Umling La is located in the Ladakh region. It is the world’s highest road located in eastern Ladakh. It attracts a lot of adventure seekers and biking enthusiasts throughout the world. It is situated at an altitude of 19,024 feet. The road has been constructed at an altitude higher than Mount Everest base camp. You will get to see the picturesque views of the Himalayas, from Umling La pass. It is a dream of every adventurer to pass Umling La. Feel the thrill and get into this adventurous trip to Umling La.
The pass was constructed by BRO under Project Himank, Umling La is higher than Mount Everest base camp and Khardung La. Umling La pass stretches over a distance of 86 kms that connects Chisumle and Demchok villages, near the India-China border. It is famous for motorbiking. Umling La is close to Hanle, Tso Moriri, you can visit these places if you visit Umling La.
Umling La (Temperature, Altitude, Tips and Free Itinerary)
Umling La temperature
The temperature in Umling La ranges -10°C to -20°C in the summertime and the temperature during winter ranges around -40°C.
Umling La Pass Height
Umling La is located at an altitude of 19,024 feet. At this extreme elevation, the oxygen levels are significantly lower, and weather conditions can be harsh, with sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and unpredictable snowfall. This high-altitude pass offers an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers, bikers, and road trip enthusiasts.
How to reach Umling La
If you want to reach Umling La, then you have to reach Leh first, then spend at least 24 hours in Leh. You can reach Leh either by flight or road. Then, you can take a journey from Leh to the preferred destinations such as Pangong lake, Hanle.
There are three routes to reach Umling La: you can take any of the following routes depending upon your preference of the place that you want to cover:
1. Leh – Karu – Chumathang – Nyoma – Hanle – Photi La – Umling La: It is one of the most popular routes. It has the best road conditions, and you can indulge in stargazing in Hanle, which is famous for its astronomical observatory. It is the most preferred routes taken by travelers.
2. Leh – Karu – Chumathang – Nyoma – Loma – Demchok – Umling La: This route has its own challenges, so be prepared to deal with the offroad patches. Although the route is scenic.
3. Hanle – Ukdungle – Umling La Pass: This route leads straight to the second water crossing without requiring you to cross the first bridge. A normal permit is needed for this journey.
Best Time to Visit Umling La
The best time to visit Umling La is between May and October as the roads are clear and the weather is mild. The temperatures at Umling La Pass can get very cold, given its high elevation. Summers are usually mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Winters are cold and dry, with temperature lows of -15 degrees Celsius. Snowfall can occur during the months of November-December to April-May.
Places to Visit Around Umling La pass
Tso Moriri
It is a pristine lake located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It is the largest high-altitude lake in India that lies entirely within the country. The altitude of the lake is 14,836 feet. The lake is more secluded as compared to Pangong Tso.
Hanle
Hanle is a remote village located in the Changthang region of Ladakh at an altitude of 14,764 feet. It is famous for Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) which is one of the world’s highest observatories, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. It is a home to Changpa community, known for their unique lifestyle and playing a major role in Pashmina wool production.
Tso Kar
Tso Kar is a stunning high-altitude saltwater lake in the Changthang region of Ladakh, located at an elevation of 4,530 meters. It is known as the “White Lake” due to its salt deposits, Tso Kar is one of the most beautiful yet lesser-visited lakes in Ladakh.
Leh
Leh is a must visit place if you are going to Umling La. Leh has a lot of sightseeing places. You can ride along the Magnetic hills, visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Hall of Fame and the famous Shanti Stupa. It is mandatory to acclimatize for at least 24 hours in Leh before taking your journey ahead.
Best 8 Days Itinerary for Umling La pass
We have curated the best 8 days itinerary that will take you to the adventurous journey to Umling La.
- Day 1: Arrival at Leh Airport | Acclimatization Day
- Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing
- Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley (130 Kms) Via Khardung La
- Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong (180 Kms) Via Diskit Monastery
- Day 5: Pangong Tso to Hanle (180 kms) Via Changthang Valley
- Day 6: Hanle and Umling La Excursion Day
- Day 7: Hanle to Leh (254 kms) Via Chumathang Village
- Day 8: Departure from Leh
Click here to read the full itinerary.
Travel Tips for Umling La
- Ensure you have an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian travelers or a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners. Carry valid ID proof, vehicle documents, and insurance papers.
- Temperatures can drop drastically, so wear thermal layers, an insulated jacket, gloves, woolen socks, a cap, and sturdy trekking shoes.
- Sunglasses and 50+ SPF sunscreen are essential to prevent snow blindness and sunburn.
- Food options are limited, so bring energy bars, dry fruits, instant noodles, and a hot flask for tea/coffee.
- Carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person to stay hydrated at high altitudes.
- There is no mobile network at Umling La, so download offline maps, carry a power bank, and if possible.
FAQs
What is the Umling La Pass famous for?
Umling La pass is known as the highest motorable road in the world, it is situated in Ladakh region at an altitude of 19,300 feet, along the ridgeline that lies between Koyul Lungpa and the Indus River, near the border town of Demchok. Umling La connects Chisumle and Demchok villages.
Is Umling La worth it?
Yes, if you love adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and offbeat travel, Umling La is a must-visit. As one of the highest motorable roads in the world (19,024 ft), it offers a surreal experience. Visiting Umling La is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for bikers and road-trip enthusiasts.
Is Umling La higher than Mount Everest?
Umling La is higher than Mount Everest’s South Base Camp, which is at 17,598 feet (5,364 m).
Which is the highest driving pass in the world?
Umling La pass in Ladakh region is the highest driving pass in the world.
What is Umling La distance?
Umling La stretches across a distance of 86 kms. And the distance of Umling La pass depends on your starting point. The distance from Leh is approx. 350 kms.
What is Umling La height?
Umling La pass height is 19,024 feet. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world due to its high altitude.
How to reach Umling La from Hanle?
Umling La from Hanle is around 75 kms via Fotu La. It takes 2-3 hours to reach Umling La from Hanle.
What places do Umling La pass connect to?
Umling La pass stretches over a distance of 86 kms that connects Chisumle and Demchok villages, near the India-China border.
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