Chang La Pass

4.8

Location: Ladakh, India, 194201

Estimated Visiting Time: 2 hours

At an elevation of 5,391.3024 m or 17,688.000 ft in the Ladakh Range between Leh and the Shyok River valley, Chang La is a high mountain pass in Ladakh. By a steeply climbing asphalt road which requires a careful drive, Chang La is approached from Zingral village.

Attraction

Changla La serves as a gateway to the famous Pangong Tso Lake and also is the third-highest motorable pass in the world. The scenic attractions of this place are the arid landscape, snow-capped peaks, and panoramic views of rolling valleys. At an altitude of 5,360 m above sea level, this fantastic site is located. Tourists can only stop long enough to have a hot cup of tea.

History

On the Leh-Karu-Sakti-Zingral-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangtse-Pagong Lake motorable road, The Chang La, on Leh to Pangong Lake road, lies. Connecting Chang La and Pangong Lake to Leh and the rest of India, Karu lies on Leh-Manali NH-3. Between Zingral and Tangtse via Kela Pass– (5,669.28 m or 18,600.0 ft) and Taruk (also spelled Tharuk), another alternate motorable asphalt road was opened by BRO in September 2021.

Inside/Outside Views

outside view of chang la pass After the winter, the stretch of 10–15 km road on either side of Chang la becomes loose dirt and slush and needs regular maintenance. Small streams appear across the road, during the summer months, specifically the tourist season, making the climb a challenge for the bikers. From Chang La, the descent towards Tangtse or Darbuk is again very hard. As it could be detrimental to health owing to its high altitude which could cause altitude sickness, it is advisable to not stay at the top for more than 20-25 Mins, as per the medics.

Opening Hours

Saturday 24 hours
Sunday 24 hours
Monday 24 hours
Tuesday 24 hours
Wednesday 24 hours
Thursday 24 hours
Friday 24 hours

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee is needed.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Landing flights regularly, the nearest airport to Chang la is located in Leh. You will have to take a taxi or hire a jeep to go to Chang by road, once you reach Leh.

By Rail: Due to its high altitude, rail travel is not possible in Ladakh. is In Jammu & Kashmir the nearest railway station is located.

By Road: The most feasible option is to travel the distance between Chang la pass and Leh by road. Between November and April,the road remains closed, so during that time, you should avoid going there.