Captured Khardung La on your trip to Ladakh and thinking you’ve seen it all? Wait, my friend—there’s a wilder beast out there, and it’s called Umling La Pass. Nestled deep in Eastern Ladakh, this jaw-dropping pass sits at a dizzying 19,024 feet, making it the highest motorable road in the world.
Located near the remote village of Demchok, right by the India–China border, Umling La is not your usual weekend drive. It takes proper planning, permits, and patience. The journey usually starts from Leh, passing through quiet hamlets like Hanle and Nyoma. With extreme altitude and very limited facilities, this is one trip that tests your grit—and rewards you with unmatched Himalayan views.
Ready to dive deep into everything you need to know? From permits to the best route, places to stay, things to carry, and vehicle tips—we’ve got every detail packed in this blog. And hey, if you’re planning an epic ride, don’t miss our guide on the best Leh Ladakh bike tour packages to make your Umling La dream come true!
Where Is Umling La?
You’ll find Umling La in the eastern part of Ladakh, right along the ridgeline between Koyul Lungpa and the Indus River, not too far from the remote village of Demchok, which is super close to the India-China border.