Chang La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
India, asia
71.1 km
5,374 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Chang La! This high-altitude pass in Jammu and Kashmir, India, sits way up at 5,374m (17,631ft). It's one of the highest roads around, so take it easy when you get up there!
You'll find it in the Leh district of Ladakh, snuggled in the Himalayas. The road, the Leh to Pangong Lake road, is mostly paved but expect some dirt sections. Any vehicle can handle it, and it's the main route to the Changthang Plateau.
The Indian Army keeps watch here year-round, since the Chinese border isn't far off, and the pass stays snowy pretty much all the time. Your best bet is to visit in the summer (mid-May to October), with May and June being prime time.
The cold is intense, and the air is thin, so bundle up! Warm clothes, covered ears, and good shoes are essential. Sip warm water and limit your visit to 15-20 minutes to avoid breathlessness. A medical kit with altitude sickness meds is a good idea, just in case.
The drive itself is about 71.1km (44.20 miles) from Karu to Durbuk, and it gets steep – some sections hit a 14% gradient!
While you're in the area, check out Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri Lake, and Hermis Gompa. Even though Chang La is super cold and windy, the incredible views make it an unforgettable trip!
Where is it?
Chang La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 20.7165, 78.4687
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 71.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,374 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 20.7165, 78.4687
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