India's Motorable Mountain Passes

Let’s start this list with the world’s highest motorable pass! Connecting Chismule and Demchok from Leh (nearest airport to Ladakh), Umling La Pass is a true showcase of Ladakh’s stunningly diverse landscape. The air might be thinner than you have ever felt before, but it is worth all the effort! During your trip, you can stop by the shimmering lakes, participate in snow sport activities and get up close with the village life. Wait, before you start planning a holiday, here’s how you can get here. Owing to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (northern border between China and India), you will have to get an inner line permit to visit here.

Situated at an elevation of 18,314 ft, it is one of the most important mountain passes in India. The pass connects India and Tibet within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve of the Zanskar mountain range. But, the best part is that this scenic pass leads to Badrinath, the renowned pilgrimage spot visited by thousands of devotees. You can take a flight to Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to Badrinath and then start your journey. And the journey on this pass will take you past picturesque villages and lush greenery set dramatically against majestic mountains. A road trip to this pass is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now, let’s talk about how you can drive through this route! To be able to get there, you need to have an ILP (Inner Line Permit) along with the permission of the local army and district magistrate. So, make sure to plan your expedition before time!

Get ready for an adventurous Ladakh bike ride trip at one of the major passes of India located at a height of 17,582 ft. Famously known as the getaway for Nubra and Shyok valleys, Khardung La Pass is one of the most travelled adventure routes in India. But it is not a drive for the fainthearted. You will have to navigate through several twists and turns and rugged terrains amidst snow-clad Himalayan mountains. Honestly, the incredible scenery will capture your heart at once. Make sure to stop by various attractions, scenic spots and eateries to make the most of your trip. The best part is yet to come! Unlike other Indian motorable passes, you don’t need permits to reach here! So, just book your flight to Leh and start exploring this pass.

If you love to take the route less taken, Photi La Pass is the place to be. To call it one of the most dramatic and challenging mountain high passes won’t be a lie! This 30 km long route boasts unpaved roads, steep ascents and dirt tracks. We suggest avoiding this pass if you are not an experienced wheeler. But if driving through a difficult mountain route is your strong point, this can be the most thrilling experience of your life. Off-the-beaten track Photi La Pass is set at the height of 18,124 feet. Not to forget, you need to have the army's permission before going on to this trail. We suggest, you get the permit soon after you book your flight to Leh, so that you don’t face any trouble during the trip.

Another of the region’s gems, Chand La (17,586 ft) is among the most popular motorable mountain passes frequently travelled. One has to cross the Chang La pass to reach the famous Pangong Tso Lake from Leh. The barren landscape, snow-clad peaks and picturesque valleys add to the adventure of Ladakh tourism. We suggest getting down from your vehicles to spend time visiting the pristine sights on your way. With so much to explore and experience, it is no surprise that Ladakh is the best road trip destination in India. It is a beautiful as well as challenging track! So, gear yourself with all the essentials as a thrilling adventure awaits you! And again, make sure to book your flight Leh and get your inner line permit beforehand.

Connecting Sikkim to Tibet in the eastern Himalayas, it is one of the crown jewels of India’s mountain pass system. Set at an altitude of 18,000 ft, Dongkha La is considered the most arduous trail. But, the spectacular scenery and pleasant surroundings around it make your journey worthwhile! If you are a beginner, it is better to avoid this high mountain pass as it may be menacing to cross - just a friendly reminder. Well, there’s another reminder - Inner line permit! Since it is close to the Indo-Tibetan border, one must obtain necessary permissions, which can be difficult sometimes. So it is better to get started with the permission before you book your flight. Also, when you are booking your flights, remember, the nearest airport is in Bagdogra.

One of India’s least traversed motorable passes, Wari La boasts a magnificent height of 17427 ft. Connecting Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, this route will make you grind up in your lowest gear. With steep climbs, rugged terrain and quite a few water crossings, it can be a challenging ride. Don’t panic if you don’t see other bikers or tourists because it is indeed one among the isolated and less travelled mountain passes. If you are planning to test your nerves at Wari La Pass, book your flight to Jammu and make sure to take along all the essential gears for motorcycle riders.

Challenging and testing yet fascinating and inspiring, India’s motorable mountain passes have inspired many adventure junkies to scale the route of these majestic mountains. Now, you get ready to find the inspiration and tick off a mountain road trip expedition from your travel bucket list.