Leh to Khardung La and Nubra Valley — Northern Ladakh High Desert via Khardung Village
5,359 metres. Camels below. Glaciers above.
The road north from Leh to the Nubra Valley via Khardung La is one of the most well-known high-altitude drives on earth — and it earns the reputation. Climbing from roughly 3,500 m in Leh to 5,359 m at the pass summit, the tarmac deteriorates fast above Khardung Village and the final switchbacks to the top are a loose-gravel, potholed grind that’ll make short work of anything under-tyred. The descent into the Shyok River valley is spectacular: sand dunes butting up against glacier meltwater streams, Bactrian camels grazing at Hunder, and the military convoys heading further north toward the Siachen Glacier logistics zone. The valley road runs east toward Turtuk — one of the last villages before the Line of Control with Pakistan — and it’s open only with a valid Inner Line Permit.
This one needs acclimatisation time in Leh first — altitude sickness is not a joke at Khardung La, and summit stops should be brief. A reasonably maintained 4WD or capable SUV handles it in good season; the road is Indian Army-maintained and patrolled, so surface conditions vary wildly. Best window is June through September — the pass closes under snow from October and stays shut through May. Inner Line Permits are mandatory for all foreign nationals and obtainable in Leh in a few hours. Fuel in Leh before you go. Cell service drops to nothing above Khardung Village. What you get is the Nubra Valley floor — golden, silent, and improbable.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 125 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 17582 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD or capable high-clearance SUV |
| Nearest town | Leh, Ladakh |
| Land manager | Border Roads Organisation (BRO) / Government of Ladakh |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Government of Ladakh Official Portal |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Mahindra Thar or Scorpio handle this route, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Thar or Scorpio 4WD will make it, but ground clearance matters on the rougher BRO-maintained sections between Khardung La and Nubra. Heavily modified rigs aren't necessary — good tyres, a healthy engine, and a vehicle that hasn't been neglected matter more than lockers at this altitude.
When does Khardung La actually open and close each year?
The pass typically opens in late May or early June and closes by late October to November depending on snowfall. June through September is the reliable window. Don't gamble on shoulder months without checking current BRO road status — snowfall at 5,359 m doesn't care about your itinerary.
What permits do I need and where do I get them before driving this route?
Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to access Nubra Valley — get it through the Deputy Commissioner's office in Leh or via registered travel agents before you leave town. Indian nationals don't need an ILP but must carry government-issued ID at checkpoints. Don't skip this; the military runs checkposts and they will turn you around.
What's the hardest section between Khardung La and Nubra, and what should I actually expect?
The descent from Khardung La summit toward Khardung Village is the gnarliest stretch — loose rubble, narrow shelf road, blind switchbacks, and sheer drops with almost zero barrier protection. If you meet oncoming military trucks here, someone is reversing, and it likely won't be them.
Is there anywhere reliable to get fuel between Leh and Nubra Valley, or do I need to carry extra?
Fill up completely in Leh before you leave — it's your last guaranteed fuel stop. There's a limited fuel point at Diskit in Nubra Valley but availability is inconsistent and quantities are restricted. For a 125 km route with this elevation gain, carry a jerry can minimum.
Trail track
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