Khardung La Road — Leh to Nubra Valley via the World’s High Motorable Pass
One of earth's highest roads. Oxygen not guaranteed.
The road from Leh up to Khardung La and down into the Nubra Valley is the kind of drive that humbles even experienced altitude hands. The pass at roughly 5,359 m (17,582 ft) — one of the highest motorable roads on earth — is frequently snowbound even in summer, and the switchbacks above South Pullu checkpoint degrade rapidly every monsoon season. The descent into Nubra is a cascade of loose scree shelves, meltwater streams crossing the road in seasonal pulses, and sheer drop-offs with nothing but Himalayan air below. At the bottom, Hunder village and its cold desert sand dunes hosting Bactrian camels feel genuinely surreal after what you’ve just survived.
A well-maintained Mahindra Thar, Bolero Camper, or an equivalent high-clearance 4WD with solid brakes and cooling is standard kit here — Indian Army trucks use this road daily, but that doesn’t make it forgiving. Acclimatize in Leh for a minimum of two nights before attempting the pass or altitude sickness will end your trip fast. Permits are required for Nubra Valley (Inner Line Permit, easily obtained in Leh). Best window is June through mid-October; the pass closes with heavy snow by November. Fuel in Leh — nothing reliable on the far side until Diskit. Carry oxygen, layers, and water.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 125 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 17582 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with strong brakes |
| Nearest town | Leh, Ladakh |
| Land manager | Border Roads Organisation (BRO) — Project Himank; Ladakh Administration |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to drive Khardung La Road to Nubra Valley?
High-clearance 4WD with strong, well-maintained brakes is non-negotiable — the descent into Nubra is steep, loose, and relentless. Turbocharged engines lose significant power above 15,000 ft, so naturally aspirated vehicles should be tuned and in excellent mechanical condition. Run proper all-terrain tires; road tires have no business here.
When is Khardung La Road actually open and passable?
June through October is the reliable window — the pass typically opens in late May and closes by November once heavy snow makes it impassable. Even mid-season, surprise snowstorms can shut the road for 24-48 hours without warning, so build buffer days into your plan.
Do I need a permit to drive through Khardung La into Nubra Valley?
Yes — foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nubra Valley, available from the Ladakh Administration in Leh or online through the official portal. Indian nationals do not need an ILP for Nubra specifically but should carry government-issued ID. Get this sorted in Leh before you roll out; there are checkpoints on route and they will turn you around.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The switchbacks immediately below the summit on both sides are the crux — narrow, eroded, often icy in the morning, with sheer drop-offs and oncoming trucks that expect you to yield. At 17,582 ft, AMS (acute mountain soreness) hits fast; drivers and passengers both need to acclimatize in Leh for at least 2 full days before attempting this or decision-making deteriorates and that's dangerous at altitude.
How far is it from Khardung La to the nearest fuel in Nubra Valley, and is there reliable fuel available?
Diskit, the main town in Nubra Valley, has fuel available but supply is inconsistent — shortages happen, especially mid-season when traffic peaks. Leave Leh with a full tank and carry a jerry can; the round trip from Leh to Nubra and back is roughly 155 miles and mountain fuel economy will punish you.
Trail track
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