Shashi La is a winding road for experienced drivers only

Shashi La is a winding road for experienced drivers only

India, asia

Length

35.1 km

Elevation

4,264 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Shashi La in the Aryan valley of Ladakh, India! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass topping out at 4,264m (13,989ft)!

The Shashila Road is a wild 35.1 km stretch of unpaved road running from Lalung to Hagnis. You'll want a 4x4 for this one โ€” it gets steep (maxing out around 10%!) and pretty narrow in places. Budget at least 3 hours to conquer this beast, the road conditions will keep you on your toes!

The views? Totally worth it! Think breathtaking vistas of the Pakistan border, the majestic Nun Kun range to the southwest, the towering Karakoram ranges to the north, and the Kashmir ranges to the west. Seriously epic.

Starting in Lalung, you'll climb 9.5km, gaining 529 meters at an average gradient of 5.56%. If you're coming from Hagnis, prepare for a 25.6km ascent, climbing 1,079 meters at a more mellow 4.21% gradient. Get ready for the ride of your life!

Where is it?

Shashi La is a winding road for experienced drivers only is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 22.1685, 80.6881

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Road Details

Country
India
Continent
asia
Length
35.1 km
Max Elevation
4,264 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
22.1685, 80.6881

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