The Umling La Pass in Ladakh is the highest motorable road in the World. Situated at an elevation of 5,798.251 m (19,300 ft) above sea level, it holds the distinction of being the highest motorable road not only in India but also in the World.
It is a 52-km traversed road between Chisumle and Demchok in eastern Ladah near Demchok village close to the Indo-Tibetan border.
The Umling La road was constructed by the Border Roads Organization of India (BRO) under Project HIMANK overtaking Dungri La – 18,399 ft and Khardung La Pass -17,582 ft.
HIMANK is responsible for the construction and maintenance of motorable roads in Ladakh, along the Line of Actual Control. They make sure that smooth access to military-sensitive areas including the World’s Highest Battleground at the Siachen Glacier and Pangong Tso Lake along the Indo-China border.
They are also responsible for some of the world’s highest motorable roads across the Khardung La, Tanglang La, and Chang La passes.
In November 2021, the Guinness Book of World Records verified Umling La as the world’s highest mountain pass
Read More: 10 Highest Motorable Roads In India
How to Reach Umling La Pass
You can reach Umling La Pass from Hanle and to reach Hanle can take the direct route from Leh which takes about 9–10 hrs.
The following are three routes to reach Umling La Pass from Hanle:
- Hanle — Photi La (35 KMs) — Photile (57 KM) — Umling La (105 KMs) – The most recommended route
- Loma — Dungti — Fukche — Koyul — Demchok — Umling La – Need special permission from the army for this route
- Hanle — Ukdungle (30 KMs) — Umling La (101 KMs)
Likaru-Mig La-Fukche Road – 19,400 ft
Border Roads Organisation has started the construction of the 64-km long Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road close to Hanle in Eastern Ladakh’s Demchok sector. Once completed, it will be the world’s highest motorable road at a height of 19,400 ft in Mig La.
An all-woman unit of BRO engineers began construction on the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day. This road connecting Likaru with Fukche will play a crucial role in accessing the LAC for the armed forces as Fukche is just 3 km from the LAC in Eastern Ladakh
Read More: Anamudi Peak – The Everest of South India
FAQ about Umling La Pass
Umling La Pass is the most famous highest motorable road in the World situated at an elevation of 19,300 feet, around 350–400 km from Leh, depending on the route taken
The best time to visit Umling La Pass is from mid-May to October when the weather here is clear and the roads leading to the pass are open
A regular inner line permit obtained from Leh is enough for travelling on this route. However, civilians are not permitted to descend to Demchok from Umling La Pass as it requires a special permit from the Army.
Border Roads Organization of India (BRO) under project HIMANK constructed the Umling La road in 2021. It connects the villages of Chisumle and Demchok
