. Drink plenty of water. Take it easy.
Day 2: Leh to Khardung La to Nubra
Start at 5 AM from Leh. Drive to South Pullu (checkpost — 30 minutes). Continue to Khardung La top (39 km, 2-2.5 hours). Stop at the pass for photos and hot tea (₹20-50). Descend to Nubra Valley (2 hours to Diskit). Stay overnight in Nubra.
Student hacks
- ▸Cross Khardung La before 8 AM — the road is less crowded and the views are clearer before the clouds roll in.
- ▸Carry oxygen from Leh — small cylinders cost ₹200-500 and can make a significant difference.
- ▸The ILP for Nubra is free — do not pay any agent in Leh for it. Get it online or from the DC office in Leh.
- ▸The 39 km climb from Leh to the pass can be done on a bicycle in 4-6 hours for the fitness challenge.
- ▸Do not stay at the pass for more than 20-30 minutes — the altitude and cold can cause headaches.
Safety & permits
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Nubra Valley covers the Khardung La crossing. The permit checkpost is at South Pullu, just before the pass. The altitude at 5,359 m can cause altitude sickness — carry oxygen cylinders (available in Leh). Acclimatize in Leh for 2 days before crossing. The road is narrow and unpaved in sections — drive slowly. Carry warm clothing — the temperature at the top can be near freezing even in summer. Medical help is at the army post at the pass for basic emergencies. The drive from Leh to the pass should be started early (by 5-6 AM) to avoid the afternoon wind and clouds.
FAQs
How high is Khardung La?
Khardung La is at 5,359 m (17,582 ft). It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
Do I need a permit for Khardung La?
Yes — the ILP for Nubra Valley covers Khardung La. The permit checkpost is at South Pullu.
Is Khardung La dangerous?
The road is narrow and unpaved in sections but is regularly maintained. Altitude sickness is the main risk.
Can I visit Khardung La as a day trip from Leh?
Yes — a day trip from Leh to Khardung La and back takes 4-5 hours. The taxi costs ₹3,000-4,000.
When does Khardung La open?
The pass opens from May to October. The exact dates vary depending on snow conditions.