About Umling La
Umling La is a high mountain pass near Hanle in Leh District, Ladakh, India, recognized as the world's highest motorable road at approximately 19,024 feet (5,798 metres) above sea level. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation under Project Himank, it connects Chisumle and Demchok villages. The pass offers stark Himalayan landscapes and is notable for its engineering achievement and extreme high-altitude driving experience.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a paved high-altitude road culminating at a marked summit with signage indicating the elevation and coordinates. The surroundings are barren, high-desert Himalayan terrain with wide valley views, snow-covered peaks in season, and minimal vegetation. There are no shops or settlements at the top; visitors typically stop briefly for photography at the signboard and to view the landscape before descending due to low oxygen and cold winds.
Key highlights
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World's highest motorable pass at 19,024 feet (5,798 metres)
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Paved road constructed by Border Roads Organisation (Project Himank)
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Panoramic views of the Changthang plateau and surrounding Himalayan ranges
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Iconic photo point with Umling La elevation signboard
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Challenging high-altitude driving and motorbiking route via Chisumle
History of Umling La
Road through Umling La was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation under Project Himank and inaugurated in 2021, establishing a new highest motorable road in the world, surpassing Khardung La. It improved connectivity between Chisumle and Demchok villages in eastern Ladakh and was built at an altitude of 19,024 feet.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, then continue by road to Hanle and Umling La |
|---|---|
| By train |