Umling La – Driving to the World’s Highest Motorable Road in Ladakh

There is a road in Ladakh that most people have never heard of. It sits at 5,798 metres above sea level — higher than Everest Base Camp, higher than Khardung La, higher than any paved road anywhere on earth. It is called Umling La, and driving to it is one of the most extraordinary things you can do in India.

What is Umling La?

Umling La is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Chisumle-Demchok area of Ladakh, in India's union territory bordering Tibet. In 2021, the Border Roads Organisation completed an all-weather motorable road to the pass, officially certifying it as the world's highest motorable road at 5,798 metres (19,024 feet). It surpassed the previous record holder Khardung La at 5,359m by over 400 metres. The Guinness World Records officially recognised Umling La in 2021.

How does Umling La compare to other famous passes?

Umling La, Ladakh at 5,798m is the world's highest motorable road. Marsimik La sits at 5,582m. Khardung La at 5,359m was formerly considered the world's highest. Chang La at 5,360m is on the Pangong route. Everest Base Camp in Nepal sits at 5,364m. You read that correctly — driving to Umling La takes you higher than trekking to Everest Base Camp. In a vehicle.

Where exactly is Umling La?

Umling La is located in the Hanle subdivision of Leh district, approximately 250 kilometres from Leh town. The route goes from Leh to Chumathang to Hanle to Chisumle to Umling La to Demchok. Hanle itself is famous as one of India's best stargazing destinations — home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory at 4,500 metres, one of the highest observatories in the world. Most self-drive expeditions combine a Hanle overnight with the Umling La drive the next morning.

What permits do you need for Umling La?

Umling La sits in a restricted zone near the LAC. You need an Inner Line Permit for Hanle and the Chisumle-Demchok area — apply online at lahdclehpermit.in or at the DC office in Leh. You also need to pay the Environment and Development Fee of Rs 400 per person one-time plus Rs 20 per person per day. Foreign nationals cannot visit Umling La — it is restricted to Indian citizens only. FreeWheel handles all permit coordination for convoy members as part of the Leh expedition package.

What is the drive to Umling La like?

The road from Hanle to Umling La is approximately 100 kilometres round trip. At this altitude the air contains roughly 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Your engine will feel it. Your body will feel it even more. The landscape is completely barren — no trees, no vegetation, no settlements. Just rock, sky, and altitude. The silence is absolute. On a clear day you can see peaks deep into Tibet from the top of the pass. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours from Hanle to the summit and back. Most convoys leave Hanle by 7am to reach the pass before afternoon winds pick up.

What should you expect at the summit?

At 5,798 metres the air is thin enough that most people feel breathless within minutes of stepping out of the vehicle. The golden rule: spend no more than 30 minutes at the top. There is a BRO signboard at the summit marking the altitude and the world record. The views extend across a stark Tibetan plateau landscape — no other high-altitude pass in India offers quite this combination of record altitude and complete remoteness.

How do you prepare for Umling La?

Spend a minimum of 2 nights in Leh before going anywhere above 4,000m. Spend 1 night in Hanle at 4,500m the day before the Umling La drive. Fill your fuel tank completely in Leh — there are no petrol stations between Leh and Demchok. Ensure your vehicle cooling system, brakes, and tyres are in perfect condition. Carry warm clothing since temperatures at the summit drop below freezing even in July. Consult your doctor about Diamox before the trip.

How FreeWheel includes Umling La in the Leh expedition

FreeWheel Expeditions includes the Umling La drive as a dedicated day in our Dream Leh Ladakh Self Drive Expedition. The full circuit covers Manali, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Hanle, Umling La, Leh, Kargil, and Srinagar. Our convoy approaches Umling La from Hanle after an acclimatisation night, with a route lead who has driven this road before. If driving to the world's highest motorable road is on your list, our Leh Ladakh expedition is where it happens.