Khardung La
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Overview
Khardung La, about 5,359 m, is a Ladakh range pass linking Leh with the Nubra valley.
It is on the Ladakh range north of Leh, at about 5,360 m.
It is the main road link from Leh to the Nubra and Shyok valleys and towards Siachen.
It was long advertised as the world's highest motorable pass, but higher roads exist.
The pass is used by tourists heading to Nubra valley.
The road was built by the Border Roads Organisation.
It lies north-east of Leh town.
Snow can block the pass even in summer.
Geography and key facts
- Leh–Nubra
- Ladakh range
- About 5,360 m
- Leh–Nubra road
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on passes.
Note for UPSC
Ladakh range pass linking Leh with the Nubra valley.
Passes are often asked as state–pass pairs or in a north-to-south order; learn which places each pass links.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Khardung La yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mountain pass
- State / UT
- Ladakh
- Coordinates
- 34.278°N, 77.604°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Physiographic Divisions of India in Depth (map lesson)