Fotu La

Fotu La is a high mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1) in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas near Lamayuru in Ladakh, India. At an elevation of about 4,108 metres (13,478 feet), it is the highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh route. Known for its stark barren landscape, prayer flags and panoramic views of surrounding mountains and valleys, it serves as a scenic stopover for travellers between Kargil and Leh.

Visitors can expect a brief stop on the Srinagar-Leh Highway at a broad, barren mountain pass marked by colourful Buddhist prayer flags and a signboard indicating the altitude. The setting is stark and treeless with wide panoramic views of the Zanskar Range, deep valleys and winding road. There are no major structures except road markers and small chortens. Most visitors pause for photography, to enjoy the views and to acclimatize briefly before continuing toward Lamayuru or Leh.

Fotu La lies on the historic Srinagar-Leh trade and travel route through the Zanskar Range that has long connected Ladakh with Kashmir. The pass developed as a key transit point on the modern NH1 highway linking Srinagar to Leh.

The pass is marked with Buddhist prayer flags, chortens and mani walls reflecting the Buddhist culture of Ladakh. Travellers traditionally pause to offer prayers for safe passage, a common practice at high Himalayan passes.