About Ganda La
Ganda La is a high mountain pass at approximately 4,980 metres in Hemis National Park, Leh District, Ladakh. It lies on the popular trekking route connecting Zingchen and Rumbak near Leh with the Markha Valley via Yurutse and Skiu. Notable for its prayer flags, chortens and panoramic views of the Stok and Zanskar ranges, it is a key crossing for trekkers and a habitat area for wildlife.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a strenuous high-altitude trek to a barren, windswept pass marked by Buddhist prayer flags and small chortens. The setting is stark alpine terrain within Hemis National Park with wide views of snow-capped peaks including Stok Kangri and the Zanskar Range. There are no structures or shops at the pass itself; the experience is crossing the pass on foot as part of the Rumbak to Markha Valley trek.
Key highlights
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High mountain pass at ~4,980 m on the Rumbak to Markha Valley trekking route
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Panoramic views of Stok Kangri, Zanskar Range and Hemis National Park landscape
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Prayer flags and chortens marking the summit
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Located inside Hemis National Park, known for snow leopard habitat and alpine wildlife
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Key acclimatization and scenic crossing point between Indus Valley and Markha Valley
History of Ganda La
Traditional high pass used by local villagers and herders to connect settlements of the Indus Valley with the Markha Valley; now a well-established trekking route linking Leh region with Markha Valley villages such as Skiu and Markha.
Culture & Context
Summit marked by Buddhist prayer flags and chortens reflecting Ladakhi Buddhist culture; lies on routes connecting Buddhist villages like Rumbak and Skiu within Hemis National Park.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, then drive to Zingchen/Rumbak trek starting point and trek to the pass |
|---|---|
| By road |