Chang La Pass — 17,590-Foot Gateway Between Leh and Pangong Tso

Chang La is the big pass between Leh and the Changthang plateau. The summit sits around 5,360 m (about 17,590 ft). Expect a prayer-flag-covered shrine, a small Indian Army-run tea and snack stop, and a lot of people gasping for air next to the souvenir sign. It’s a hard climb on the way up from Leh and a long, scenic drop on the far side toward Tangtse and the Pangong road. Snow can stick here even in summer, so the wind bites.

Altitude is the real hazard. Leh sits near 3,500 m, and pushing straight over Chang La on day one is how people end up with headaches, nausea, or worse. Acclimatize in Leh for at least two days first. Don’t linger at the top, and keep water and a warm layer in the cab. The road is mostly tarmac with broken patches, meltwater crossings, and occasional landslide debris. Inner Line Permits are needed for the Pangong side, so sort those in Leh first. Conditions and closures change fast, so verify with locals or the BRO ahead. Have a dirty day.

17,590 ft of thin air on the way to Pangong.